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UNITED STATES · EDMOND

University of Central Oklahoma

public · Founded 1890 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is Oklahoma's largest metropolitan university, offering over 120 undergraduate and 79 graduate programs in Edmond, OK. It is recognized for social mobility and provides support for first-generation students and veterans, with estimated annual costs for international students ranging from $15,000-$17,000 for tuition and fees.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1890
Students: 12,000
International students: 900
Acceptance rate: 71%
Tuition (intl): €15–17k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Edmond, United States

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is Oklahoma's largest metropolitan university, located on a 210-acre campus in Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City. Founded in 1890 as a teachers' college, UCO now offers over 120 undergraduate majors, 79 graduate programs, and doctoral degrees through six colleges. The university is nationally recognised for social mobility, veteran support, and first-generation student programmes. UCO is actively working toward R2 (High Research Activity) Carnegie Classification by 2032.

Why study here

Over 120 undergraduate majors and 79 graduate programmes spanning business, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, and more.
Nationally recognised for social mobility and strong support for first-generation students and veterans.
Vibrant campus life with 200+ student organisations, an award-winning music academy (ACM@UCO), and a boathouse on the Oklahoma River.
Affordable tuition relative to comparable US metropolitan universities, with guaranteed academic scholarships for qualifying freshmen.
Close proximity to Oklahoma City provides internship, career, and cultural opportunities beyond the campus.

Student life

UCO's 210-acre campus in Edmond offers on-campus housing, a modern Wellness Center, dining halls, and over 200 student clubs and organisations. The Academy of Contemporary Music at UCO is a nationally recognised music programme, and the UCO Boathouse on the Oklahoma River serves as a hub for rowing and water sports. Edmond itself is consistently ranked among the safest mid-size cities in the US, offering restaurants, shopping, and easy access to the Oklahoma City metro.

Fees

InternationalApproximately $15,000–$17,000 USD per year for non-resident undergraduate students (tuition and mandatory fees). Graduate non-resident costs run roughly $14,000–$18,000 per year depending on credit load and programme.

HomeOklahoma resident undergraduate tuition and fees run approximately $7,200–$8,000 per year for full-time enrollment. Resident graduate tuition is approximately $9,000–$10,500 per year.

LivingEstimated living costs (room, board, personal expenses) for on-campus students are approximately $10,000–$12,000 per year.

Tuition is set by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and is subject to annual review. Online courses carry an additional $60 per credit hour distance-learning fee. Specific programmes (Business, Nursing, Speech-Language Pathology) may carry programme-specific fees.

Admissions

High School GPA2.7 unweighted GPA (higher for guaranteed scholarships)

Standardised TestACT or SAT recommended for scholarship consideration; not required for general admission

TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts required

ApplicationApply online at uco.edu; no application fee

TOEFL71 iBT

IELTS6.0

Duolingo95

Rankings

US News & World Report – Regional Universities WestUnranked (listed)

Money Magazine – Best Colleges for Your MoneyTop 300

University scholarships

Automatic Freshman ScholarshipUp to $4,000/year based on GPA and ACT

International Student Scholarship$1,000–$3,000/year

Institute of Hope ScholarshipVaries – need-based for students facing hardship

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. The College of Business holds AACSB International accreditation. Forensic Science programmes are FEPAC-accredited. Multiple health science programmes carry discipline-specific accreditations.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Accounting, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) equips students with the knowledge and skills to confidently make informed business decisions. This program prepares graduates for a wide range of accounting roles in public accounting, industry, and government. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices, essential for success in the business world.

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Actuarial Science

The Actuarial Science program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is the only program of its kind offered in the state of Oklahoma. This program is designed to prepare students for careers as actuaries, professionals who analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the likelihood of future events and design strategies to minimize their impact.

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Art Education, Bachelor of Arts in Education

Inspire the next generation of artists with a degree in art education. This program equips you with the creative skills and pedagogical knowledge to teach art effectively. You will learn how to foster artistic development in students and prepare them for future artistic endeavors.

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Art, Minor

The Art Minor at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is designed to enhance your primary field of study by developing your visual thinking and creative skills. Through hands-on projects in drawing, color theory, and 3D design, you will sharpen your artistic voice and problem-solving abilities. This minor is valuable for students across all disciplines, enabling you to communicate visually and bring creative insights to fields such as communications, education, business, or science. Adding an art minor offers a flexible way to personalize your education. It equips you with specialized knowledge and skills that complement your major. For example, a Strategic Communications major could benefit from a Graphic Design minor, or a Theatre Arts student might find value in a Dance minor. Employers often recognize minors as indicators of a broader skill set and diverse interests, which can potentially lead to better career opportunities.

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Asian Studies, Minor

The UCO Asian Studies Minor offers students an opportunity to explore the diverse cultures, histories, and societies of Asia, the world's largest continent. This interdisciplinary program provides a broad understanding of the region, drawing from various academic fields to give students a comprehensive perspective. It's designed for students who wish to gain a deeper appreciation for Asian civilizations and their global significance.

University of Central Oklahoma · United States

Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Funeral Service, one of the few accredited programs of its kind in the nation. The program is designed to equip students with the compassion, integrity, and professional skills needed to serve families and communities. Graduates are prepared to meet and exceed accreditation standards and succeed in state and national licensing examinations, becoming leaders in the evolving funeral care system.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual costs for international students at the University of Central Oklahoma?

For non-resident undergraduate students, tuition and mandatory fees are approximately $15,000–$17,000 USD per year. Graduate non-resident costs range from $14,000–$18,000 per year. Estimated living costs for on-campus students are an additional $10,000–$12,000 per year.

What academic programs are available at UCO?

The University of Central Oklahoma offers over 120 undergraduate majors and 79 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees. Programs span across various fields such as business, education, engineering, fine arts, and health sciences.

Does UCO offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, UCO offers scholarships for international students, including the International Student Scholarship which provides $1,000–$3,000 per year. There are also Automatic Freshman Scholarships available for qualifying students based on GPA and ACT scores.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL (71 iBT), IELTS (6.0), or Duolingo (95).

Where is the University of Central Oklahoma located?

UCO's main campus is located on 210 acres in Edmond, Oklahoma, a safe city with small-town charm situated just north of the vibrant Oklahoma City Metro area.

Last updated 10 July 2026