At $11,588/yr net price, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology graduates earn $45,634/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,634/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,588 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,634/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,634/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,334 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,334/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,920/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,411/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,749/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Associate | $61,681 | $12,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,860 | $14,000 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $50,022 | $11,000 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $49,683 | $11,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $44,356 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $44,356 | $11,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,791 | $12,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,532 | $14,167 |
The Risk Factor
42.2% of students at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology 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 State University Institute of Technology delivers solid financial returns for technical careers, with median earnings of $45,634 after graduation and relatively low debt loads. The low graduation rate of 42% represents the biggest financial risk at this school.
Your major choice drives your financial outcome here. Construction Engineering Technology graduates earn $61,681 annually with just $12,000 in debt, creating an excellent return on investment. Nursing program graduates also see strong earnings at $57,860 with $14,000 in debt. Vehicle maintenance and engineering technology programs both generate solid middle-class incomes around $50,000.
The affordable $11,588 net price and median debt of only $11,334 make this school accessible for students from working-class backgrounds. However, you must complete your program to see these returns. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, which leaves them with debt but no degree.
This school works best for students committed to hands-on technical careers who can handle the academic demands. The programs directly feed Oklahoma's energy, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, providing clear career paths. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or prefer traditional four-year college experiences.
The 40% of students receiving financial aid suggests merit opportunities exist, though specific scholarship details vary by program. Your best financial strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning technical programs and using all available resources to ensure graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,588 and median earnings of $45,634 after 10 years, OSU Institute of Technology offers decent value for technical careers. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology?
Construction Engineering Technologies leads at $61,681 annually, followed by nursing at $57,860. These programs justify the cost, but lower-paying options like general engineering technology at $49,683 offer marginal returns.
How much debt do Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology graduates have?
Median debt is $11,334, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With most graduates earning $45,000-60,000 annually, debt payments should be reasonable for those who complete their programs.
What is the biggest risk of attending Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology?
The 42% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without completing their programs. Dropping out means you get the debt but miss the career benefits that make technical education worthwhile.