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  • October 14, 2026
  • Sean Doherty

Northwestern highlights DNP enrollment growth, steady concurrent numbers

Front entrance of Herod Hall at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. The two-story red brick building has a carved limestone archway with the word “Administration” above glass doors, framed by tree branches.

ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, continues to see positive numbers in key enrollment areas, including significant growth in its Wisdom Family Foundation Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and concurrent enrollment.

DNP program enrollment increased by 17 percent, while credit hours grew by 25 percent. First-time freshman enrollment remained relatively stable.

Northwestern Enrollment Highlights

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program enrollment: increased by 17 percent
  • Credit hours: grew by 25 percent
  • First-time freshman enrollment: remained relatively stable
  • Concurrent enrollment: continues to show positive numbers
  • Overall enrollment: declined by 1.95 percent

President Dr. Bo Hannaford on Enrollment Strategies

While overall enrollment declined by 1.95 percent, Northwestern remains focused on building on these areas of growth. The university is also preparing for future enrollment challenges facing regional universities across Oklahoma.

“We remain optimistic about the strategies we have in place to combat the ‘enrollment cliff’ that has been predicted,” said Dr. Bo Hannaford, Northwestern president. “We provide a great education to our students, and we’ll continue to provide this at an affordable cost showing others that they have a home here, too.”

Affordability and Personalized Learning at Northwestern

Affordability and personalized learning remain central to the Northwestern experience. Sixty-two percent of Northwestern undergraduates leave college with no debt. This helps students take the next step in their careers with greater financial flexibility.

With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students also benefit from opportunities to engage with professors, ask questions and receive individual attention in the classroom.

How to Become a Ranger

To become a Ranger, email recruit@nwosu.edu. High school seniors can also attend Ranger Preview on Oct. 31 and receive a $600 scholarship.

Event Details

  • Event: Ranger Preview
  • Date: Oct. 31
  • Who can attend: High school seniors
  • Scholarship: $600
  • Contact: recruit@nwosu.edu
  • Find Ranger Preview details on the Northwestern website

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A person in an eagle costume waves a large American flag beside the Northwestern Scholar Ambassadors float, a red, white and blue birthday cake spelling “USA” with a “Happy Birthday USA” sign, as riders in colonial and patriotic costumes ride along during the Northwestern Oklahoma State University homecoming parade in Alva, Oklahoma.

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Miss Cinderella 2025 Madeline Ryerson, wearing a tiara and a black gown, stands behind Kaycie Shelton and places a crown on her head on stage at Northwestern Oklahoma State University's 74th Miss Cinderella Pageant in Alva, Oklahoma. Shelton, Miss Cinderella 2026, smiles in a purple sequined gown and holds a bouquet of red roses and baby's breath. Strands of iridescent teardrop shapes hang against a gold backdrop behind them.

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