The University of Central Oklahoma is a public university in Edmond, a suburb of Oklahoma City. It is best known for business, computer science, engineering, nursing, education, forensic science and music, with a teaching focus, small classes and some of the lowest tuition and living costs of any US university. Choose it for an affordable American degree with strong support for international students.
Edmond, United States
Official website: uco.edu
#1401
Among the lowest non-resident tuition of any US university
1890 — the oldest public university in Oklahoma
Around 13,000 students, with a large international community
$16,000 – $20,000
International students, non-resident undergraduate and master's rates
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uco.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Engineering Physics
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA (College of Business)
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Forensic Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Nursing
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
Low cost — tuition and rent among the lowest of any US university.
Forensic Science Institute — a purpose-built centre with crime-scene training facilities.
Academy of Contemporary Music — a modern music school in downtown Oklahoma City.
Edmond — a safe suburb 15 minutes from Oklahoma City's downtown.
Graduates join Paycom, Devon Energy, OU Health, Boeing's Oklahoma City site and Tinker Air Force Base contractors.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Nursing graduates enter Oklahoma City's hospital systems.
Business and computing alumni move into Oklahoma City's energy, aviation and software employers.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Varies by programme
The 210-acre campus sits in the centre of Edmond, with Old North's clock tower at its heart, the Nigh University Center and library nearby and the business, science and forensic science buildings a short walk away.
Edmond is a suburb of about 95,000 people with very low rent, a walkable downtown and lakes nearby. Oklahoma City, with its Thunder basketball and growing downtown, is 15 minutes away.
Form I-20 issued by UCO
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduate admission is rolling, with a 1 December 2026 priority date for fall 2027 scholarships; international applicants should apply by 1 June to leave time for the visa. Graduate deadlines are set by each programme, with most computing and business master's closing between 1 March and 1 July for fall.
Undergraduates can start in fall (August), spring (January) or summer (June). Computer science, engineering physics and the MBA admit for both fall and spring, while forensic science and nursing master's are fall only. Check your programme's admissions page to confirm.
You need an F-1 student visa. The Office of Global Affairs issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Computer science, engineering physics, the MBA, forensic science and nursing attract the most international applicants. Graduate admission needs a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 2.75-3.0, TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5; the GRE and GMAT are optional for most programmes. Undergraduate admission is based mainly on grades.
Yes. International undergraduates are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their grades when they apply by the priority date, and awards can reduce the already low non-resident rate further. Graduate students can apply for teaching and research assistantships, which are common in computing, business and the sciences.
