NSU Strategic Plan 2006

NSU Survey Results

Excellent Value in Higher Education: Despite Tuition Increases Throughout Oklahoma, NSU Remains Affordable

TAHLEQUAH - Lower costs, smaller class sizes, and many opportunities for financial assistance are just some of the reasons people view Northeastern State University as an excellent value in higher education.

NSU received high marks in a recent online survey for providing outstanding degree programs at a fair cost. An overwhelming 87 percent of 2,200 participants from a cross-section of alumni, students, employees, supporters, and community members agreed that NSU degree programs remain affordable.

Although tuition rates rose slightly over 6 percent for the 2006-07 academic year, individuals who participated in the survey cited competitive, affordable tuition rates among Northeastern's strengths in terms of overall value. NSU ranks eighth among Oklahoma colleges and universities for tuition and fees, with a cost of $3,489 for 30 credit hours.

NSU's Financial Aid Office works with students to find opportunities to pay for college, while the NSU Foundation works with alumni to create scholarships for students currently attending or considering attending the University. Through support from friends, faculty, and alumni, the NSU Foundation funds more than 600 scholarships each year.

In addition, 88 percent of survey respondents vowed to provide funding to support student scholarships at Northeastern. As a result, students from Northeastern generally graduate with less debt than those who attend other colleges and universities.

Students also appreciate smaller class sizes, variety of degrees available, and the friendly atmosphere on conveniently located campuses in Tahlequah, Broken Arrow, and Muskogee, along with a sense of community more often found at regional universities, the survey revealed.

NSU also maintains a 26:1 student to faculty ratio, keeping classes small enough so professors know their students, something survey respondents found commendable for the institution.

With programs tailored to benefit the communities in Oklahoma, 83 percent of people responding to the survey praised the University's work to offer relevant programs that prepare students for their future careers at an affordable price.