Western Oklahoma State College
- Western Oklahoma State College is committed to providing exemplary educational opportunities to meet the needs of the individual and the community in an increasingly global society. In accordance with our mission, Western’s educational programs and services are designed to help people achieve their individual potential, enrich their lives, and become responsible and productive members of society.
School Highlights
- Western Oklahoma State College serves 1,460 students (40% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is lower than the state community college average of 29:1.
- Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 39%.
- Western Oklahoma State College is the only community colleges within Jackson County, OK.
- The nearest community college to Western Oklahoma State College is Vernon College (35.2 miles away).
Top Placements
Western Oklahoma State College places among the top 20% of community colleges in Oklahoma for:
- Category Attribute
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 56 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
| Western Oklahoma State College | (OK) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 but less than 4 years |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 56 staff | 58 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 1,460 students | 1,805 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 26:1 | 29:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 579 students | 849 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 881 students | 956 students |
 |  | |
| Total Dormitory Capacity | 96 | 350 |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | 2% | 10% |
| % Asian | 1% | 2% |
| % Hispanic | 9% | 6% |
| % Black | 12% | 9% |
| % White | 56% | 61% |
| % Two or more races | 6% | 5% |
| % Non Resident races | 1% | 2% |
| % Unknown races | 13% | 5% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.64 | 0.60 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 18% | 23% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $34,700 | $33,300 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
School Notes
- Western Oklahoma State College, established as Altus Junior College in 1926, is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in Oklahoma. Its operation since 1967 has been under the provision of State Bill No. 2 of the 1967 Oklahoma Legislature and the Community Junior College Act. On August 16, 1974, the college became Western Oklahoma State College by an act of the state legislature, signed by the Governor on April 3, 1974. Western Oklahoma State College is geographically located in Southwestern Oklahoma. As a state-supported institution, it is open to all residents of Oklahoma but functions primarily to serve the counties of Jackson, Greer, Harmon, Kiowa, and Tillman. Western Oklahoma State College awards the following degrees and other forms of academic recognition to those students who successfully complete the educational program plans approved to be offered at the institution. The college offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science and Certificate Programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Western Oklahoma State College is Vernon College (35.2 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- Vernon CollegePublic2,989 students | 35.20 Mi4400 College Dr.
Vernon, TX 76384
(940)552-6291 35.202,989 - Clarendon CollegePublic1,394 students | 90.80 Mi1122 College Drive
Clarendon, TX 79226
(806)874-3571 90.801,394 - 2,661 students | 97.10 Mi1300 S Country Club Rd
El Reno, OK 73036
(405)262-2552 97.102,661 - 13,397 students | 111.60 Mi7777 S May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405)682-1611 111.6013,397 - Platt College-Central OKCPrivate, for profit134 students | 112.00 Mi309 S Ann Arbor
Oklahoma City, OK 73128
(405)946-7799 112.00134
Recent Articles
Complaints about the current system of accrediting community colleges, combined with the quickly changing scope of community college education and how it’s delivered, may soon necessitate changes in the way that community college programs are accredited.
Community college enrollment is in decline, but some schools are refusing to roll over. Read on to learn the factors impacting enrollment rates and what some schools are doing to stay afloat.
In a time of change, the LGBTQ community is receiving more support than ever and the world is changing with each passing year. As a young adult member of the LGBTQ community, you have unique opportunities to take advantage of when preparing to enter college if you choose to. Keep reading to learn what you can expect to see during your college search and how best to prepare for your freshman year.
