Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has earned national recognition for the opportunities it provides to Oklahoma students and the communities it serves. Washington Monthly ranked SWOSU No. 18 in its inaugural Best Colleges for Rural America ranking, which evaluates how well rural colleges expand access, keep costs manageable, prepare graduates for successful careers and meet rural workforce needs.
SWOSU is one of only three Oklahoma universities in the national top 20 and one of only four state universities in the top 100.
Washington Monthly evaluated 225 four-year nonprofit institutions based on access, affordability, student debt, graduate earnings, in-state enrollment and graduate retention. The ranking also considers the share of degrees awarded in fields needed in rural communities, such as education, health care, engineering and public service. SWOSU placed eighth nationally for low student debt among graduates. The magazine also cited the high percentage of students who come from Oklahoma (above 90%) and the high percentage of those students who stay in the state to work after graduation.
“For 125 years, SWOSU has been closely tied to the needs of rural Oklahoma, creating opportunities for students and preparing graduates to serve the communities we call home,” said SWOSU President Joel Kendall. “This recognition reflects what SWOSU has always worked to do: provide an affordable, high-quality education that strengthens Oklahoma’s workforce and enhances the quality of life in communities across our state.”
The ranking recognizes SWOSU for serving Oklahomans, helping keep college costs manageable and preparing graduates who strengthen the state’s workforce. Many graduates build lives and careers in Oklahoma and use their knowledge and experience to support local employers and communities. SWOSU has helped generations of students turn a college education into opportunities for themselves and the state they call home.
The complete ranking and methodology are available at washingtonmonthly.com/2026/08/30/best-colleges-for-rural-america
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves more than 5,000 students and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.
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