At $5,877/yr net price, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City graduates earn $41,307/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,307/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,877 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,307/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,307/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,860/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,905/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,039/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,096/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. | Associate | $57,811 | $14,801 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,465 | $14,989 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 | $14,664 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $33,637 | $11,696 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
13.2% of students at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City 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 State University-Oklahoma City offers solid financial value for students who complete their programs, but the school's 13% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Your ability to finish your degree determines whether you get meaningful returns on your education investment.
Nursing programs deliver the strongest ROI at this campus, with registered nursing graduates earning $57,811 annually against relatively modest debt loads around $14,800. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $50,465 per year. These healthcare tracks justify the time and cost because Oklahoma City's medical sector provides steady employment opportunities for program completers.
Criminal justice and interdisciplinary studies programs show weaker returns, with graduates earning in the low $30,000s. Given Oklahoma's cost of living, these salaries provide limited financial advancement over high school earnings, especially when factored against the completion risk.
The low graduation rate represents your biggest financial hazard. Most students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This pattern suggests either inadequate academic preparation or insufficient support systems. You need honest self-assessment about your readiness for college-level work before enrolling.
This school works financially for students with clear healthcare career goals who can commit fully to completion. The nursing and allied health programs have established regional job pipelines. Avoid OSU-OKC if you're uncertain about your major or considering it as a fallback option.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, limiting accessibility. Merit scholarships exist but competition remains intense. Your strongest cost strategy involves completing an associate degree efficiently, then evaluating whether bachelor's completion makes financial sense based on your specific career target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,877 per year and median debt of only $14,250, OSU-OKC offers good value for students who graduate. However, the 13% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree and still owe money.
What programs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at OSU-OKC lead to median earnings of $57,811, making them the clear financial winner. Allied health programs also pay well at $50,465, while criminal justice graduates earn just $32,925.
How much debt do Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City graduates typically have?
OSU-OKC graduates have a median debt of $14,250, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, which happens to 87% of students who start here.
Do Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
Graduates earn $41,307 ten years later, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt levels. The real problem is that most students never finish their programs to see these earnings.