Accounting Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is known for its wide-open plains and booming energy sector, but it also offers strong opportunities for future accountants. The state has various industries, many of which rely heavily on skilled financial professionals. Earning an accounting degree in the Sooner State opens doors to roles as an accountant, compliance officer, or financial manager, among others.

Many graduates decide to stay in Oklahoma, taking advantage of the extensive network and opportunities to climb the career ladder. If you’re thinking about where to study and start your accounting career, learn what Oklahoma can offer you in school and beyond.

Oklahoma offers affordability, regional opportunity, and economic diversity, making it an appealing state to start your accounting career. Public colleges and universities are usually less expensive than national averages, and many offer online and hybrid formats — including the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Enrollment is strong, with the Oklahoma State University System reporting record enrollment across campuses in 2025.

The Educational Foundation of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs currently provides 13 different scholarships to help students lower the cost of their education and build connections with in-state firms. According to the Oklahoma Voice, graduates seem to enjoy the Sooner State: 87% of them were still working in the state one year after graduating.

Studying in Oklahoma helps you build local networks early with firms in energy, aerospace, agriculture, and finance. These connections prove especially useful when seeking internships, supervised experiences, and full-time roles. If you plan to live and work in Oklahoma, pursuing your accounting education here positions you well for licensure, career growth, and making a difference in the state’s evolving economy.

Oklahoma is home to 31 four-year colleges and 15 community colleges, providing a good selection for students. Distance education enrollment matches the national average of 53.2% of students taking at least one online class, showing the prevalence of online learning in the state.

State appropriations per student and tax revenue for higher education fall slightly below national averages. Degree attainment is also lower: Fewer adults in Oklahoma hold bachelor’s or graduate degrees compared with the U.S. average, though associate degree attainment is nearly on par.

Choosing an accredited school in Oklahoma for your accounting education meets academic standards, ensures your degree is recognized by employers and licensure boards, and qualifies you for financial aid. Institutional accreditation covers the entire college or university, while programmatic accreditation focuses on individual programs.

In Oklahoma, most colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the state’s regional accreditor. For accounting programs, look for additional program recognition from organizations such as the AACSB.

Oklahoma offers a balanced mix of learning formats, with 53.2% of students enrolled in at least one online class. Whether you prefer the structure of in-person learning, the convenience of fully online study, or the balance of a hybrid approach, Oklahoma provides options to match your needs.

If you want the traditional feel of walking to your classes, chatting with professors and peers after class, and heading to the library to study, a campus-based program may be the best fit for you. This format offers unique networking opportunities with local firms and recruiters, as well as the opportunity to immerse yourself in campus life.

A great option if you’re balancing professional, personal, and academic obligations, online programs provide the same degree outcome as a campus-based program but offer added flexibility. Many Oklahoma universities offer online accounting programs, giving you plenty of options when it comes to making a decision.

For many students, hybrid programs blend the best of both worlds. You get the opportunity to visit campus occasionally and take advantage of all it offers, but you can also complete coursework from the comfort of your home. This is a great option if you can’t study full-time on campus but don’t want an online-only college experience.

Accounting degrees offered in Oklahoma vary by cost, with public universities typically costing less than private institutions. To fund your studies, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yearly. Take advantage of scholarships, grants, and fellowships, none of which need to be repaid.

Oklahoma also offers the Oklahoma Promise scholarship program, which covers tuition for eligible residents from low- to moderate-income families. Professional organizations, including the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, also provide scholarships for accounting majors.

If you are a state resident, you can take advantage of much lower in-state tuition at public universities. Meanwhile, nonresident students can pay much higher tuition fees.

That said, some schools ease the burden with tuition discounts for nearby state residents or academic merit awards. Oklahoma participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market, allowing eligible non-resident students to pay in-state rates for certain programs.

Oklahoma has a cost-of-living index of 86, meaning it’s 14% below the U.S. average. Because of this, everyday expenses such as housing, groceries, and utilities tend to cost less. As a student, that lower index lets your tuition dollars stretch further, with things like rent, food, and transport being more affordable than in other states. Just keep in mind that some costs, like specialty goods or flights home, might still reflect national pricing.

Across the nation, accountants are in demand, with growth projected across public accounting, corporate finance, and advisory roles. Oklahoma’s diverse economy is anchored in energy, aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. These industries require accountants not only for tax and audit work, but also for cost analysis, compliance, and financial planning.

Two of the Big Four firms, Deloitte and EY, have offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, offering opportunities for internships, audits, and entry-level careers.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer the strongest job prospects, given their larger size and proximity to corporate offices, hospitals, and government agencies. With a relatively low cost of living, strong professional networks, and a steady demand for financial expertise, Oklahoma is an appealing place to launch an accounting career.

Oklahoma’s accounting sector shows growth and variety, with jobs available across all degree levels. Jobs for compliance officers and cost estimators are strong, but their salaries lag below the national average. This is true for many of the jobs in Oklahoma, but the lower cost of living helps offset the lower wages.

Despite these gaps, Oklahoma’s projected job growth for accountants between 2022 and 2032 suggests steady demand across fields. If you want to set yourself apart from the competition, become a CPA and seek out specialized credentials or advanced education.

The Oklahoma Accountancy Board sets rules and regulations for CPAs in the state, including the steps for becoming certified. To sit for the Uniform CPA Examination, you must provide evidence of completing an accredited bachelor’s degree, demonstrate Oklahoma residency, fill out the qualification application, and pay a $90 application fee. To actually receive certification, you must have a minimum of 150 higher education credits and pass all four parts of the CPA examination.

You must also complete at least 1,800 hours of work experience in accounting within four years and complete the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. You must renew your certification every three years, demonstrating the completion of at least 120 hours of continuing education credits, four of which must focus on professional ethics.