At $11,800/yr net price, Northeastern State University graduates earn $45,379/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,379/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,800 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,379/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,379/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,367 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,624/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,468/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,083/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,943/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,134/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $100,404 | $158,826 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $72,796 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $12,500 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 | $16,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,298 | $19,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $17,565 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $51,482 | $33,410 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,370 | $18,225 |
The Risk Factor
37.2% of students at Northeastern State 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
Northeastern State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $11,800 annual net price makes this one of Oklahoma's more affordable options, but the 37% graduation rate creates significant dropout risk that can leave you with debt and no degree.
NSU's optometry program stands out as a clear financial winner despite heavy debt loads. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries while keeping debt manageable at just $12,500. Business and accounting majors also see solid returns that justify the investment. These professional programs tap into Oklahoma's healthcare and energy sector demand.
The university's biggest financial risk lies in its low completion rates. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you face high odds of leaving without a credential. The 63% freshman retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out early, often carrying debt with them.
NSU works best for Oklahoma residents pursuing specific career-focused majors like nursing, business, or optometry. The in-state tuition advantage and strong regional employer connections make it a smart choice for these fields. However, students considering liberal arts majors or those unsure about their career path should look at schools with higher graduation rates.
Financial aid reaches fewer than half of students, so middle-income families may find limited assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition is stiff. Your best strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and staying focused on graduation to avoid becoming part of the dropout statistics that plague this campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeastern State University worth the cost?
Northeastern State University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $45,379 ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the national average. The low net price of $11,800 per year helps offset weak earnings, but the 37% graduation rate creates significant risk of leaving with debt and no degree.
What are the best paying majors at Northeastern State University?
Optometry graduates from Northeastern State University earn around $100,404 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Accounting ($72,796) and nursing ($69,338) also provide solid returns, while most other programs struggle to reach competitive salary levels.
How much debt do Northeastern State University graduates have?
Northeastern State University graduates carry a median debt of $17,367, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with low average earnings of $45,379, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of post-graduation income.
Should I attend Northeastern State University for the low tuition?
The $11,800 net price makes Northeastern State University affordable, but the 37% graduation rate means nearly two-thirds of students don't finish. Low completion rates combined with below-average earnings make this a risky choice unless you're pursuing optometry or another high-paying program.