Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $21,213/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-12,787/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,883 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $18,245 | $6,708 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Central Oklahoma College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Central Oklahoma College leaves you in a weak financial spot. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit at $21,213 a year. That's below what a full-time worker earns at Oklahoma's minimum wage territory, and it caps what this credential can do for your income.
The only program with reported earnings is a cosmetology certificate, and it pays even less than the school-wide median. If you enroll here, that certificate is the realistic outcome, and it does not lead to salaries that build wealth or cover much beyond basic living costs in Oklahoma City.
The debt side is the one bright point. Median debt of $7,883 is low, and the cosmetology certificate carries even less. So you're unlikely to leave buried under loans. The problem is the return on the other end. Even a small loan is hard to justify when the earnings it buys barely clear entry-level wages you could reach without any credential.
The 75% graduation rate means most of you finish. But finishing a cosmetology certificate that leads to roughly $18,000 a year is not a payoff that changes your financial trajectory.
With nearly 70% of you on Pell Grants, you're arriving with real financial constraints, which makes the low earnings ceiling more damaging. Lower-income families should weigh whether the licensing this certificate provides is worth even the modest cost.
This school makes sense only if you specifically want to enter cosmetology and value the low debt and fast completion over earnings. If you're looking for a credential that raises your income meaningfully, look elsewhere. A community college certificate or a program in a higher-paying field will cost you little more and return far more over your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Oklahoma College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Central Oklahoma College graduates earn around $21,200 annually ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With relatively low median debt of $7,883, the financial risk is manageable, but the earning potential remains limited.
What programs at Central Oklahoma College have the best return on investment?
The school's main program is Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services, with graduates earning about $18,245 annually. This is below the overall school average and reflects the lower earning potential typical in beauty and personal care fields.
How much debt do Central Oklahoma College students typically graduate with?
Students at Central Oklahoma College graduate with a median debt of $7,883, which is relatively low compared to many four-year institutions. However, with post-graduation earnings around $21,200, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of annual income.
Does Central Oklahoma College's graduation rate justify the investment?
Central Oklahoma College has a 75% graduation rate, which is solid for completing programs. However, the low post-graduation earnings of around $21,200 mean that even successful graduates face limited financial returns on their education investment.