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 gives you a low-cost entry point with modest returns. At roughly $8,200 a year in net price and $11,000 in median debt, you're not taking on much risk. But median earnings of $37,566 ten years out show this is a stepping stone, not a finish line.
Your program choice decides everything here. The nursing associate degree pays $46,924, nearly double the $23,649 that the Liberal Arts and General Studies track returns. That's a $23,000-a-year gap between the two listed programs. Nursing carries more debt ($13,433 vs. $6,653), but the earnings more than cover it. If you enroll in Liberal Arts and stop there, your degree earns you less than many jobs that require no college at all.
The main risk is the 40.9% graduation rate. Six in ten students don't finish, and if you borrow and leave without the credential, you carry debt with none of the earnings payoff. The Liberal Arts path is meant to transfer to a four-year school. treated as a terminal degree, the numbers don't work.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $5,900. over $110k, you pay roughly $13,100. If your family earns under $48k, this is one of the cheapest ways to test college or knock out prerequisites.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing, or using it as a low-cost transfer launch to a bachelor's degree elsewhere. It's a poor fit if you plan to stop at a general Liberal Arts associate and expect it to lift your income. Pick a program with a clear job or transfer plan, finish it, and the low cost works in your favor.
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.