Higher Education in Oklahoma
Oklahoma
extends a special invitation to international students to pursue higher
education in our state. Oklahomans are friendly and always ready to welcome
people from all over the world.
Wherever you call home, you’ll most certainly find Oklahomans with similar backgrounds and connections. From thriving and prosperous communities of Asian origin throughout Oklahoma, to the descendents of immigrants from Eastern and Western Europe, Africa and Latin America, there are many cultures found in every area of Oklahoma.
WHY STUDY IN OKLAHOMA?
There are many good reasons to choose a school in Oklahoma for
your college, university or language study:
- Oklahoma has 39 accredited public and independent colleges and universities.
- Oklahoma has 11 approved intensive English language programs.
- Higher education in Oklahoma is affordable. Comparing tuition costs with similar institutions in other regions of the United States, Oklahoma higher education is a great educational value. Students from moderate-income families are particularly pleased with Oklahoma institutions’ tuition and fee schedules.
- The cost-of-living index in Oklahoma is extremely favorable. Your money goes further because food prices, housing/rental costs, gas/petrol prices, etc. are among the lowest in the nation.
- Oklahoma provides safe campuses and communities, with crime rates
generally lower than other regions.
Oklahoma is the center, the heartland, of our country – offering a genuine American experience to international students – and is perfectly located for travel – both arrival in the United States and visiting the rest of our country. A map of the United States is included at the end of this section. - Oklahoma is culturally diverse with representatives from all major ethnic groups among our citizens. Oklahoma also has a large Native American population and wide access to Native American culture, art, pow-wows and festivals.
TRANSPORTATION
Oklahoma is located near the geographical center of the United States.
Major interstate highways cross Oklahoma, connecting the east and west
coasts and the north and south borders of the nation. International visitors
find easy access to Oklahoma through Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma
City or Tulsa International Airport. Several commercial carriers provide
service in and out of the state daily.
OKLAHOMA WEATHER
Oklahoma is well-known for having the variety provided by all four seasons.
Its long and beautiful fall and spring seasons provide wonderful interludes
between warm summers and occasionally snowy winters. At 1,200 feet (366
meters) above sea level, Oklahoma has an ideal relative humidity. It is
one of America’s sunniest states with an average of 3,000 hours
of sunshine annually. The average temperature is 61°F (16°C);
the average annual rainfall is 32 inches (81 centimeters); the average
annual snowfall is 9 inches (23 centimeters).
OKLAHOMA HISTORY
Oklahoma has a unique history, unlike any other state in the United States.
Once known as Indian Territory, Oklahoma is still closely associated with
Native American culture, sharing this legacy through festivals, museums
and the daily lives of Oklahomans.
Additionally, due to migration in the early 1800s, Oklahoma became home
to a mix of different cultures and heritages. Near the end of the century,
railroads and territorial land runs brought peoples with a wide variety
of cultures and customs to Oklahoma Territory. Cities developed in the
agrarian environment, and in 1907, Oklahoma joined the United States as
the 46th state.
OKLAHOMA
CULTURE
Oklahoma celebrates its modern culture, historical western culture and
Native American culture through museums, cultural events and historic
sites.
International students in Oklahoma enjoy visiting the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum, the Gilcrease Institute of American History, the Philbrook Art Center, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Woolaroc Museum and the Will Rogers Memorial. Indian City USA in Anadarko displays authentic Indian dwellings of various plains tribes.
Noted historic sites include restored Fort Gibson, the Cherokee Village Complex, Spiro Mounds and the Washita Battlefield. Oklahoma’s numerous parks and wildlife refuges include the Ouachita National Forest, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the Wichita Mountains and Wildlife Refuge.
Oklahoma provides regular world-class performing arts events including theatre productions and musical arts series featuring orchestra, voice, popular music and dance performances. Oklahoma’s lakes, golf courses, parks and recreation areas are ideal for outdoor activity. Sports in Oklahoma abound. Baseball, basketball, American football, soccer, ice hockey, gymnastics and wrestling provide weekly excitement throughout the state, especially on university campuses, where sports are a source of pride and entertainment for all students.
