University of Central Oklahoma is a public regional university in Edmond, Oklahoma, founded in 1890. It ranks #62 among Regional Universities West in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition, up from #70 in the 2025 edition. UCO stands as the third-largest public university in the state.
The university enrolls roughly 15,979 students across 125 undergraduate majors and 76 graduate programs, all taught in English. Around 1,500 international students from 82 countries currently study here, with Indian applicants forming a small but active cohort. Its low tuition and STEM-designated MS options make it an affordable pick among universities in USA for Indian applicants.
- Ranking: #62 US News Regional Universities West 2026 (up from #70 in 2025)
- Acceptance rate: 78% (official)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG tuition: USD 9,750 to 15,480 per year (INR 9.33 to 14.81 lakh)
- International community: 1,500 students from 82 countries
- MS program duration: 18 months to 2 years
Also Check: MS Universities in USA Guide
UCO operates two primary graduate intakes plus rolling undergraduate admissions and charges a USD 60 (INR 5,741) graduate application fee. Indian applicants who plan to study in USA at UCO qualify for the F-1 visa route with 12-month post-completion OPT. STEM MS graduates receive an additional 24-month extension, taking total US work authorisation to 36 months.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.68 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes). Graduate applications for the Spring 2027 intake close November 15, 2026. Fall 2027 graduate applications opened July 1, 2026 (one month earlier than usual) and close July 15, 2027. Undergraduate admissions run on a rolling basis with no fixed close date, though the April 1 scholarship deadline applies for Fall enrolment.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and UCO Fees 2027 at University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Central Oklahoma Admission 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Central Oklahoma Scholarships 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Rankings 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Central Oklahoma vs Peer Universities
- University of Central Oklahoma FAQs
Popular Courses and UCO Fees 2027 at University of Central Oklahoma
University of Central Oklahoma follows a per-credit-hour fee structure applied uniformly across departments, with international students charged the out-of-state rate. Most master’s programs span 36 credit hours over 18 to 24 months, while bachelor’s degrees run 4 years at 120 credit hours. Programs with lab, studio or clinical components carry higher per-hour charges.
University of Central Oklahoma Top MS Programs and Fees 2027
Total MS fees below reflect the published 2026-2027 out-of-state rates multiplied by two academic years.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S Computer Science | USD 23,940 | 22.90 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); GPA 3.0/4.0 per official policy |
| M.S Business Analytics | USD 25,548 | 24.44 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); GRE waivable |
| M.B.A | USD 19,500 | 18.66 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); personal statement required |
| M.S Nutrition and Food Science | USD 28,728 | 27.48 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); science background preferred |
| M.S Engineering Physics | USD 30,960 | 29.62 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); STEM background |
| M.S Forensic Science | USD 30,800 | 29.47 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); life sciences background |
University of Central Oklahoma Top UG Programs and Fees 2027
Bachelor’s total fees below assume a standard 4-year, 120-credit-hour completion at 2026-2027 published rates.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S Computer Science | USD 69,600 | 66.60 lakh | Class 12 with 60% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 5.5 |
| B.S Actuarial Science | USD 69,600 | 66.60 lakh | Class 12 with 65% or above (recommended); Math background |
| B.S Chemistry | USD 69,600 | 66.60 lakh | Class 12 with 60% or above (recommended); science stream |
| B.S Nursing | USD 69,600 | 66.60 lakh | Class 12 with 70% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 83 |
Insider note: MS Computer Science and MBA remain the two most-chosen UCO programs for Indian applicants. The sub-USD 15,000 per year tuition and STEM OPT eligibility for CS drive most enrolment decisions.
Read More: University of Central Oklahoma Fees and Cost of Living Guide
University of Central Oklahoma Admission 2027
UCO offers two graduate intakes (Fall in August and Spring in January) plus rolling undergraduate admissions. Indian applicants most commonly target the Fall intake for maximum program choice and scholarship consideration.
The deadline table below is compiled from UCO’s official graduate admissions calendar for the Fall 2027 intake (open since July 1, 2026) and the Spring 2027 intake.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Spring 2027 deadline | November 15, 2026 | International transcript review requires earlier submission |
| Graduate Fall 2027 deadline | July 15, 2027 | Submit by April 1 for scholarship consideration |
| Undergraduate admissions | Rolling, no strict deadline | Scholarship deadlines: April 1 (Fall) and November 1 (Spring) |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before submission | Official transcripts through NACES-approved agency |
| Program start (Fall 2027) | Late August 2027 | International orientation begins one week prior |
Planning note: Indian graduate applicants should submit no later than late June, ahead of the July 15 deadline. This allows for I-20 processing and F-1 visa interview slot booking, given the current 4 to 6 week I-20 turnaround.
Read More: University of Central Oklahoma Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of Central Oklahoma Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian graduate applicants must meet a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA on their bachelor’s degree, submit English proficiency scores and provide credential-evaluated transcripts.
- Bachelor’s academic eligibility: 4-year bachelor’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA per official UCO Graduate College policy
- English proficiency (graduate): TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 105 (Fall intake only) per the official UCO International Services page; B.S Nursing requires TOEFL iBT 83
- Credential verification: Official transcripts evaluated by WES or another NACES-approved agency
- GRE or GMAT: Waivable for most MS programs based on undergraduate GPA; MBA requires personal statement and two recommendation letters
Undergraduate applicants have a lighter checklist but the same document-authentication process.
- Class 12 academic eligibility: Class 12 with 60% or above (recommended); no strict cutoff published for most majors
- English proficiency (UG): TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, or TOEFL PBT 500 per the official UCO International Services page
- Credential verification: Official Class 12 and Class 10 transcripts through a NACES-approved agency
Key insight: Applicants below the standard TOEFL iBT 79 (grad) or 61 (UG) thresholds can qualify via UCO’s conditional admission route. This requires 12 weeks of intensive English study at an approved ESL program in the US after meeting a lower TOEFL iBT 48 or IELTS 5.0 floor.
University of Central Oklahoma Acceptance Rate 2027
University of Central Oklahoma has a published overall acceptance rate of 78% for the most recent admission cycle, per US News and the official UCO admissions profile.
This places UCO among the more accessible US public universities for Indian applicants. The rate is calculated across the roughly 15,400 undergraduate applications received annually. Graduate admission depends more on department-specific prerequisites than the overall university figure.
Reality check: A 78% acceptance rate should not be read as guaranteed admission for Indian applicants. Meeting the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score, GPA 3.0 threshold and financial documentation remains non-negotiable.
Read More: University of Central Oklahoma Acceptance Rate
University of Central Oklahoma Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Indian graduate students at UCO can expect a total annual cost between USD 25,000 and USD 32,000 (INR 23.92 to 30.62 lakh), covering both tuition and off-campus living in Edmond.
University of Central Oklahoma Tuition and UCO Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate international students pay roughly USD 17,400 per year (INR 16.65 lakh) at full-time enrolment. Graduate international tuition ranges from USD 9,750 for the MBA (INR 9.33 lakh) to USD 15,480 for MS Engineering Physics (INR 14.81 lakh) per academic year. The cost of MS in USA at UCO sits at the lower end of the public regional range. The MBA tuition is also well below the median across MBA universities in USA, which typically runs USD 30,000 and above.
University of Central Oklahoma Monthly Cost of Living in Edmond for Indian Students
Edmond is a mid-sized Oklahoma City suburb with living costs 15 to 20% below the national student average. The estimates below reflect a shared off-campus apartment lifestyle typical for Indian students.
| Category | USD per month | INR per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment) | USD 600 to 800 (estimated) | INR 57,408 to 76,544 (estimated) | Off-campus 2-bed share within 3 miles of campus |
| Food and groceries | USD 300 to 400 (estimated) | INR 28,704 to 38,272 (estimated) | Home cooking with weekly grocery run |
| Transportation | USD 80 to 120 (estimated) | INR 7,654 to 11,482 (estimated) | Campus shuttle plus occasional rideshare |
| Books and supplies | USD 80 to 100 (estimated) | INR 7,654 to 9,568 (estimated) | Averaged monthly from per-semester spend |
| Personal and utilities | USD 200 to 250 (estimated) | INR 19,136 to 23,920 (estimated) | Phone plan, health insurance, personal |
| Total monthly | USD 1,260 to 1,670 (estimated) | INR 1.21 to 1.60 lakh (estimated) | Annual: USD 15,120 to 20,040 (INR 14.47 to 19.17 lakh) |
[Source: Collegedunia Cost of Living in USA guidance, 2026]
Insider note: Rent is the biggest monthly variable. Students who commute from Oklahoma City (15 miles south) find shared rooms for USD 400 to 500 (INR 38,272 to 47,840) monthly but should budget for a used car.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
University of Central Oklahoma Campus, Facilities and Student Life
UCO’s 210-acre suburban campus in Edmond sits roughly 15 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City, offering a quieter setting than an urban US university.
- Location and transport: Campus shuttles connect to Oklahoma City’s public transit; a used car is common but not required for most graduate students
- Housing: On-campus residence halls house most first-year students; graduate students typically move to off-campus apartments from USD 600 (INR 57,408) monthly
- Facilities: Max Chambers Library, Nigh University Center, Wellness and Sport Center, and dedicated STEM research labs
- Indian student community: The Indian Student Association organises Diwali, Holi and cricket events; roughly 30 to 40 Indian students enrol each year across all levels
What Indian students say: Edmond feels smaller and quieter than an urban US campus, which suits students focused on academics and budget. South Asian grocery access is limited on campus but well-served across Oklahoma City.
University of Central Oklahoma Scholarships 2027
UCO distributes around USD 700,000 (INR 6.70 crore) in scholarships to international students annually across roughly a dozen named awards. None are reserved exclusively for Indian nationals, though several accept applicants from India.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Leadership Council (UG) | Partial, renewable | USD 11,375 per year for up to 4 years (INR 10.88 lakh) | 3.0 GPA, ACT 20 or higher, involvement in 2 or more student organisations | February 1, 2027 |
| Leaders of Tomorrow Council (UG) | Partial, renewable | USD 8,250 per year for up to 4 years (INR 7.89 lakh) | Community service and leadership record | February 1, 2027 (verify at official page) |
| Distinguished Graduate Scholar (PG) | Partial | USD 3,000 per year (INR 2.87 lakh) | Academic excellence at graduate level | Rolling |
| International Student Financial Aid Pool | Partial | Around USD 700,000 distributed annually across recipients | International student status; departmental review | Rolling |
UCO also runs departmental graduate assistantships that cover partial tuition plus a monthly stipend. Applicants shortlisting cheap universities in USA often add UCO to their list for this combination of low sticker tuition and consistent institutional aid.
Planning note: PLC and Leaders of Tomorrow apply mostly to freshman entrants. Indian graduate applicants and undergraduate transfers should focus on department-specific graduate assistantships and the Distinguished Graduate Scholar award.
Read More: University of Central Oklahoma Scholarships Guide
University of Central Oklahoma Rankings 2027
UCO’s strongest ranking is US News Regional Universities West 2026, where it climbed from #70 in 2025 to #62 in the current edition.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 main table | Band 1401+ (QS 2025) | Band 1201+ (QS 2024) |
| US News Regional Universities West | #62 (2026) | #70 (2025) | Verify at usnews.com |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #823 globally, #357 USA | NA | NA |
[Source: US News, QS, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
UCO also ranks #32 among US News Top Public Schools 2026 and appears in the US News Top Performers on Social Mobility list. QS World and Times Higher Education main tables focus on doctoral research output and do not currently rank UCO as a regional university.
Key insight: For Indian F-1 applicants, the US News Regional ranking matters less than STEM OPT eligibility and programmatic accreditation. UCO offers both for its MS Computer Science and Business Analytics tracks.
University of Central Oklahoma Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
UCO does not publish a single unified graduate placement rate; outcomes vary by program, with STEM and business tracks generally reporting the strongest post-graduation employment.
- Placement rate: Not disclosed centrally by UCO Career Services; departmental figures vary by program
- Median starting salary: Not disclosed by UCO; US market medians for regional MS graduates run USD 45,000 to 65,000 (INR 43.06 to 62.19 lakh)
- Top sectors: Oklahoma-based energy, healthcare, banking and education firms recruit consistently through on-campus fairs
- Career support: Broncho Career Services runs on-campus recruiting fairs, one-on-one advising and F-1 OPT and CPT guidance
- STEM OPT eligibility: MS Computer Science, Business Analytics, Engineering Physics and Forensic Science qualify for the full 36-month post-completion work window
Insider note: Indian graduates typically leverage UCO’s Oklahoma City corridor for their 12-month OPT before relocating to Texas or the East Coast for STEM OPT extension roles.
University of Central Oklahoma vs Peer Universities
The peer set below compares UCO with three Oklahoma and Kansas public alternatives that Indian graduate applicants commonly weigh together.
| University | Collegedunia Study Abroad | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD/INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma | #823 globally, #357 USA | USD 9,750 to 15,480 / INR 9.33 to 14.81 lakh | Lowest-cost Oklahoma public with STEM-designated MS tracks |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman | NA | USD 24,000 to 27,000 / INR 22.96 to 25.83 lakh (market median) | R1 doctoral flagship with broader assistantship funding |
| Oklahoma State University | NA | USD 24,000 to 27,000 / INR 22.96 to 25.83 lakh (market median) | Land-grant campus with strong engineering programs |
| Wichita State University | NA | USD 15,000 to 18,000 / INR 14.35 to 17.22 lakh (market median) | Aerospace industry co-op partnerships in Kansas |
UCO stands out on tuition affordability and shorter application processing timelines. Applicants prioritising research output or larger cohort networks may find OU-Norman or Oklahoma State the stronger fit despite the higher tuition premium.
UCO fits Indian graduate applicants prioritising affordability, moderate US News regional recognition and STEM OPT eligibility. A two-year MS costs roughly INR 25 lakh in tuition, well below the US public regional median. The Oklahoma City corridor offers a lower-cost launch pad before students relocate for post-OPT roles via the F-1 visa pathway.
It is not the right fit for students seeking top-tier research prestige, large-cohort industry networks or coastal US employer proximity. For those goals, University of Oklahoma-Norman offers similar Oklahoma familiarity with stronger research funding at a higher tuition premium.
University of Central Oklahoma FAQs
Ques. What is the total cost of studying MS at University of Central Oklahoma for Indian students?
Ans. Total two-year MS cost for Indian students at University of Central Oklahoma sits between INR 40 lakh and INR 50 lakh. This combines tuition of INR 18.66 to 29.62 lakh with living costs of INR 14.47 to 19.17 lakh per year. MBA is the lowest-cost option, while MS Engineering Physics and Forensic Science sit at the upper end due to lab fees.
Ques. Does UCO accept the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. Yes, UCO accepts the Duolingo English Test for graduate admissions to Fall intakes only, with a minimum score of 105. TOEFL iBT 79 and IELTS 6.5 remain the standard alternatives accepted for both Fall and Spring graduate intakes. Bachelor’s applicants can submit TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL PBT 500 as the minimum threshold.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time during studies at UCO?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at UCO can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term and up to 40 hours during breaks. On-campus roles include library assistants, tutoring, dining services and departmental research support. Off-campus employment requires prior authorisation through CPT during studies or OPT after program completion.
Ques. What documents does University of Central Oklahoma require for the F-1 visa?
Ans. For F-1 visa purposes at University of Central Oklahoma, Indian applicants need the I-20 form (issued after admission), DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, passport, financial documentation covering the first year’s tuition and living costs, and academic transcripts. UCO’s Office of Global Affairs typically issues the I-20 within 4 to 6 weeks of complete document submission.
Ques. Is GRE required for MS Computer Science at UCO?
Ans. GRE is waivable for MS Computer Science at UCO depending on undergraduate GPA and prior coursework. The Graduate College reviews waivers on a case-by-case basis, and applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA in a computing bachelor’s typically qualify. Submitting a competitive GRE score can still strengthen graduate assistantship consideration during the review cycle.
Ques. How long does STEM OPT last for University of Central Oklahoma graduates?
Ans. STEM OPT extends the standard 12-month post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months. This gives University of Central Oklahoma STEM MS graduates a total of 36 months of authorised US work experience. Eligible programs include MS Computer Science, Business Analytics, Engineering Physics and Forensic Science. Students must file the STEM extension before their initial OPT window expires.
Ques. What is the application fee at UCO for international students?
Ans. UCO charges USD 100 (INR 9,568) for undergraduate international applications and USD 60 (INR 5,741) for graduate applications. Both fees are non-refundable and non-waivable for international applicants. Application fees are paid online through the UCO admissions portal via credit card or bank transfer at the point of submission.
Ques. Are graduate assistantships available at University of Central Oklahoma for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, University of Central Oklahoma offers graduate assistantships in most academic departments. These cover partial tuition plus a monthly stipend of USD 1,000 to 1,500 (INR 95,680 to 1.44 lakh). Applications are handled directly by the hiring department, typically 3 to 4 months before the intake start, and require full-time graduate enrolment on an F-1 visa.
University of Central Oklahoma Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 2 years | USD 11,970 /Yr | 60 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53 | ||
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) Scholarship Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 15,480 /Yr | 60 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53 | ||
M.S Business Analytics 2 years | USD 12,774 /Yr | 60 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53 | ||
| USD 14,364 /Yr | 60 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53 |
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University of Central Oklahoma comparison
| University Name | University of Central Oklahoma | University of Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking |
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| Subject Strength | - |
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| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 82.0 % | 77.0 % |
| Exam Score | ||
| Cost to Study |
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| Placement | The average salary of the graduates is around $44,000. | The average full-time salary for a Price College of Business student was $56,949. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters of Arts: $93,000 MBA: $89,000 Bachelor of Arts: $48,000 Other Degree: $37,000 |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 823 out of 824 in Global Ranking
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University of Central Oklahoma Reviews
Most Popular Tags
3 Reviews Found
Likes
- Campus environment; Affordability, Scholarship, Assignments and Projects, Library
Campus Life
- Student clubs, events, and extracurricular activities are beneficial for Bachelors. I wish the university had more such opportunities for master's students.
Fees
- 25000 USD in 2020
Likes
- What I like about the college honestly it is cheaper than other college and still it is public university making it more valuable but the academic curriculum is not up to the mark
Campus Life
- Not so great campus very less infrastructure but the library is the only good thing and little to no extracurricular activities
Fees
- Around 8000$ and we have 2000$ scholarship.
Overview
I learned that they had a really good forensic science program and that made me want to go to this university. This university also was in a great location and also had the best tuition among the other colleges that I had planned to apply to.
Fees
We pay the undergraduate tuition fees, then there are fees that go to the events that are happening on campus, if you are from out of state or out of the country, you will be charged extra. We also pay computer fees and every building facility fee.
University of Central Oklahoma Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of Central Oklahoma Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.uco.edu/em/become-a-broncho/apply/Academic-Requirements.asp
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Central Oklahoma Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7086 | 6916 | 170 | 130 |
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You must apply through the University of Central Oklahoma online application portal. The application fee is 50 USD. The University does not offer any course named project management. To view the offered courses, you can click here.
For the Spring entry at the University of Central Oklahoma, you must submit your application by October 15. Applications are to be submitted through the online application portal available on the university’s website.