Best NAIA Schools in Oklahoma: The last time I wrote about athletic schools, it was all about the best NAIA schools in North Carolina.
I’m back at it again with more information on the top NAIA colleges in Oklahoma, there are currently eight NAIA member schools in Oklahoma competing in various conferences.
If you are very much interested in joining an athletic college, especially one that is a part of the NAIA, then this article is solely compiled with you in mind.
Before we go to list the schools and other details you need to know about them, let us take a few minutes of your time to clearly explain certain related questions you should know.
What is an NAIA member school?
An NAIA member school is typically any collegiate institution that is a part of the NAIA.
The NAIA simply stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, this is an organization that regulates many smaller college athletic operations in the United States and Canada.
The NAIA boasts more than 250 member schools offering student-athletes the opportunity to play sports without sacrificing their academics.
Read this article to know all about the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
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Is Oklahoma a good place for student-athletes?
Many students especially foreigners are very interested in knowing if really Oklahoma State is good for student-athletes.
The truth of the matter is that Oklahoma is an excellent state for student-athletes to live and play because of the many opportunities that abound.
There are also many athletic schools in the state that lets students thrive and compete even at professional levels, however, this article is just dedicated to the NAIA member schools in Oklahoma, so let us dive down to business;
What are the best NAIA schools in Oklahoma?
Here are the eight NAIA schools in Oklahoma for you to make a more informed career decision;
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1. Bacone College
Founded in 1880 as the Indian University by missionary Almon C. Bacone, Bacone College is a privately-owned tribal College in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
It is also one of the NAIA member colleges, with its athletic team, Bacone Warriors, competing predominantly in the Continental Athletic Conference since the 2019–20 academic year.
Bacone Warriors had previously competed in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) from 2015–16 to 2018–19, and in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 2014–15.
They currently compete in 11 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women including;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Golf and soccer
Here are some of the notable alumni of Bacone College;
- Jimmy Anderson
- Thomas Banyacya
- Don Chandler
- Eddie Chuculate
- Adee Dodge
2. Langston University, Langston.
The next on our list of the top NAIA schools in Oklahoma is Langston University, now this school is the only historically black college in the state.
Langston University’s athletic team, the Lions competes primarily in the Sooner Athletic Conference since the 2018–19 academic year.
From 1998-99 to 2017-18, the lions competed as a member of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), they also competed as well as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) from 1931–32 to 1956–57, which is currently an NCAA Division I FCS athletic conference.
As one of the NAIA member schools, the Lions currently compete in nine intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, this includes;
- Basketball
- Football
- Track & field
- Cheerleading
- Cross country and
- Volleyball.
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3. Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City.
Founded in 1953, Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is a privately-owned Christian university in Oklahoma City, this school is religiously affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
It is also one of the NAIA member schools in Oklahoma, MACU’s athletic team is called the Evangels.
The Evangels competes primarily in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) from 2007–08 and they participate in eight intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women including;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Softball
4. Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a privately-owned university offering undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, graduate master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
As one of the christian universities in the state, Oklahoma City University is historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in the heart of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City University is also one of the NAIA schools in the state with its athletic team, the Stars competing predominantly in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC).
Also read: The 260 Complete list of the Best NAIA Schools By States For Students
The Stars of Oklahoma City University participate in 18 NAIA intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, they include;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Track & field and
- Wrestling
Here are some of Oklahoma City University’s Notable alumni:
- Eric Manuel
- Sarah Coburn
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Stephen Dickson
- Chris Harrison
Also check out: Oklahoma State University: FAQs and Other Key Facts
5. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell.
One of the good things about studying at Oklahoma Panhandle State University is that the academic programs and financial support are authorized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, it is also a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, its athletic teams are called the Aggies.
The Aggies compete primarily in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), although from 2002–03 to 2016–17 they competed in the Heartland Conference of the NCAA Division II ranks.
As one of the most recommended NAIA universities in Oklahoma, the Aggies participate in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, they include;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Football
- Golf
- Softball
- Soccer and
- Track & field
Here are some of the notable alumni of Oklahoma Panhandle State University:
- Jim Holder
- Frank Beede
6. Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) is a privately-owned university of the Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Student-athletes can also consider this school when making their career decision, their athletic team is called the Eagles, and they compete currently in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
As one of the top Oklahoma NAIA schools, the Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) participates in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women; they include;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Track & field and
- Wrestling
Here are some of Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s Notable alumni:
- Kurt Bahr
- David Brown
- Orval Butcher
- Jim Garlow
- Joshua Klumb
- Wilbur Nelson
- Jordan Tata
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7. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha.
Founded in 1908, Located in Chickasha, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) is the only public college in Oklahoma that strongly focuses on liberal arts.
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is also one of the top Oklahoma NAIA schools, its athletic team is called the Drovers.
The Drovers compete predominantly in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) and participate in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, they include;
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Golf
- Volleyball
- Soccer and Track & field
Here are some of the Notable Alumni of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma:
- Te Ata (Mary Thompson)
- Gladys Anderson Emerson
- Jerrie Cobb
- Angeline Collins
8. Southwestern Christian University, Bethany.
Founded in 1946, The last on our list of Oklahoma NAIA universities is the Southwestern Christian University, this is a privately-owned university located in Bethany, Oklahoma, this school is religiously affiliated with the Pentecostal Church.
The Southwestern Christian University’s athletic teams are called the Eagles, they compete primarily in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) since the 2013–14 academic year.
As one of the top NAIA universities in Oklahoma, the Eagles participate in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports for both men and women, including:
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Golf
- Softball
- Soccer and
- Track & field
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Conclusion
This concludes our list of the best NAIA schools in Oklahoma, if you are looking to get into an athletic school in Oklahoma where you can compete and even take your career to the next level, these schools listed here are the most recommended.
Are you satisfied with this list or do you have a suggestion for us? kindly contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best NAIA football schools in Oklahoma?
The football colleges in Oklahoma that are members of the NAIA are Langston University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and Bacone College.
What are the NAIA basketball schools in Nebraska?
Here are the NAIA basketball schools in Nebraska; Langston University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Southwestern Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Bacone College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Saint Gregory's University, and Rhema Bible College.
What are the best NAIA baseball schools in Nebraska?
Lawrence Technological University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Southwestern Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Bacone College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and Saint Gregory's University.
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