Langston University
Out-of-state tuition
$14,616
In-state $6,863
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
1,742
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
18.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 25.4%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Langston University, located in Langston, Oklahoma, is a historically black university (HBCU) that has been dedicated to providing quality education since its establishment in 1897. As a land-grant institution, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including agriculture, education, business, and the liberal arts. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its motto, "We Are Family," which emphasizes a supportive and inclusive community for students from diverse backgrounds.
The campus is known for its vibrant student life and rich cultural environment, which fosters personal growth and development. Langston University boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and recreational areas, providing students with the resources they need for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The university also places a strong emphasis on athletics, encouraging students to participate in various sports, which enhances school spirit and community involvement. With a focus on preparing students for successful careers, Langston University maintains strong connections with local industries and offers valuable internship opportunities, contributing to the high employment rate of its graduates.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention
The data from Langston University reveals significant trends in tuition, graduation rates, and retention over the years. Tuition has steadily increased for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, with the in-state tuition rising from $3,815 in 2014 to $6,639 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 74%. Out-of-state tuition has seen a similar trend, growing from $9,239 to $14,166, an increase of about 53%. This substantial rise in costs can be a barrier for many students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, which raises concerns about accessibility to higher education.
In terms of graduation rates, the percentage of students graduating on time has fluctuated, but there has been a notable increase from 7.8% in 2013 to 15.4% in 2023 for on-time graduation. The 150% graduation rate also shows improvement, rising from 26.8% to 32.1% over the same period. This upward trend in graduation rates reflects positively on the university's efforts to enhance student support services, despite the challenges posed by rising tuition costs.
Moreover, retention rates have also varied, peaking at 70% in 2014 but experiencing a decline in subsequent years, reaching a low of 51.9% in 2023. This decline may indicate underlying issues that could impact student satisfaction and success, highlighting the need for strategic interventions to improve student engagement and support.
Overall, while the increase in graduation rates is encouraging, the simultaneous rise in tuition and the fluctuation in retention rates suggest that Langston University must continue to address financial barriers and improve student support systems to foster a more conducive environment for academic success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, distant
- Nearest major city
- Oklahoma City, about 35 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 80 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson (President)
- Phone
- 4054663428
- Address
- 701 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Langston, OK 73050
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty2 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor · Master's37 (0% international)
- Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral14 (0% international)
- Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies · Master's7 (0% international)
- Education, General · Master's5 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Langston University
The graduation data from Langston University for 2023 reveals significant trends and highlights within various academic programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 44 graduates at the bachelor's level, showcasing the university's commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals amidst the ongoing global health crisis. The demand for nurses remains high, and this program is clearly responding to that need.
Business Administration also shows promise with 28 bachelor's degree graduates. This is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on entrepreneurship and innovative business practices in today's economy. The university’s emphasis on business education aligns well with workforce demands, potentially enhancing career opportunities for graduates.
In the realm of healthcare, the Physical Therapy program has emerged as a critical area of study, producing a noteworthy number of master's degree graduates. This aligns with the growing awareness of physical health and rehabilitation, which has gained traction in the post-pandemic world.
One interesting observation is the representation of international students. While the university has few international graduates in most programs, there is a notable presence in the Registered Nursing and Psychology programs, indicating a diverse academic environment that fosters cross-cultural exchange.
On the other hand, some fields, particularly in the sciences and engineering, show minimal graduation numbers. This could suggest a need for increased recruitment and support in these areas to better prepare students for future job markets that increasingly value STEM education.
Overall, Langston University's graduation data reflects a balanced approach to education, focusing on both traditional and emerging fields, while also highlighting areas for potential growth and improvement.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - | ||||
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||||
| Public Health, General. | - | ||||
| Physical Therapy/Therapist. | - | ||||
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor. | - | ||||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $71,428 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - | ||||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | ||||
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education. | - | ||||
| Music Teacher Education. | - | ||||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $31,305 | ||||
| Organizational Leadership. | $31,305 | ||||
| Accounting. | - | ||||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | ||||
| Finance, General. | - | ||||
| Management Information Systems, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | - | ||||
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - | ||||
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Students
1,937 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 53.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,056
- First-year undergraduates 560
- Graduate students 195
- Transfers and others 126
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,742)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Langston University in 2023
In 2023, Langston University showcased a diverse student body, particularly among its undergraduate freshmen, where females represented a significant majority at 58.5%, compared to males at 41.5%. This gender disparity among freshmen aligns with a broader trend seen in many universities across the United States, where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment.
The undergraduate seniors also demonstrated a notable gender imbalance, with female students comprising 62.8% of the population. This trend raises important questions about retention rates and the factors that may affect male students' decisions to continue their education at the undergraduate level. Conversely, the data for undergraduate transfer students reflected a more balanced gender distribution, with males at 50.7% and females at 49.3%. This balance could suggest that transfer students are driven more by academic opportunities rather than gender-based enrollment patterns.
Graduate students at Langston University displayed a similar gender trend to that of the undergraduate seniors, with women representing 62% of the graduate population. This consistent pattern across different levels of education highlights an ongoing shift in higher education dynamics, where female students are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees.
Additionally, while the data does not provide a complete breakdown of racial and ethnic demographics, the figures revealed for specific groups within the student body indicate a continued commitment to diversity. As universities strive to create inclusive environments, understanding these demographic trends is essential for developing targeted support systems for all students, fostering academic success, and promoting equity in educational outcomes.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Langston University
The age demographics of students at Langston University present a fascinating insight into the composition of its student body in 2023. The largest cohort is within the 18-19 age range, with 318 male undergraduates and 511 female undergraduates, making up approximately 33% and 51% of the total population, respectively. This reflects a common trend observed in universities across the United States, where younger students, particularly fresh high school graduates, constitute a significant portion of the enrollment.
As we examine older age groups, there is a notable decline in the number of students. For instance, only 105 males and 132 females fall within the 22-24 age range, which might suggest that many students either graduate in a timely manner or discontinue their studies. The data also shows that the 25-29 age group has 29 male undergraduates and 29 female undergraduates, indicating that there is a smaller percentage of non-traditional students pursuing their education in this age bracket.
Interestingly, the presence of graduate students is minimal, with only a few in the 22-24 age range and even fewer in older categories. This could reflect the broader trends in graduate education where individuals often return to school later in life, which may affect the overall representation in this segment.
Moreover, the data highlights the diminishing number of students over 30, with only a handful in the 30-34 and 35-39 age ranges, signifying that younger demographics are more prevalent in the university setting. Overall, Langston University exhibits a typical distribution of student ages, aligning with national statistics that reveal a predominance of younger students in higher education institutions.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
97 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016
3 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Langston University
Langston University has exhibited varying trends in the enrollment of international students over the years, reflecting broader patterns in higher education. In 2004, the proportion of international undergraduates was a modest 1.15%, which indicates a limited global presence. However, significant fluctuations can be observed in the years that followed.
By 2018, the percentage of international undergraduates surged to nearly 10%, showcasing a robust increase in global engagement. This spike can be attributed to the university’s strategic initiatives to attract a diverse student body, potentially influenced by broader trends in U.S. higher education that emphasize internationalization. However, this growth was not sustained in subsequent years, as the percentages dropped back to around 1-3% by 2023, signaling possible challenges in maintaining international student interest or the effects of global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted international travel and education.
The graduate student data also presents a mixed picture. The peak in 2017 revealed a remarkable 28.38% of graduate students being international, underscoring a period of heightened interest. However, this figure has since diminished, with recent years showing very low representation among graduate students, which could hinder the university's diversity and global outlook.
In summary, while Langston University has experienced moments of significant growth in international student enrollment, recent trends suggest a need for targeted strategies to stabilize and enhance this aspect of the university's demographic profile. As global competition for international students intensifies, it will be crucial for the institution to address these challenges proactively.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$25,860
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,616
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,863
- Room and board
- $11,244
- Graduate tuition
- $10,492
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 18% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 21%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$84.8M
Expenses$73.8M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Sooner Athletic Conference
Sooner Athletic Conference: football, basketball
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 117 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | 17 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 22 | 11 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 18 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 95 | - |
| Basketball | 55 | 16 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 15 | 16 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 15 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 85 | - |
| Basketball | 41 | 18 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 11 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater · 16.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman · 51.8 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of TulsaTulsa · 74.8 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Wichita State UniversityWichita · 122.6 mi
U.S. News #288
-
University of ArkansasFayetteville · 172.6 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of North TexasDenton · 188.9 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson · 206.5 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas · 215.9 mi
U.S. News #85
-
University of Texas-ArlingtonArlington · 222.2 mi
U.S. News #236
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding Langston University:
-
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Ranked 185 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its strong agricultural, engineering, and business programs.
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University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - With a ranking of 124, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and offers diverse academic programs, particularly in meteorology, engineering, and the arts.
-
Southern Methodist University - Ranked 89, this private university is known for its strong business and law programs, as well as its vibrant campus life and commitment to community service.
-
University of Arkansas - This comprehensive university, ranked 178, offers a variety of programs and is particularly noted for its engineering and business schools, as well as its beautiful campus.
-
Texas Christian University - Ranked 98, TCU is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education, vibrant campus culture, and competitive programs in business, education, and the arts.
These institutions not only provide a range of educational opportunities but also enrich the academic landscape of the region.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Trends at Langston University
The data from Langston University over the years reveals a concerning trend in the rates of various crimes on campus. From 2013 to 2023, there has been a significant increase in crime rates, particularly in the categories of gun arrests and domestic violence incidents. The average number of crimes per 1,000 students rose sharply from 6.59 in 2013 to a staggering 47.24 in 2022, indicating a growing safety concern for students and staff alike.
Notably, the year 2017 marks a peak in crime rates, with a staggering 35.04 incidents per 1,000 students. This increase could be reflective of broader social issues, including rising tensions on college campuses nationwide, as well as changes in law enforcement practices. The subsequent years showed fluctuations, but the overall trend indicates a persistently high crime rate that warrants attention.
In particular, the increase in gun-related arrests and domestic violence cases may reflect both an increase in campus awareness regarding these issues and a potential rise in actual incidents. The data suggests that more stringent measures may need to be implemented to ensure student safety, along with increased support services for those affected by crime.
As we assess these figures, it's crucial to consider how institutions can foster a safer environment, possibly by enhancing campus security, increasing educational programs about personal safety, and providing more resources for mental health and counseling services. The upward trend in crime rates is a signal for action, and it is imperative that Langston University addresses these challenges comprehensively.
For further insights on crime rate calculations, visit: Forward Pathway.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Langston University include Jennifer Hudson (Singer and actress, EGOT winner), Bessie Coleman (First African-American woman with a pilot license) and Chad Johnson (Former NFL wide receiver with the Bengals).
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Jennifer Hudson 1981–
Singer and actress, EGOT winner
-
Bessie Coleman 1892–1926
First African-American woman with a pilot license
-
Chad Johnson 1978–
Former NFL wide receiver with the Bengals
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Charlie Wilson 1953–
Singer, lead vocalist of the Gap Band
-
Marques Haynes 1926–2015
Harlem Globetrotters player famed for dribbling
-
Eva Jessye 1895–1992
Choral conductor and composer
-
Lee Gaines 1914–1987
Jazz singer and lyricist of Take the A Train
-
Andrew Love 1941–2012
Saxophonist of the Memphis Horns
-
Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson 1953–
Former NFL linebacker nicknamed "Hollywood"
More alumni (14, by field)
Politics and law
-
Isabell Masters 1913–2011
Five-time third-party US presidential candidate
-
Maxine Horner 1933–2021
One of first African American women in Oklahoma Senate
-
Nancy Riley 1958–
Former Oklahoma state senator
-
Clara Luper 1923–2011
Civil rights leader and schoolteacher
-
Anastasia Pittman 1970–
Seminole Nation General Council member and politician
Science and academia
-
Nathan Hare 1933–2024
Sociologist, first Black studies program coordinator in the US
Sports
-
Gerard Williams 1952–2026
Former NFL cornerback
-
Gene Howard 1946–
Former NFL cornerback drafted by the Saints in 1968
-
Ed Williams 1950–
Former NFL running back
-
Ken Payne 1950–2011
Former NFL wide receiver
-
Mo Bassett 1931–1991
Former Cleveland Browns fullback
-
Ed Harrington 1941–2011
Canadian Football League defensive lineman
Other fields
-
Inez Jackson 1907–1993
Activist, teacher and postal worker
-
Chloe Brown 1951–
Tulsa educator and advocate for homeless women
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.