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Tahlequah , OK
Northeastern State University (NSU) is a public institution located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Established in 1851, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. NSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, and technology. The university is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting research and innovation, and fostering community engagement.
NSU is recognized for its Native American heritage and dedication to diversity and inclusion. It takes pride in being a designated Native American-serving, non-tribal institution and strives to create a culturally rich and inclusive environment for all students. The university offers programs and support services specifically designed to meet the needs of Native American students, such as the Center for Tribal Studies and the Center of Indigenous Wellness and Exercise.
With a student-centered approach, NSU emphasizes experiential learning and hands-on opportunities for its students. The university's strong partnerships with local industries and organizations provide students with numerous internships, cooperative education, and research opportunities. Moreover, NSU boasts a vibrant campus life, with various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs to engage students outside the classroom.
In summary, Northeastern State University is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to education, diversity, and engagement. With a wide range of academic programs, a culturally rich environment, and ample opportunities for experiential learning, NSU offers students a comprehensive educational experience.
Located in Tahlequah, OK and set in a rural environment, Northeastern State University is a public university. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 99%. The freshman retention rate at Northeastern State University is 60.81% and the six-year graduation rate is 35%.
Here are some latest information on important things to consider about Northeastern State University.
Quick Facts
5,085
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
35%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you find out as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will greatly increase. Read on to find out some important information about admission policy and requirements at Northeastern State University.
According to the newest data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 1,998 in 2025. Northeastern State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores for the candidates who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 5, 17 between 24-29, 40 in the range between 18-23, 34 between 12-17, and 4 between 6-11.
The average ACT score for all the admitted students in 2025 was 17 while the average GPA was 3.45. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Northeastern State University.
Retention Rate
The percentage of first-year students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. When creating your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.
The freshman retention rate for Northeastern State University was 60.81% in 2025.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 35%.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the institution had an enrollment of 6,642 students.
That year, the institution had 5% of students coming from another state. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 5,085, 187 of which were international students. 676 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,627 male and 2,576 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
The importance of student diversity cannnot be denied, when it comes to the overall feeling of inclusion and beloning among the students of any school. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Northeastern State University.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 127, while the number of Afro-American students was 235. 435 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 784 identified with more than one race. The school also had 13 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 1,104 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 123 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some important facts on Northeastern State University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $6,920, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $16,400 for students coming from out of state. For international students, tuition fees at this school stood at $16,400, as well. Full-time students in 2025 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $890.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $16,400 | $890 | $17,290 |
| In-State | $6,920 | $890 | $7,810 |
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 6,920 |
| Total Expense | $ 6,920 |
Financial Aid
Financial help for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid at Northeastern State University.
According to the most recent data, 458 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average financial aid package awarded to students added up to $16,986.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 2,303 students who acquired need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Northeastern State University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 2,538. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $15,720,004, and state $4,640,171. The students of Northeastern State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $614,194, and external in the amount of $1,836,001.
$3,252
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 444 students overall (including freshmen) at Northeastern State University in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 166 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $15,720,004 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $11,316. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $760,460. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $997,827 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
14:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
In 2025, this ratio at Northeastern State University was 14:1. That means that there were 14 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 355 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 156 men and 199 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Northeastern State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Northeastern State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some information about campus life at Northeastern State University.
It has a campus size of 200 acres.
Student Organizations
Engaging with a variety of student organizations can enrich your educational experience and make it more rewarding.
That includes sororities and fraternities. If you are interested in music, you can join the Northeastern State University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? Northeastern State University publishes its own newspaper.
Student Services
At Northeastern State University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol available 24/7. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Northeastern State University.
All in all, campus life at Northeastern State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Northeastern State University.
Career Counselling
At Northeastern State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career.
Job Placement
Understanding the potential salary after graduating can be of help in determining if a specific educational institution matches your professional aspirations.
Within six months of graduation, this school's students can expect an average base annual starting salary of 45,757 USD.
$45,757
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Northeastern State University is located in Tahlequah, OK.
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Northeastern State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent reported acceptance rate for Northeastern State University is 99%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Northeastern State University is 60.81%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
