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Southwestern Oklahoma State University

#1123 in US ranking Weatherford, OK
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$25,648
Tuition & fees
$8,295
Avg. aid
$7,746
Receiving aid
93%

Admissions

Avg. ACT
20

Outcomes

Graduation rate
40%
Median salary
$51,798
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation applies to the university as a whole; it is distinct from any specialized accreditation or approval that may apply to an individual degree.

That distinction matters in fields such as pharmacy, nursing, and teacher education, where professional accreditation, state approval, examinations, or other conditions can affect eligibility for licensure. Applicants should check the current status of their particular program and the rules of the state where they intend to work. Institutional accreditation is also relevant to federal financial-aid eligibility and to transfer-credit review, but it does not mean another college must accept every SWOSU course.

What are the admission requirements at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

First-time undergraduate applicants should expect to submit an application and evidence of high school completion or an accepted equivalent. Official school records are important because SWOSU must establish both admission eligibility and, where applicable, preparation for college-level coursework.

SWOSU is reported as having an open-admission policy, but that should not be read as automatic entry to every major. Programs with clinical training, professional standards, auditions, or other prerequisites may have separate selection processes. Applicants should also distinguish admission from course placement: an ACT or SAT score may be useful for placement or scholarships even when it is not the sole basis for entry. Among enrolled first-time students in the reported admissions data, about 69% submitted ACT scores; the reported median composite score was 20.

International applicants may need to document English proficiency and meet additional records requirements. Because testing rules, deadlines, and program standards can change, applicants should check the current requirements for their applicant category and intended major before submitting materials.

What are the application fees and waivers at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

Applicants should check SWOSU's current application instructions for the fee, if any, that applies to their application type. An application charge is separate from tuition, orientation charges, housing payments, and enrollment deposits.

Fee rules can differ for first-time, transfer, graduate, and international applicants. Anyone seeking a waiver should establish eligibility and the required request process before paying or submitting an application; a fee waiver should not be assumed to apply retroactively. The application form or admissions office is the appropriate place to confirm the current charge and any waiver procedure.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

Prospective SWOSU students interested in ROTC should verify whether they can participate through a current on-campus arrangement or a cross-enrollment agreement with a host institution. An ROTC unit at another university is not necessarily accessible simply because the schools are in the same state.

Before making an enrollment decision, ask the relevant ROTC program which branch is available, where training takes place, how travel fits the class schedule, and whether SWOSU students can register for required courses. ROTC scholarships have separate eligibility and application rules; participation can also lead to a military service obligation. Military education benefits for eligible students are a different form of assistance from an ROTC scholarship.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

SWOSU generally accepts transfer credit from other accredited institutions and admits transfer students for fall, spring, and summer entry. Admission as a transfer student and acceptance of particular courses toward a degree are separate decisions.

Transfer applicants should be prepared to provide official transcripts from each college attended. Depending on their prior credits and the program sought, they may also need high school records or to satisfy additional departmental requirements. Before committing, request an official evaluation showing which courses count as general education, major requirements, electives, or prerequisites. A course that transfers as credit may still leave a required SWOSU course outstanding.

Students planning to complete an associate degree first should compare degree plans early, especially in sequenced fields such as nursing and pharmacy. They should also confirm any minimum number of credits that must be earned at SWOSU to receive its degree.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?

Students interested in study abroad should confirm SWOSU's currently approved programs and advising process before assuming that a particular destination, exchange, or faculty-led trip is available. International experiences can vary substantially in length, academic credit, and cost.

The central planning question is how proposed coursework will fit a SWOSU degree. Students should seek written academic approval before paying a program provider or making travel commitments, particularly if they need a course to meet a major requirement. They should also ask financial-aid staff whether their aid can be used for an approved program and budget separately for travel, insurance, and other expenses not covered by ordinary campus costs.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Admissions Factors

Avg. ACT
20

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 6-11
ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

How to Apply to Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Regular application deadline

August 15

Early Decision

No

Southwestern Oklahoma State University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 676
Out-of-state: 52
International: 20

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 752
Transfer: 292

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Admission Requirements

Median composite ACT score

20

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

69.35%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Preferential admissions consideration text

Oklahoma residents

Open admission policy

Yes

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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