Bacone College

Muskogee, OK

private nonprofitbachelors

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Quick Facts

“A Place of Value & Opportunity”

1880

Founded

Private tribal college

Type

106

Total Students

$15K

Tuition (In-State)

$15K

Tuition (Out-State)

$12K

Avg Net Price

Graduation Rate

6-year

31%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

President: Nicky Michael (interim)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Bacone College

A resilient tribal college rooted in Indigenous heritage and opportunity.

Nestled in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Bacone College stands as a private tribal college with a rich and storied history, embodying its motto: "A Place of Value & Opportunity." With a close-knit community of 270 students, Bacone offers a unique educational experience deeply connected to Indigenous cultures and traditions, fostering an environment where students can thrive.

The college's origins trace back to a Baptist mission school with roots in 1867, when missionary teacher Almon C. Bacone began instructing students in Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation. Moving to Muskogee in 1885 – then the capital of the Creek Nation and informally known as the "Indian Capital of the World" – the institution was generously granted 160 acres of land by the Muscogee Creek Nation. This act solidified its commitment to serving Native American students and communities, leading to its renaming as Bacone College in 1910 in honor of its founder.

While facing significant financial challenges in recent years, Bacone College has demonstrated remarkable resilience. A consortium of Oklahoma tribal nations stepped forward, collaborating to revive its historical mission. Although the Bureau of Indian Education did not officially approve its conversion to a tribal college, Bacone was re-categorized as an Indigenous-serving institution. This transformation underscores its enduring dedication to providing education that respects and uplifts Indigenous heritage.

Today, Bacone College continues its legacy as a vital educational hub. It remains a beacon for students seeking an institution committed to its founding principles, offering a supportive community and opportunities for academic and personal growth within a culturally rich environment.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1880 (with roots dating back to 1867), making it one of the oldest institutions in Oklahoma.
✦A private tribal college committed to Indigenous education, serving a close-knit student body of 270.
✦Located in Muskogee, historically known as the "Indian Capital of the World."
✦Historic land grant of 160 acres from the Muscogee Creek Nation for its campus.
✦Operates under charter agreements with multiple tribal nations, including the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Osage Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, and Kiowa Tribe.
✦Recognized as an Indigenous-serving institution, reflecting its deep commitment to Native American communities.
✦Motto: "A Place of Value & Opportunity" captures its mission and student-focused approach.

Timeline

1867

Mission school, precursor to Bacone, began in Tahlequah with Almon C. Bacone as faculty.

1885

Mission school moved to Muskogee, received land from Muscogee Creek Nation, and was renamed Bacone (later Indian University).

1910

Institution officially renamed Bacone College.

2018

College faced severe financial difficulties, leading to restructuring and property sales.

2019

Multiple tribal nations (Cherokee, Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Cheyenne and Arapaho) began approving charter agreements to support the college.

2019

Recategorized by the BIA as an Indigenous-serving institution.

🏛️

146 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Nicky Michael (interim)

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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