Northeastern State University
NSU
Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464-2399
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Northeastern State University is a public institution in Tahlequah with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1050, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.6K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
37% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $45,379 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,800.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — RiverHawks
History & Fun Facts
- •History On May 7, 1851, the Cherokee Nation founded the Cherokee National Female Seminary at Tahlequah, the same year that it opened a male seminary in its territory.
- •In 1921, the name was changed to Northeastern State Teachers College as it had expanded to a full four-year curriculum.
- •On March 6, 2009, NSU celebrated its centennial with Founders Day celebrations.
- •Presidents Albert Sydney Wyly, 1909 Frank Redd, 1909–1911 Frank E.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1050
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
62.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Programs (94)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
63%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
30
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from OK state average