Top Nursing Schools in Oklahoma | 2027 BSN Rankings

Oklahoma hospitals and clinics increasingly hire BSN-prepared nurses, and the state’s nursing schools answer that demand with two distinct profiles: public universities charging under $11,000 for in-state tuition and private programs exceeding $35,000. The 29 schools and 44 program listings ranked on this site span accelerated online degrees, traditional campus BSNs, and RN-to-BSN bridges, giving you real choice beyond a single price tag.

Despite the wide cost spread, post-graduation earnings for Oklahoma BSN holders often converge across sectors. The practical tension you face is whether a lower net price or a specialized format, like an accelerated track, matters more for your timeline and budget.

10 Best BSN Programs in Oklahoma: Rankings Overview

For 2026, Oklahoma offers a mix of public and private BSN pathways, from traditional campus programs to accelerated and online options. The schools below stand out for strong retention, manageable class sizes, and affordability after aid. Use the program cards to compare campus, online, and hybrid availability before narrowing your list.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Oklahoma City University	Oklahoma City, OK	~$23,000/yr (est.)	Oklahoma City students seeking hospital employment pipeline
Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing offers both a four-semester traditional BSN and an accelerated BSN for students with a prior degree. The curriculum pairs clinical rotations at partner healthcare facilities with a focus on ethical, collaborative care, and the Saints & Stars Program provides a scholarship-and-employment pathway with SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. Students can expect above-average NCLEX pass rates and scholarship support based on GPA. Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Traditional BSN — On-Campus Visit Website $35,000 total program tuition 24-month program with 56 credit hours 2.8 GPA minimum Clinical rotations on Thursdays or Fridays Apply by 2026-08-01 Prerequisite courses required Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Accelerated BSN — On-Campus Visit Website $41,370 total program tuition 12-month program with 56 credit hours 3.0 GPA minimum Requires prior bachelor's or associate degree 3 start dates per year NCLEX preparation included before graduation
#2	University of Tulsa	Tulsa, OK	$15,000/yr (est. net price)	Career changers needing online accelerated BSN
University of Tulsa's online accelerated BSN is built for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The ACEN-accredited program blends asynchronous online coursework with a one-week on-campus bootcamp and 630 clinical hours, and Oklahoma ranking data shows an average NCLEX pass rate near 95%. Graduates receive priority admission to TU's online MSN. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Online Visit Website ACEN accredited $650 per credit 21-month program 120 total credit hours 3.0 GPA minimum 630 clinical hours One-week on-campus skills bootcamp Textbooks included in tuition
#3	Oklahoma State University	Stillwater, OK	~$17,000/yr (est.)	Students prioritizing rural and urban clinical experience
Oklahoma State University's Stillwater-based BSN combines a CCNE-accredited curriculum with 600 clinical hours across urban and rural settings, including Stillwater Medical Center and Saint Francis. NCLEX preparation is integrated from the first semester, and students train in a high-fidelity simulation lab before completing a capstone focused on transition to practice. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website CCNE accredited CCNE accredited 600 clinical hours NCLEX prep integrated from first semester High-fidelity simulation lab Capstone course on transition to practice 58 prerequisite credit hours before professional courses
#4	Northern Oklahoma College	Tonkawa, OK	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Northern Oklahoma College offers a hybrid Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level hospital or clinic roles. The ACEN-accredited pathway emphasizes hands-on learning, and the college also offers an associate-level transfer route for students planning to continue into a BSN. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Associate Degree in Nursing: Registered Nurse (RN) — Hybrid Visit Website ACEN accredited ACEN accredited Financial aid available Scholarships available Prepares graduates for RN licensure
#5	Oral Roberts University	Tulsa, OK	~$25,000/yr (est.)
Oral Roberts University's BSN integrates compassionate, faith-informed care with high-tech simulation labs and both local and international clinical internships. The CCNE-accredited program provides campus, online live, or self-paced options and makes scholarships available to nearly all residential students. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website CCNE accredited CCNE accredited Synchronous and asynchronous options High-tech immersive simulation labs Local and international clinical internships Scholarships for nearly all residential students Prepares for NCLEX-RN
#6	Southwestern Oklahoma State University	Weatherford, OK	~$14,000/yr (est.)
Southwestern Oklahoma State University's traditional BSN track emphasizes a low student-to-faculty ratio and more clinical hours than many peer programs. Students receive one-on-one guidance through a curriculum designed to support NCLEX-RN success, and the program reports strong graduate recruitment. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional Track) — On-Campus Visit Website Starts fall/spring 2.5 GPA minimum Prerequisite courses required Low student-faculty ratio More clinical hours than other programs Graduates are highly recruited
#7	Connors State College	Warner, OK	~$10,000/yr (est.)
Connors State College delivers an Associate Degree in Nursing across campuses in Muskogee and Tahlequah, with fall and spring start dates. The ACEN-accredited program uses small classes, clinical partnerships, and a Career Ladder option for LPNs and paramedics to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. Associate Degree in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited ACEN accredited 2 start dates per year Starts fall/spring Career Ladder for LPNs and paramedics Small classes for individualized instruction Two campus locations
#8	Oklahoma Christian University	Edmond, OK	$22,000/yr (est. net price)
Oklahoma Christian University's BSN options include a campus pre-licensure track and an online BSN that pairs seven-week courses with clinicals in the Oklahoma City metro. Both are CCNE-accredited and weave Christian principles of compassion into nursing practice, with the online format designed for students who are already working. Nursing (B.S.N., Pre-Licensure), Bachelor's — On-Campus Visit Website CCNE accredited CCNE accredited 123 total credit hours 3.0 GPA minimum 93 nursing major hours Capstone required Christian principles of compassion Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Online Visit Website CCNE accredited CCNE accredited TEAS entrance exam required 2-year program 61 total credit hours 3.0 GPA minimum Work experience required Clinicals in the OKC metro area Seven-week course terms
#9	Redlands Community College	El Reno, OK	~$6,000/yr (est.)
Redlands Community College's ACEN-accredited ADN blends theory with clinical experience and offers both a generic track and an LPN-to-RN option. The program admits one cohort per year in summer, uses the ATI TEAS for admission, and reports an 85% job placement or BSN enrollment rate. Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited ACEN accredited TEAS exam required 5-semester program Starts summer 85% job placement rate Generic and LPN-RN tracks
#10	Oklahoma Baptist University	Shawnee, OK	$21,000/yr (est. net price)
Oklahoma Baptist University's Shawnee-based BSN offers both a traditional plan of study and a second degree track for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The CCNE-accredited program meets licensure requirements in 49 states, giving graduates broad geographic flexibility. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website CCNE accredited CCNE accredited Traditional and second degree BSN tracks Meets licensure requirements in 49 states

Oklahoma BSN Tuition & Cost Comparison

Comparing the cost of nursing education across Oklahoma programs can help you identify the most affordable path. The table below lists in-state and out-of-state tuition, net price, and median graduate debt for 15 nursing schools in the state, from community colleges to universities.

Questions to Ask Yourself

NCLEX Pass Rates & Graduate Outcomes at Oklahoma Nursing Schools

NCLEX pass rates are the single most transparent indicator of a nursing program’s quality, they directly measure how well graduates are prepared to enter practice. In Oklahoma, these rates vary meaningfully between schools, and pairing them with long-term earnings data paints a clearer picture of which programs deliver on their promises.

The NCLEX Benchmark: Why First-Time Pass Rates Matter

A strong first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate signals that a program’s curriculum, clinical training, and student support are aligned with entry-level nursing standards. Nationally, first-time BSN pass rates held around 91% in 2024, while Oklahoma’s statewide average sat at 88%. When a school consistently performs above these marks, it suggests a robust educational foundation. Conversely, programs that slump below the state average may face accreditation scrutiny, state boards of nursing track these numbers closely, and prolonged weakness can trigger program reviews or probation. The 2025 NCLEX data showed a national overall pass rate (including repeat test-takers) of just 69.1%, underscoring that failing on the first attempt remains a real risk.

Standout Oklahoma BSN Programs for NCLEX Performance

Among Oklahoma BSN programs with published 2024 NCLEX results, two schools posted notably high first-time pass rates: Rogers State University at 94% and Northwestern Oklahoma State University at 95%. Both figures handily exceeded the state and national averages, pointing to rigorous instructional models and effective clinical placements. While comprehensive school-by-school NCLEX data for all Oklahoma BSN programs is not aggregated in a single public source each year, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing releases annual reports that allow prospective students to verify the most recent rates for any program. A high pass rate like those seen at Rogers State and Northwestern should carry significant weight in a decision, because it directly reflects a program’s ability to deliver on its primary objective: licensure readiness.

Looking Past the Exam: Earnings and Career Trajectories

NCLEX success opens the door to practice, but economic outcomes after graduation matter just as much. Program-specific employment rates and poverty-level metrics are not yet publicly available for most Oklahoma BSN programs. However, institution-wide median earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education offer a useful proxy for the financial trajectory of graduates. Among Oklahoma nursing schools, the University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center shows median earnings of $63,126 ten years after entry, with a comparatively low median debt of $20,654. Other programs with strong earnings figures include the University of Tulsa ($61,408) and Oklahoma State University ($57,413). These numbers aren’t nursing-specific, they cover all federal aid recipients at the institution, but they suggest that graduates from these schools often land well-paying roles. Southern Nazarene University ($54,951) and Oklahoma City University ($54,655) also show solid returns, while Oklahoma Christian University ($49,203) and the University of Central Oklahoma ($48,351) fall on the lower end of the range. Even so, earnings at all ten schools reported here place graduates comfortably above typical income thresholds, and when paired with manageable debt loads, the return on investment can be compelling.

What a Weak NCLEX Rate Signals, and How to Investigate

A program whose first-time pass rate slips below the state benchmark for multiple years may be struggling with outdated curriculum, insufficient clinical hours, or inadequate remediation. Before committing to a school, ask admissions staff for the last three years of NCLEX performance data. A single down year could be an anomaly; a pattern warrants caution. Also check whether the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), accredited schools are held to outcomes standards that include acceptable pass rates. Visiting campus and speaking with current students about preparation resources, such as NCLEX review courses or simulation access, can provide texture that numbers alone cannot capture.

Accelerated vs. Traditional vs. RN-to-BSN: Choosing Your Pathway

At Oklahoma City University, you can complete an Accelerated BSN in as few as 12 months if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Nursing schools in Oklahoma offer three distinct BSN pathways, each designed for a different starting point and schedule. Matching your background to the right track saves time and tuition while keeping you on pace for licensure.

Accelerated BSN: A Fast Track for Career Shifters

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs compress nursing coursework into an intensive, full-time schedule for students who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. You bypass general education requirements and dive straight into clinical and science content.

• Typical length: 12 to 21 months, depending on the program.
• Credits required: Roughly 56 to 60 credits of upper-level nursing courses.
• Delivery: In-person or hybrid, with clinical rotations completed at local healthcare facilities.
• Oklahoma examples: Oklahoma City University offers a 12-month, 56-credit ABSN. The University of Tulsa runs an online ABSN that takes 21 months to finish 60 credits. Marian University's Oklahoma City site delivers a 16-month hybrid ABSN.

Because of the pace, working while enrolled is rarely feasible, and admission is competitive. You will need strong grades in science prerequisites and often an interview.

Traditional BSN: The Comprehensive Four-Year Path

A traditional BSN is the direct-entry route for students coming out of high school or transferring from another major without a prior degree. It builds from foundational sciences to advanced clinical practice over about four academic years.

• Typical length: Four years total, with the nursing major typically spanning the last two to three years after prerequisites.
• Credits required: 120 to 124 total credits, including 50–60 prerequisite credits in subjects like anatomy, microbiology, and statistics.
• Delivery: Almost entirely in-person, with on-campus labs and hospital-based clinicals.
• Oklahoma example: The University of Central Oklahoma’s traditional BSN sequence covers roughly 30 months of nursing coursework once prerequisites are met.

This path suits students who want the full college experience, need a more gradual introduction to healthcare, or are not yet licensed. It provides the broadest clinical exposure and is the most common route for first-time nursing students.

RN-to-BSN: Advancing from an ADN or Diploma

For registered nurses who already hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a hospital diploma, an RN-to-BSN program builds on your existing licensure and experience. Most coursework can be completed online while you continue working.

• Typical length: 12 to 24 months of part-time study.
• Credits required: About 30 to 35 credits, focused on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice rather than repeat clinical skills.
• Delivery: Predominantly online, with some programs offering accelerated terms.
• Oklahoma availability: Multiple public and private universities in Oklahoma offer RN-to-BSN pathways with rolling start dates.

This track is ideal for nurses looking to meet employer preferences or pursue graduate study without leaving the workforce. Because you already hold an RN license, clinical requirements are often integrated into your current job.

Selecting the right pathway depends on your prior education, your availability for full-time study, and how quickly you want to enter practice. If speed is essential and you have a bachelor’s degree, an ABSN may be the shortest route. If you are just starting out, the traditional BSN offers a complete foundation. And if you are already a working RN, the online RN-to-BSN advances your credentials with minimal disruption.

Admissions & Prerequisites at Oklahoma Nursing Schools

Gathering accurate admissions information is the first step toward a successful nursing school application. Oklahoma programs set their own criteria, so verifying details directly is essential. This guide walks you through the most reliable ways to research prerequisites, entrance exams, and clinical partnerships.

Check Program Websites First

School websites are the most up-to-date source for GPA minimums, required prerequisite courses, and application deadlines. Admissions pages typically list:

• Minimum cumulative GPA: Often between 2.5 and 3.0, though some schools look at science GPA separately.
• Prerequisite courses: Common requirements include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and statistics. Many schools publish a checklist or suggested timeline for transfer students.
• Application windows: Nursing programs often admit once or twice per year, and deadlines are strict.

Since requirements can change from year to year, always confirm the current cycle's criteria rather than relying on older print materials.

Confirm Entrance Exam Requirements

Most BSN programs in Oklahoma require a standardized entrance exam, typically the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or the HESI Admission Assessment. Schools set their own minimum scores and may weigh certain sections more heavily. Check individual program pages for:

• Which exam is accepted (some accept either, some require one).
• Minimum overall score and any sub-score thresholds.
• Retake policies and recommended preparation resources.

If exam information isn't clearly listed, email the admissions office. Never assume that a passing score from another school will transfer or meet the cutoff at your target program.

Investigate Clinical Placement Partnerships

Clinical rotations are a core component of any BSN, and knowing where a school places students can help you gauge the quality of hands-on training. Major health systems in Oklahoma that frequently partner with nursing schools include OU Health, Saint Francis Health System, INTEGRIS Health, and Mercy. While final placements depend on availability and instructor assignments, understanding a school's primary affiliations gives insight into the clinical environments you might experience. To find specifics:

• Check the nursing program's brochure or accreditation reports, which sometimes list affiliated hospitals.
• Contact the school's nursing department or clinical placement office directly. Ask about the geographic range of clinical sites and whether students rotate through multiple facilities.
• For schools with a strong presence in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, clinical sites may include both academic medical centers and community hospitals.

Use Official Nursing Resources

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing maintains a current list of approved nursing education programs, along with links to each school's website. While the board's site doesn't publish detailed admissions criteria, it can confirm a program's accreditation status and provide initial contact information. The Oklahoma Nurses Association also offers career resources and may highlight pathways into nursing, though it does not maintain a database of prerequisites.

Verify with Direct Inquiries

Even after reviewing websites and brochures, some details may remain unclear, especially for applicants with non-traditional backgrounds or out-of-state transcripts. A quick phone call or email to the nursing admissions office can clarify:

• How to satisfy prerequisites if you have AP, CLEP, or military credits.
• Whether courses taken at community colleges transfer seamlessly.
• Additional requirements like drug screening, background checks, or immunizations before clinicals.

National data sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide general nursing employment projections but do not track program-level admissions requirements. Combining website research with direct school contact ensures you have the most accurate and actionable plan for application season.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma

Earning your RN license in Oklahoma follows a clear four-step process. Once licensed, you join a Nurse Licensure Compact state, letting you practice across dozens of other states without added credentials.

Oklahoma Nursing Workforce: Salary and Job Outlook

BLS occupational data sets a broad baseline for what RNs earn, but the actual early-career paychecks of BSN graduates from Oklahoma nursing schools tell a more personal story. Government wage surveys capture all registered nurses regardless of degree, while earnings data tracked by the U.S. Department of Education shows how graduates of specific programs fare once they enter the workforce. Together, these two lenses help aspiring nurses weigh salary potential against the cost and time of earning a bachelor's degree.

Oklahoma RN Salaries by Metro Area

Registered nurses in Oklahoma earned a statewide median annual wage of $81,160 as of 2024¹, landing below the national median for the profession. Pay varies meaningfully by location, with the Tulsa metro area offering the highest median at $82,130, followed closely by Oklahoma City at $80,460. Non-metro regions see modestly lower figures: Northeast Oklahoma nonmetro at $80,240, Northwest at $77,300, Southeast at $76,960, and Southwest at $72,970. While these numbers might appear modest compared to coastal states, Oklahoma's cost of living index remains well below the national average, meaning an RN's salary here often buys a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, especially when paired with a partner's income.

Job Growth and Demand for BSN-Prepared Nurses

Oklahoma projects 4.8% growth for RN positions from 2022 to 2032, translating to roughly 2,240 annual openings.² That pace trails the national projected growth rate of 6%, but demand is not uniform. Ambulatory health care services (up 8.9%) and nursing and residential care facilities (up 10%) are the fastest-growing settings, while hospital-based roles expand more slowly (3.2%). State workforce reports consistently highlight shortages in rural counties, where BSN-prepared nurses often step into leadership and public health roles that ADN graduates rarely fill. Completing a BSN, especially from an in-state public program, positions you to capture those higher-need, higher-impact jobs.

Early-Career Earnings: What BSN Graduates Report

The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard tracks median earnings of former students a decade after they first enroll, offering a real-world earnings proxy. Among top Oklahoma nursing schools, graduates of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Norman campus report median earnings of $63,126. University of Tulsa alumni report $61,408, while Oklahoma Wesleyan University shows $59,841 and Oklahoma State University graduates earn $57,413. These figures reflect all majors, not just nursing, but they suggest that BSN completers from these institutions often exceed the state's overall RN median relatively early in their careers. Program-level nursing earnings remain unpublished for most schools, but topnursing.org updates this data as it becomes available, helping you compare outcomes beyond just base wage statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Nursing Schools

Choosing the right nursing program in Oklahoma comes down to understanding the options, costs, and outcomes. Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about BSN programs, admissions, and licensure in the Sooner State.

Complete List of BSN Programs in Oklahoma by City

BSN pathways in Oklahoma reach well beyond the programs profiled in the ranking above, stretching from the Oklahoma City metro to the Panhandle and the northeastern corner of the state. The directory below groups the remaining bachelor's-level nursing programs by region and notes whether each is campus-based, hybrid, or online.

Oklahoma City Metro

Tulsa Area

Northeast Oklahoma

Northwest Oklahoma

Oklahoma Panhandle

South Central Oklahoma