Western Oklahoma State College

111 S Ninth St, Muskogee, OK

About
Western Oklahoma State College, located in Altus, Oklahoma, was founded in 1926 as Altus Junior College, changing its name to the current in 1974. The school is one of many the that comprise the Oklahoma State System of Higher education. Western, as the school is often referred to, is a public, two year institution dedicated to providing education, opportunity and resources to residents of its service area and to meet the needs of current and future students.

Academics
Western Oklahoma State College offers a large number of programs aimed at providing the maximum number of academic and career opportunities for its students. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education at Western, followed by applying for transfer of earned credits to a four year institution in order to finish the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree in one's desired field. Transfer to public Oklahoma institutions is made easier through agreements in place that allow students to meet certain requirements to guarantee admission. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will have varying requirements, and students desiring to do so should meet with a counselor to discuss curriculum and options.

Career and technical programs provide education in a specific area of study with the intent to provide skill and ability development and entry into the workforce as a professional. Students will have a mix of traditional courses and practical courses. Practical courses will simulate real world environments and assist in the perfection of skills and methods often used in one's chosen field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the obtaining of entry level employment.

Programs offered include:

• Liberal Arts
• Criminal Justice
• Communications
• Nursing
• Graphic Design

Admissions and Financial Aid
Western Oklahoma State College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual to enroll by supplying an application for admission and paying associated fees. Individuals should be 18 years of age or older, or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students should supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available, and may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine need and aid program eligibility for the student. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year. Students may be chosen at random to provide additional tax and financial information to be compared to the FAFSA in order to ensure its accuracy as per new federal requirements governing the disbursement of federal aid.