USAO vs. SWOSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, OK with Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is larger than USAO based on total student enrollment (5,186 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is located in Chickasha, OK (Distant Town setting); Southwestern Oklahoma State University is in Weatherford, OK (Remote Town setting).
• University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 13:1; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 19:1.

USAO vs. SWOSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USAO or SWOSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma than SWOSU ($8,070 vs. $14,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University are 30.2% lower than at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma ($7,634 vs. $10,940).
• University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWOSU (about $531 more per year; $9,000.00 vs. $8,469.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 137.6% higher at USAO than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (about $11,691 more per year; $20,190.00 vs. $8,499.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma students is 46.7% larger than aid received by Southwestern Oklahoma State University students ($13,068 vs. $8,906).

USAO vs. SWOSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USAO or SWOSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SWOSU and USAO.

• Incoming USAO students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at SWOSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 1090/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 21/26; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USAO - Test optional; SWOSU - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAO Sep 2, 2026.
• Accepted freshman SWOSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at USAO (3.43).

USAO vs. SWOSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USAO and SWOSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Southwestern Oklahoma State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than USAO graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $36,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More SWOSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USAO students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.