At $23,880/yr net price, Oklahoma Baptist University graduates earn $48,434/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,434/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,880 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,434/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,434/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,801 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,668/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,530/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,595/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,828/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,449/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 | $52,107 | $27,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,123 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $25,825 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $34,793 | $21,050 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $19,500 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
49.7% of students at Oklahoma Baptist University 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
Oklahoma Baptist University gives you a mixed financial picture, with one clear winner and several majors that leave you underwater. Median earnings ten years out land at $48,434, while median debt sits around $24,801, so a typical graduate carries less than one year of post-graduation pay in loans. That balance is workable, but it hides big gaps between programs.
Nursing is the program that pays off here. At $52,107, it clears the school's overall median and gives you a direct line into Oklahoma's hospital and clinic hiring, though it also comes with the highest debt of any listed program at $27,000. The two teacher education tracks land around $35,000, which fits Oklahoma's low teacher pay scale but leaves little room to service $21,000 to $26,000 in debt quickly. Human Development and Anthropology are the real problems: both report about $21,508, roughly what you could earn without the degree, and the debt attached to Human Development makes that math worse.
The biggest risk specific to OBU is completion. A 49.7% graduation rate and a 68.6% retention rate mean a large share of students borrow, leave, and never get the degree that justifies the cost. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it is a real possibility here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: if your household earns under $48,000, you pay less than families making six figures, who pay close to the sticker $27,449. OBU is a reasonable financial fit if you commit to nursing, or to teaching with your eyes open about the pay. If you are drawn to Human Development or Anthropology and would need to borrow heavily, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma Baptist University worth the cost?
Oklahoma Baptist University graduates earn $48,434 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $23,880 annually and median debt of $24,801, the return on investment is modest at best.
What are the best paying majors at Oklahoma Baptist University?
Nursing programs at Oklahoma Baptist University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $52,107. Mental health services graduates earn $42,123, while education majors typically earn $34,000-$35,000.
How much debt do Oklahoma Baptist University graduates have?
Oklahoma Baptist University graduates carry a median debt of $24,801. This debt level is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for lower-earning majors like human development services, where graduates earn just $21,508.
What is the graduation rate at Oklahoma Baptist University?
Oklahoma Baptist University has a 49.7% graduation rate, meaning half of students don't complete their degree. This below-average completion rate increases the risk of student debt without the benefit of a degree.