At $7,557/yr net price, Oklahoma Panhandle State University graduates earn $44,933/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,933/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,557 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,933/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,933/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,372/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,224/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,356/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,933/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 | $64,196 | $10,408 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,467 | $16,521 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,295 | $19,673 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Oklahoma Panhandle 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
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers extremely low costs but delivers poor graduation rates and below-average earnings for most programs. With a net price of just $7,557 annually and median debt of only $12,500, you'll pay less than almost anywhere else, but the 26% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $64,196 annually while carrying just $10,408 in debt. This program offers genuine ROI in a region with healthcare demand. Business Administration provides moderate returns at $40,467, though debt loads run higher at $16,521. Biology and Animal Sciences graduates face concerning outcomes, earning $27,295 and $25,194 respectively while carrying substantial debt loads that make repayment challenging.
The 47% retention rate signals serious academic support issues that create financial risk. If you struggle academically or need extensive student services, you're likely to accumulate debt without completing your degree. The rural Panhandle location limits internship and job opportunities, making career development harder.
This school works financially for students pursuing nursing who can handle the academic demands and complete the program. The low cost structure also benefits students from very low-income families who receive significant need-based aid. However, if you're considering biology, animal sciences, or other programs with weak earning potential, you should look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and limited regional job prospects creates substantial financial risk for most students outside the nursing program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma Panhandle State University worth the cost?
With a low net price of $7,557 and median debt of just $12,500, Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers good affordability. However, the extremely low 26% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the value proposition.
What programs at Oklahoma Panhandle State University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Oklahoma Panhandle State University provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $64,196 annually. Business administration graduates earn $40,467, while biology and animal science majors see much lower returns at $27,295 and $25,194 respectively.
How much debt do Oklahoma Panhandle State University graduates typically have?
Oklahoma Panhandle State University graduates have a median debt of $12,500, which is relatively manageable. The bigger concern is the 26% graduation rate, meaning most students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Do Oklahoma Panhandle State University graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
Graduates earn a median of $44,933 ten years after enrollment, which provides decent returns given the low cost and debt levels. The major risk is the poor graduation rate, as three-quarters of students don't complete their programs.