At $16,378/yr net price, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates earn $57,413/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,413/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,378 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,512 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,413/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,413/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,690/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,606/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,274/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,860/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,650/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $72,231 | $26,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,176 | $24,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $18,682 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $69,002 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,499 | $20,574 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $63,855 | $24,525 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,335 | $20,637 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $23,097 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,964 | $29,850 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Oklahoma State University offers solid financial returns for engineering and business majors but delivers mixed results across other programs. The $16,378 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads, with most graduates carrying just $20,500 in loans.
Your major choice matters significantly here. Chemical and electrical engineering graduates earn around $70,000 annually, making their debt manageable within two years of graduation. Business administration majors also perform well financially, earning $69,338 with below-average debt of $18,682. The fire protection program stands out with $72,231 in earnings, though debt runs slightly higher at $26,000.
Other programs show weaker returns. With overall median earnings of $57,413, many majors fall short of strong ROI territory. The 66% graduation rate means one-third of students leave without degrees, creating financial risk for those who struggle academically.
You face specific risks at OSU if you choose lower-earning majors or struggle with the academic pace. The relatively high retention rate of 84% suggests most students who start finish their first year, but completion remains a concern.
OSU works financially if you target engineering, business, or veterinary programs and can handle the academic demands. The in-state tuition advantage makes this particularly attractive for Oklahoma residents. However, if you plan to study liberal arts or are uncertain about your major, other schools might offer better financial outcomes.
Only 26% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial aid availability. Focus on merit scholarships and choose your program strategically to maximize returns on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma State University-Main Campus worth the cost?
With a net price of $16,378 and median earnings of $57,413 ten years after graduation, Oklahoma State provides solid value for most students. The low median debt of $20,500 makes it financially manageable, though the 66% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus?
Fire protection and chemical engineering graduates earn over $70,000 annually, while business administration and veterinary medicine also provide strong returns around $69,000. These programs justify the investment better than lower-paying fields at the university.
How much debt do Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. Most graduates can reasonably pay this back within 10-15 years.
Does Oklahoma State University-Main Campus have good financial aid?
The net price of $16,378 suggests decent aid for many students, making it affordable compared to private schools. However, aid varies significantly based on family income and academic merit.