Community
Choosing the Right College
By Tim Williams
University Center at Ponca City
It is enrollment season in the college world. If you are considering going to college, it is time to narrow your choices to a manageable number. Some students like to keep their options open and apply to numerous colleges, while others pursue just one or two options. What factors should you consider? I want to highlight several things to consider when choosing an in-person college experience.
Location. Do you want to stay close to home, move far away, or somewhere in between? One of the reasons the University Center is in Ponca City is because there is not a place to obtain a bachelor's degree within 40 miles. So if you want to stay close to home, come see us. Many students look forward to the experience of going away to college. How far do you want to go away? An hour's drive? A half day's drive? A 3-hour flight? Consider how often you plan to come home for the weekend and if you want to be home for most holidays and family events. If those things are important, being closer to home may be the better choice. If they are not high on your priority list, maybe looking farther away from home is an option.
Cost. Many variables affect the cost. Public colleges are generally more affordable than private schools, and 2-year colleges usually cost less than 4-year. In addition, you can count on out-of-state tuition being higher than in-state. In addition to tuition, factor in room, board, books, and fees. I did a quick comparison of 2025-2026 undergraduate, in-state tuition of NOC, NWOSU, and OSU. According to a report published by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, per-credit hour tuition and mandatory fees at NOC is $159.70, at NWOSU is $257.50, and at OSU is $308.10. When making your decision, consider the cost of the college, the funds you have available, the financial aid and scholarships for which you qualify, and the possibility of student loans (avoid if at all possible).
Major. It is important to know what field of study you plan to enter and consider universities that offer your major. When my wife, Pam, was deciding on a college, she had it narrowed down to two. She wanted to major in sociology. As she looked more closely at the two schools, one of them offered a social work degree but not sociology. The other offered a sociology degree. Even though the degrees are similar, they prepare students for different career paths. She chose the school with the sociology degree. Schools often have reputations for being particularly outstanding in particular fields. That reputation often draws students wanting to pursue in that area of study.
Activities. Students often take campus life into consideration in the same way people look at nightlife and area attractions when they consider making a move to a new city. They hope to join a particular sorority or fraternity, play a particular sport, or participate in a specific organization. If something is a high priority to you, make sure the school you choose offers that activity.
Family tradition and relationships. Some families have strong traditions that many family members attend the same university. My family was like that. I attended the same university that my parents, my siblings, my wife, and numerous other family members attended. You did not get kicked out of my family if you did not attend Southern Nazarene University, but it was on the short list. Likewise, some students choose a university because they want to go to the same school as their significant other (not recommended) or members of their friend group. While not a factor for every student, it may be a factor for you.
Acceptance criteria. While I have focused on the student's choice of colleges, keep in mind that you must be accepted by a college or university in order to attend. Check the admissions requirements of the school or schools you are considering to confirm that you meet the criteria. Requirements vary by institution.
Choosing a college is an important and exciting process. Take it seriously but make sure to enjoy the journey. If you choose to stay in the Ponca City area, consider pursuing your degree through the University Center. Even if you are looking outside of Ponca City but need some guidance, drop by for a visit. We can help you get started in the right direction. Keep learning!