Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Bethany, Oklahoma. Founded in 1899, it is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It holds the #67 rank in the US News Regional Universities West 2026 edition. The same edition places SNU at #64 on Top Performers on Social Mobility.
SNU serves 2,110 students across 50-plus undergraduate majors, three graduate schools plus seven professional adult programs. All are delivered in English on the 200-acre suburban campus or through hybrid online tracks. For Indian applicants, the university runs two international intakes each year (Fall and Spring). Acceptance sits at a moderate 77% (estimated) with F-1 visa sponsorship for both undergraduate and MS tracks.
- US News Regional West 2026: #67
- Acceptance Rate: 77% (estimated)
- Intakes for Indians: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Annual UG Block Tuition: $31,950 (₹30.33 lakh)
- Avg Starting Salary (US News): $64,670 (₹61.40 lakh)
SNU charges a single flat tuition rate that does not vary by state or nationality. 99% of traditional undergraduates receive institutional merit aid tied to high school GPA. Indian students should budget the $200 international processing fee plus F-1 visa costs. Factor these into any MS in USA or universities in USA shortlist.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.94 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). International applications for Spring 2027 close in October 2026 so the January 2027 window is closing soon. The next full cycle for Fall 2027 entry accepts applications until April 2027 for international candidates, with I-20 processing taking two weeks after complete documentation is received. Applicants targeting nursing, physician assistant or doctoral programs face earlier program-specific dates that vary by school.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and SNU Fees 2027
- Southern Nazarene University Admission 2027
- Southern Nazarene University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Southern Nazarene University Acceptance Rate 2027
- SNU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Southern Nazarene University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Southern Nazarene University Scholarships 2027
- Southern Nazarene University Rankings 2026
- Southern Nazarene University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Southern Nazarene University vs Peer Universities
- Southern Nazarene University FAQs
Popular Courses and SNU Fees 2027
SNU charges a flat block tuition of $31,950 for traditional undergraduates carrying 12 to 17 credit hours per year. This rate is the published 2026-2027 schedule. Graduate programmes including the SNU MBA in USA track use a per-credit-hour model. Rates range from $389 to $899, so total cost depends on credit load.
Top Postgraduate Programmes at Southern Nazarene University
Programme lengths run from 30 to 119 credit hours. Multiply the per-hour rate by the credit load to reach the totals shown. The M.S. Physician Assistant Studies sits far above the rest because it is a clinical doctorate-length programme.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | $22,406 | 21.27 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA (Healthcare) | $22,406 | 21.27 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.S. Counseling Psychology | $39,540 | 37.54 lakh | Bachelor’s in psychology with 60% (recommended) |
| M.S. Physician Assistant Studies | $106,981 | 101.57 lakh | Pre-med bachelor’s with 70% plus clinical hours (recommended) |
| Ed.D. Administration & Leadership | $45,543 | 43.24 lakh | Master’s with 60% plus teaching experience (recommended) |
| M.A. Applied Psychology | $19,770 | 18.77 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| M.A. Educational Leadership | $18,900 | 17.94 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% plus teaching background (recommended) |
| M.S. Exercise Science | $22,644 | 21.50 lakh | Bachelor’s in kinesiology or science with 55% (recommended) |
| M.S. Instructional Design & Technology | $16,470 | 15.64 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| M.S. Management (Strategic Operations) | $22,406 | 21.27 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
Top Undergraduate Programmes at Southern Nazarene University
Traditional four-year students pay the block tuition each year. A full residential degree runs $127,800 (₹121.34 lakh) across four years. Accelerated adult undergraduate degrees carry lower per-credit-hour costs because they compress fewer credits into online cohorts.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BA/BS (any major, 4 years) | $127,800 | 121.34 lakh | Class 12 with 75% plus 3.0 GPA equivalent |
| B.S. Cybersecurity (accelerated) | $21,411 | 20.33 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| B.S. Business Administration (accelerated) | $17,604 | 16.72 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| B.S. Healthcare Administration (accelerated) | $17,604 | 16.72 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant | $32,328 | 30.71 lakh | Class 12 with 70% science (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at SNU cluster in the MBA, MS Management plus MS Physician Assistant tracks. These degrees carry OPT eligibility and STEM OPT pathways for PA and Management.
Read More: Southern Nazarene University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Southern Nazarene University Admission 2027
SNU runs a Fall (August) primary intake plus a smaller Spring (January) intake. Both are open to international applicants. Nursing, physician assistant plus doctoral programmes follow separate calendars set by the professional schools.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline | October 2026 | Closing soon; suits applicants ready with credential evaluation |
| Fall 2027 international deadline | April 2027 | Primary intake for Indian applicants |
| Credential verification (WES/NACES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Required for all foreign transcripts |
| I-20 processing | 2 weeks after full document submission | Begin only after financial plus academic docs are received |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Orientation runs the week before classes |
Planning note: I-20 processing begins only after the financial statement plus the WES evaluation reach SNU. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should upload sponsor bank documents by February 2027. That leaves time for the US embassy visa slot booking.
Read More: Southern Nazarene University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Southern Nazarene University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Requirements differ by degree level and are set by the SNU International Admissions Office. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved WES service before any decision.
Postgraduate Requirements at Southern Nazarene University
- Academic: Recognised bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
- English: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 7.0 (verbatim from the SNU International Admissions page)
- Standardised tests: GRE plus GMAT are optional across most graduate programmes; PA plus clinical tracks may require GRE
- Documents: Financial Statement of Support, sponsor bank statement, passport ID page, Signed Statement of Understanding plus $200 processing fee
Undergraduate Requirements at Southern Nazarene University
- Academic: Class 12 completion with a minimum of 65% plus a US-equivalent GPA of 3.0 for merit scholarship consideration
- English: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0 (verbatim from the SNU International Admissions page)
- Optional: SAT or ACT scores; required only if the applicant’s GPA falls below 2.75
Key insight: SNU waives the SAT plus ACT for Indian Class 12 applicants above a 2.75 GPA equivalent. Most CBSE plus ICSE students clearing 70% marks can apply without standardised US test scores.
Southern Nazarene University Acceptance Rate 2027
Southern Nazarene University maintains a moderate acceptance rate of 77% (estimated). This places it among the accessible private Christian universities in the US regional tier. The figure has stayed above 70% across recent admission cycles. Review runs on a rolling process rather than a strict selective cutoff.
Indian applicants clearing the 65% Class 12 or 55% bachelor’s threshold face limited academic risk. Valid IELTS scores plus clean financial documentation seal the decision. The acceptance rate does not vary meaningfully by nationality. Clinical plus doctoral programmes filter more aggressively on prerequisite coursework.
Reality check: The 77% rate does not carry through to the M.S. Physician Assistant Studies programme. That programme admits fewer than 40 students annually plus rejects most applicants for cause.
Read More: Southern Nazarene University Acceptance Rate
SNU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
An Indian undergraduate on campus should budget $43,802 (₹41.58 lakh) per year. That covers tuition, room and board plus mandatory fees. Graduate students living off campus save on room and board. They still face a $34,002 (₹32.28 lakh) baseline before rent.
Southern Nazarene University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-2027
Rates below are the officially published 2026-2027 schedule for traditional undergraduates. Adult undergraduate plus graduate cohorts pay per credit hour instead.
| Cost Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Block Tuition (12-17 hours) | $31,950 | 30.33 lakh |
| Room and Board (semi-private plus dining) | $9,800 | 9.30 lakh |
| General plus Health Fee | $2,052 | 1.95 lakh |
| Total On-Campus Annual | $43,802 | 41.58 lakh |
| Total Off-Campus Annual (tuition plus fees only) | $34,002 | 32.28 lakh |
[Source: Southern Nazarene University Tuition, Fees and Other Costs page, 2026-2027]
Monthly Cost of Living in Bethany for Southern Nazarene University Students
Bethany sits inside the Oklahoma City metro area. It posts one of the lowest cost-of-living indices in urban USA. A car is effectively mandatory outside campus.
| Component | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus rent (shared apartment) | $500 to $800 (estimated) | INR 47,470 to 75,952 |
| Food and groceries | $300 to $450 (estimated) | INR 28,482 to 42,723 |
| Transportation (car, insurance, fuel) | $200 to $300 (estimated) | INR 18,988 to 28,482 |
| Books and supplies | $80 to $100 (estimated) | INR 7,595 to 9,494 |
| Personal plus health insurance | $250 to $350 (estimated) | INR 23,735 to 33,229 |
| Total Monthly | $1,330 to $2,000 (estimated) | INR 1.26 to 1.90 lakh |
| Total Annual | $15,960 to $24,000 (estimated) | INR 15.15 to 22.79 lakh |
[Source: Bethany plus Oklahoma City metro cost estimates, September 2026]
Insider note: On-campus housing at SNU undercuts off-campus rent once car plus insurance costs are factored in. First-year international students save over $3,000 by staying in the residence halls.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Southern Nazarene University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The SNU campus covers 200 acres in Bethany, a suburb 10 km northwest of downtown Oklahoma City. Public transit is limited here so most students drive or share rides.
- Location and access: Bethany, Oklahoma; nearest airport is Will Rogers World Airport, 20 minutes by car
- Housing: Residence hall place is guaranteed for all first-year international undergraduates at $9,800 per year
- Athletics and recreation: NCAA Division II Crimson Storm program, 22 varsity sports including basketball, football plus equestrian
- Facilities: The equestrian center, Broadhurst Gymnasium plus R.T. Williams Library anchor the campus
- Indian community: The international office runs orientation, tax help plus community meals; small but active South Asian cohort
What Indian students say: Faculty access is high because class sizes stay under 20. The Christian mission shapes chapel attendance plus campus culture. Oklahoma City hiring is thin outside healthcare, energy plus aerospace.
Southern Nazarene University Scholarships 2027
SNU disburses institutional aid to 99% of traditional undergraduate students each year. Named awards are administered by the Financial Award Manager and are limited in the public catalog. Below are the categories officially disclosed on the SNU scholarships page.
| Scholarship | Type | Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit Scholarship | Merit-based | Verify at official page | Minimum 3.0 high school GPA (Class 12 equivalent 75%) | Rolling with admission |
| Institutional Grant (Traditional UG) | Need plus merit blend | Verify at official page | 99% of traditional undergraduates qualify annually | Rolling with admission |
| External / Outside Scholarships | External | Varies | Search via my.snu.edu student portal | Varies by sponsor |
Planning note: SNU does not publish per-award dollar figures. Indian applicants should request a personalised award letter after submitting the application. The Financial Award Manager on 405-491-6324 issues these within 2 weeks of a complete file.
Read More: Southern Nazarene University Scholarships Guide
Southern Nazarene University Rankings 2026
SNU is ranked by US News in the Best Colleges edition each year. It does not appear in global QS, THE or ARWU tables. Those bodies weight research output that regional US teaching-focused universities do not compile at the required scale.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities West | 2026: #67 | 2025: verify at official page | 2024: verify at official page |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #64 | 2025: verify at official page | 2024: verify at official page |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Not ranked in QS 2025 |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2025 | Not ranked in THE 2024 |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Key insight: The #67 US News Regional West rank still qualifies SNU graduates for standard 12-month OPT. The 24-month STEM OPT extension is also open. The absence of a QS World rank does not restrict post-study work visa eligibility for Indian students.
Read More: Southern Nazarene University Rankings Analysis
Southern Nazarene University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
SNU does not publish a central placement report in the format Indian B-school applicants expect. Market data on early-career salary of graduates gives a workable benchmark.
- Average graduate starting salary: $64,670 (₹61.40 lakh) reported by aggregator profiles citing US Department of Education College Scorecard data
- Median mid-career salary: Not disclosed by SNU
- Top hiring sectors: Healthcare, education, oil plus gas, non-profit ministry organisations across Oklahoma plus the wider Southwest
- Career support: The SNU Center for Professional Excellence runs resume clinics, mock interviews plus employer connect events
- Post-study work visa: All F-1 graduates are eligible for 12 months of OPT; STEM-designated programmes add 24 more months
Insider note: Indian PA plus healthcare graduates recruit via OU Health, Integris plus the Oklahoma City VA system. MBA graduates tap Devon Energy plus Chesapeake Energy pipelines in the same metro.
Southern Nazarene University vs Peer Universities
The natural peer set is regional private Christian universities in the western plus south-central US. Indian applicants shortlist these alongside SNU. The strongest brand-name Nazarene peer is Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.
| University | US News Regional West 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Nazarene University | #67 | $22,406 (MBA) | 21.27 lakh | Lowest MBA tuition in the peer set |
| Oklahoma City University | #31 | $35,000 (estimated) | 33.23 lakh | Stronger arts plus pre-law reputation |
| Oral Roberts University | #28 | $30,000 (estimated) | 28.48 lakh | Larger international Christian community |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | #20 | $38,000 (estimated) | 36.08 lakh | Coastal California location commands higher fees |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Verify at USNews | $18,000 (estimated) | 17.09 lakh | Direct Nazarene network peer in Kansas |
SNU wins on price for the MBA plus MS Management tracks. Both offer the same OPT plus STEM OPT eligibility as pricier peers. Applicants weighing regional US options should treat SNU as a strong ROI pick rather than a brand play.
SNU fits Indian applicants who want a graduate US degree at ₹21.27 lakh in tuition with F-1 sponsorship. Undergraduates get a small-campus Christian environment at a ₹41.58 lakh annual on-campus cost with guaranteed housing. The F-1 student visa pathway is straightforward once the I-20 arrives.
SNU is not the right pick for applicants targeting Ivy-tier brand recognition or deep engineering research. It runs neither doctoral engineering nor QS-ranked STEM programmes. Candidates set on those criteria should compare against Oklahoma State University or the University of Oklahoma before deciding.
Southern Nazarene University FAQs
Ques. Does Southern Nazarene University waive the GRE for Indian MBA applicants?
Ans. Yes, the SNU MBA plus MBA Healthcare programmes list GRE plus GMAT as optional. This applies to admitted applicants with a recognised bachelor’s degree at 3.0 GPA equivalent. Indian applicants from CBSE or ICSE undergraduate programmes with 55% or above generally qualify without submitting either test. The Physician Assistant Studies programme is the notable exception plus still requires the GRE for all applicants.
Ques. How many hours can Indian F-1 students work on the SNU campus?
Ans. Indian F-1 students at SNU may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic terms. Winter, spring plus summer breaks allow up to 40 hours per week. On-campus jobs in the library, dining services plus residence life are the most common. Off-campus employment requires CPT authorisation tied to a course or OPT eligibility after two full semesters.
Ques. What financial documents does SNU need for the I-20 form?
Ans. SNU requires a signed Certificate of Financial Resources plus a sponsor bank statement not older than six months. Both must show liquid funds covering at least one academic year of tuition, fees plus living. For 2027 entry, that threshold is $43,802 (₹41.58 lakh) for on-campus undergraduates. Fixed deposits, education loan sanction letters from Indian banks plus NBFC sanction letters are accepted alongside savings account balances.
Ques. Can SNU international students apply for education loans in India?
Ans. Yes, SNU is recognised on the approved lists of major Indian education loan providers. These include SBI, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Avanse, Auxilo plus Prodigy Finance. The I-20 form issued by SNU is accepted as proof of admission by all these lenders. Interest rates typically range from 9.5% to 13% based on collateral, co-applicant profile plus lender.
Ques. Which SNU programmes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Ans. SNU programmes officially classified under a STEM CIP code qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This comes on top of the standard 12 months. The M.S. Management (Strategic Operations) plus B.S. Cybersecurity carry STEM designation. The general MBA, MBA Healthcare plus most M.A. programmes do not qualify for STEM OPT. Indian applicants targeting a full 36 months of US work should apply to the STEM-coded track.
Ques. How does SNU verify Indian academic transcripts for admission?
Ans. SNU requires all foreign transcripts to be evaluated by a NACES-approved credential service before the admission decision. World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) plus SpanTran are the three services most commonly used by Indian applicants. The full evaluation takes 3 to 6 weeks from document receipt at WES. Costs range between $180 and $250 depending on the service plus evaluation depth requested.
Ques. Is on-campus housing guaranteed to Indian undergraduates at SNU?
Ans. Yes, SNU guarantees on-campus housing for all first-year traditional undergraduate international students who confirm enrolment by the deposit deadline. The default option is a semi-private room with campus dining priced at $9,800 (₹9.30 lakh) per year. Students opting to live off campus after the first year need to file a housing exemption request. Single-bedroom rentals in Bethany typically run $650 to $900 per month.
Ques. What are the SNU application fee and refund rules for Indian applicants?
Ans. SNU charges a $200 international processing fee that covers I-20 issuance, credential handling plus admission review. This fee is non-refundable once the I-20 is issued, even if the applicant withdraws or is denied a US visa. Tuition deposits paid to lock enrolment are refundable in full if the withdrawal request reaches SNU before term start. Check the individual programme’s withdrawal policy for exact timelines.
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Overview
I decided to look at this college because it was a Nazarene school and the perfect distance away from my hometown in Kansas. I ended up choosing the school for the program I was in and for the equestrian team. I stayed because it was a well-rounded school with great people to help me on that path.
Fees
There were no fees outside of the tuition other than parking tickets if you didn't have the sticker on your car or some lab fees.
Southern Nazarene University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.8 L/Yr$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₹ 18.9 L/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.7 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 9.5 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student₹ 9.5 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Southern Nazarene University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.snu.edu/apply
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
Southern Nazarene University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1745 | 1669 | 76 | 6 |
Comments
Found 1 Comment
Can I use my Duolingo test scores for this institution?
No, Southern Nazarene University (SNU) does not accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for international students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs.