At $11,366/yr net price, Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduates earn $44,358/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,358/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,366 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,358/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,358/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,355 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,050/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,936/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,315/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,731/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,614/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 | $56,505 | $13,488 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,937 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,648 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,980 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,880 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,192 | $15,787 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $15,000 |
| Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $17,433 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $27,476 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $15,750 |
The Risk Factor
35.4% of students at Northwestern Oklahoma 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
Northwestern Oklahoma State University delivers weak financial returns with a median graduate earning just $44,358 ten years after graduation despite a net cost of $11,366 annually. The concerning 35% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never complete their degree, making this a high-risk investment for most families.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable program, with graduates earning $56,505 while carrying below-average debt of $13,488. If you plan to study nursing, Northwestern offers solid value. All other programs show poor returns, with education majors earning between $33,880 and $41,937 despite facing a challenging job market in rural Oklahoma. Psychology graduates fare even worse at $39,648, well below national averages for the field.
The school's 65% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree. Northwestern works financially only if you can secure significant financial aid, graduate in four years, and study nursing. The low 41% of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional support for most families.
You should consider Northwestern only if you receive substantial scholarships that reduce your net cost below $8,000 annually or if you specifically want to study nursing in rural Oklahoma. Students interested in education should explore state universities with stronger teacher placement records and higher graduate earnings. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earning outcomes, and limited program diversity makes Northwestern a poor financial choice for most students seeking career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern Oklahoma State University worth the cost?
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers a low net price at $11,366 per year, but graduates earn only $44,358 after 10 years. The nursing program provides better returns at $56,505, while education majors face lower earning potential.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Northwestern Oklahoma State University?
Job prospects vary significantly by major at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Nursing graduates earn competitive salaries around $56,500, but education majors typically earn $33,880-$41,937, which may not justify even the low tuition costs.
How much debt do Northwestern Oklahoma State University students graduate with?
Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduates leave with a median debt of $17,355. While this is relatively manageable, the 35% graduation rate means many students take on debt without completing their degrees.
Which programs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $56,505 annually. Education programs show weaker returns, with most teaching majors earning under $42,000 despite similar education costs.