Bacone College

Muskogee, OK

private nonprofitbachelors

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“A Place of Value & Opportunity”

Wikipedia

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 historic private tribal college fostering Native American education and opportunity.

Bacone College stands as a unique institution in American higher education, a private tribal college deeply rooted in the history of Native American education. With a close-knit community of 270 students and a powerful motto, "A Place of Value & Opportunity," Bacone offers a distinctive academic journey for those seeking an impactful education in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The college's rich history traces back to 1867, when missionary teacher Almon C. Bacone began a school in the Cherokee Nation. Evolving from a mission school in Tahlequah, it moved to Muskogee in 1885, establishing itself as Indian University in the city known informally as the "Indian Capital of the World." In 1910, it was officially renamed Bacone College, honoring its founder and cementing its legacy as a beacon of learning for Native American students for generations.

In recent years, Bacone College has revitalized its mission through strong partnerships with tribal nations. After facing financial challenges in 2018, a consortium of Oklahoma tribes—including the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Osage Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, and the Kiowa Tribe—stepped forward to charter the institution. While not officially designated as a federal tribal college, Bacone is recognized as an Indigenous-serving institution, continuing its vital role in providing a culturally rich and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds, especially Native American communities.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1880, with historical roots tracing back to mission schools as early as 1867.
✦Operates as a private tribal college, deeply committed to Native American education and cultural preservation.
✦Features a small, supportive student body of 270, ensuring personalized attention and community engagement.
✦Guided by the inspiring motto: "A Place of Value & Opportunity."
✦Supported by charter agreements from multiple tribal nations, including the United Keetoowah Band, Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Cheyenne and Arapaho, and Kiowa Tribes.
✦Recognized as an Indigenous-serving institution, fostering a unique educational environment.
✦Historically located in Muskogee, Creek Nation, once known as the "Indian Capital of the World."

Timeline

1867

An early mission school, later involving Almon C. Bacone, moved to Tahlequah, Indian Territory, serving as a precursor to the college.

1885

The mission school relocated to Muskogee, Creek Nation, and was established as Indian University.

1910

Indian University was officially renamed Bacone College, honoring its founder and first president.

2018

The college faced severe financial difficulties, initiating a major restructuring that included property sales.

2019

Multiple tribal nations, including the United Keetoowah Band, Osage Nation, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, approved charter agreements to support the college.

2020

The Kiowa Tribe also approved a charter agreement, further solidifying tribal support for Bacone College.

🏛️

146 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia

Nicky Michael (interim)

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Bacone College

Start Your Free Search