While the cost of higher education continues to climb nationwide, Redlands Community College remains committed to a student-centered approach, prioritizing access to affordable, high-quality education through strategic partnerships and sound financial stewardship. Notably, Redlands is one of only three higher education institutions in Oklahoma that has maintained the same tuition rate for the past seven academic years.
At Redlands, we understand that being a good steward of public funds isn’t just about balancing budgets, it’s about expanding opportunity. That’s why we have embraced collaborative solutions that stretch every dollar further without sacrificing the excellence our students deserve.
One of our most impactful strategies has been developing shared staffing positions with peer institutions. In partnership with the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Redlands shares key personnel, including a webmaster, Canvas expert, career readiness coordinator, and print services staff. These roles support both campuses while reducing costs. Similarly, we share a Colleague CRM technology administrator with Carl Albert State College and Murray State College, saving each institution critical funds while enhancing operational capacity.
Beyond staffing efficiencies, Redlands is deeply invested in collaboration. We are proud to be part of the Oklahoma Athletic Insurance Consortium and the College Association of Liability Management, partnerships that save the college hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in insurance costs.
We also believe that academic and workforce partnerships are essential to our mission. Redlands works closely with Oklahoma's career technology centers, Native American tribes, and four-year universities. We currently have over 30 articulation agreements that allow our students a seamless transfer to one of our university partners. These agreements create clear, affordable pathways from high school to associate and bachelor’s degrees and beyond. These relationships are designed to keep education accessible, reduce duplication of services, and respond to workforce needs more efficiently.
Finally, our partnerships extend well beyond the classroom. With the support of El Reno Public Schools and the City of El Reno, we are able to provide our students with greater athletic opportunities. Our collaboration with chambers of commerce and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers connects students and entrepreneurs with real-world opportunities that fuel local economic growth.
At Redlands Community College, affordability does not come at the expense of quality. It is the result of intentional planning, shared vision, and a deep commitment to Oklahoma’s students and their families. We are proud to do more with less, because our students deserve more.
