At $9,287/yr net price, East Central University graduates earn $44,962/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,962/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,287 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,962/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,962/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,671 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,438/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,127/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,162/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,790/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,395/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,024 | $15,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,875 | $19,874 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 | $16,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $19,004 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,342 | $23,400 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,980 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $37,208 | $40,270 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Psychology, Other. | Master | $36,349 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at East Central University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
East Central University gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. At under $10,000 a year in net price and median debt below $18,000, you won't be buried in loans. But median earnings ten years out sit under $45,000, so this is a school where keeping costs down matters more than expecting a big salary jump.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing pays $60,024 and comes with only $15,000 in debt, the best combination on campus. Computer and Information Sciences follows close behind at $57,318. After those two, earnings drop hard. Mathematics ($37,980) and Teacher Education ($37,208) both land below the school's own median, and teaching is a career you can already predict will pay modestly in rural Oklahoma. Liberal Arts sits in the middle at $42,682 but carries the highest debt on this list at $19,004, which is the worst trade-off shown.
The real risk is finishing at all. A 32.7% graduation rate and a 56.77% retention rate mean nearly half of you won't return after year one, and most won't graduate in the standard window. Paying for college without a degree is the fastest way to lose money here, and that's the biggest threat to your return.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k, you pay $6,438. over $110k, you pay $14,395. If your family earns above $75k, the aid thins out and your price roughly doubles.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or computer science, live in the region, and want low debt. Look elsewhere if you're set on a lower-paying major like teaching or math and would need to borrow heavily, or if you're unsure you'll finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Central University worth the cost?
East Central University offers decent value with a low net price of $9,287 and modest debt levels around $17,671. However, the 33% graduation rate creates significant risk that students won't complete their degree, making the investment uncertain for many.
What are the highest paying majors at East Central University?
Nursing programs at East Central University lead earnings at $60,024 annually, followed by computer science at $57,318. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $42,682, well below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do East Central University graduates have?
East Central University graduates typically leave with $17,671 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
What is the job market like for East Central University graduates?
East Central University graduates earn $44,962 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates nationally. Nursing and computer science majors do better, but other programs struggle to deliver strong financial returns.