Northeastern State University - Tahlequah

Northeastern State University International Student Insurance

Northeastern State University, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was established in 1909. Its history traces back to 1846, when the Cherokee National Council established the National Male and Female Seminaries. In 1909, the State of Oklahoma purchased the Cherokee National Female Seminary and turned it into the Northeastern State Normal School, a training institution for teachers. By 1921, it had started offering a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree and was renamed Northeastern State Teacher’s College. It became Northeastern State College in 1939 and Northeastern State University in 1978. 

Today, NSU enrolls more than 7,500 students and counting each year. The school colors are NSU Green and NSU Gray, and its athletic nickname is the RiverHawks. 

Academic Offerings

NSU offers more than 50 bachelor’s degrees and more than 20 master’s degrees across its seven colleges: the College of Business & Technology, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts, the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions, the College of Optometry, the Graduate College, and the College of Extended Learning.

About 25% of the student body identifies as Native American, the largest enrollment of that demographic in the United States. The university offers several courses on Native American linguistics and offers a major in Cherokee language education. Some of its classes are taught in Cherokee for the benefit of first-language speakers. NSU is also home to the Center for Tribal Studies, which conducts research, supports Native American students, and bridges communication between tribal nations and the university.

On Campus

One notable attraction on campus is the Jazz Lab, a practice and performance space for jazz musicians. It houses the school’s jazz program office and classes. Noteworthy jazz musicians to perform there include Thelonious Monk, Diana Krall, and Robin Eubanks.

Notable Alumni

Notable Northeastern State University alumni include country music star Carrie Underwood; former WWE commentator Jim Ross; Kimberly Teehee, senior policy adviser for Native American affairs to former U.S. President Barack Obama; and several NFL players and coaches.

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