At $21,556/yr net price, Oklahoma City University graduates earn $54,655/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,655/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,556 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,655/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,655/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,835 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,408/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,156/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,574/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,115/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,694/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. | Doctoral | $92,632 | $84,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,083 | $24,872 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $73,823 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,915 | $32,041 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,898 | $13,986 |
| Sociology. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Law. | Certificate | $46,570 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $35,060 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $34,704 | $27,500 |
The Risk Factor
64.2% of students at Oklahoma City University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Oklahoma City University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $92,000 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI programs despite higher debt loads. Business administration and accounting also provide solid earning potential in the $66,000-$76,000 range with manageable debt levels.
The school's location in Oklahoma City works in your favor for certain fields. Healthcare positions are abundant in the metro area, supporting strong nursing outcomes. Business graduates benefit from the city's diverse economy and lower cost of living, which stretches their $76,000 median salary further than in coastal markets.
Your biggest financial risk comes from choosing the wrong program. While top majors show strong returns, other programs likely underperform given the overall median earnings of $54,655. The 64% graduation rate means one in three students leave without a degree, making debt without credentials a real concern.
Oklahoma City University makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, business, or accounting and plan to work in the region. The relatively low net price of $21,556 keeps debt manageable for high-earning majors. However, students interested in liberal arts or other fields with weaker job markets should consider more affordable state schools.
Financial aid coverage appears limited, with only 23% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships may be available but aren't widespread enough to significantly change the cost structure. Your best strategy is choosing a high-ROI major and graduating on time to avoid additional costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma City University worth the cost?
Oklahoma City University offers mixed value with a $21,556 annual net price leading to $54,655 median earnings after 10 years. The nursing programs provide strong returns with graduates earning over $90,000, but other programs show weaker financial outcomes.
What are the best paying programs at Oklahoma City University?
Nursing programs at Oklahoma City University deliver the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $92,632 and $63,898 depending on specialization. Business administration ($76,083) and energy systems technology ($73,823) also show solid returns compared to the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do Oklahoma City University graduates have?
Oklahoma City University graduates leave with a median debt of $20,835, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with median earnings of $54,655, graduates outside high-paying programs like nursing may struggle with debt-to-income ratios.
Does Oklahoma City University have good graduation rates?
Oklahoma City University has a 64% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year institutions. This means over one-third of students don't complete their degree, representing a significant financial risk for families investing in attendance.