At $8,201/yr net price, Northern Oklahoma College graduates earn $37,566/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,566/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,201 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,566/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,566/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,902/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,774/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,451/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,850/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,100/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. | Associate | $46,924 | $13,433 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,649 | $6,653 |
The Risk Factor
40.9% of students at Northern Oklahoma College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern Oklahoma College delivers solid financial returns for students who complete specific career-focused programs, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $46,924 annually against manageable debt of $13,433.
Your biggest financial risk at NOC is the 41% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credentials to boost your earnings. The liberal arts program shows weak returns at $23,649 in median earnings, making it a poor financial choice unless you plan to transfer to a four-year school.
NOC works best financially if you're pursuing nursing or other healthcare certifications where two-year degrees lead directly to well-paying jobs in Oklahoma's healthcare market. The $8,201 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, and with median debt at just $11,000, you won't face crushing loan payments.
You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or programs with strong earning potential beyond healthcare. Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy is completing your program quickly and avoiding unnecessary courses that extend your time to graduation.
The school makes financial sense for career-changers and students seeking quick entry into nursing, but avoid it if you're unsure about your major or likely to transfer before graduating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Oklahoma College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Northern Oklahoma College offers decent value with a low net price of $8,201 per year and manageable debt of $11,000. However, graduates earn just $37,566 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Northern Oklahoma College?
Nursing programs at Northern Oklahoma College provide the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning around $46,924. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $23,649, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much student debt do Northern Oklahoma College graduates typically have?
Northern Oklahoma College graduates have a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The manageable debt load helps offset the lower post-graduation earnings for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Northern Oklahoma College and does it affect ROI?
Northern Oklahoma College has a 40.9% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without earning a degree.