At $26,827/yr net price, Oklahoma Wesleyan University graduates earn $59,841/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,841/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,827 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,308 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,841/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,841/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,813 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,466/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,817/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,989/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,978/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,103/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. | Master | $87,532 | $36,408 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,077 | $32,950 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,557 | $22,985 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,468 |
The Risk Factor
28.4% of students at Oklahoma Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. The median debt of $24,813 stays close to one year of net price, and median earnings ten years out clear the debt load comfortably. The problem sits earlier: a 28% graduation rate and a 49% retention rate mean you have roughly even odds of leaving before you finish, and the good earnings numbers only apply if you graduate.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. It pays about $65,600 with debt under $23,000, so the credential covers its cost within the first year of work. It's the only bachelor's program with listed earnings data, so any other major you pick comes with no salary track record to lean on. If you're not headed into nursing, you're paying private-school prices without a proven return.
The pricing at OKWU is unusual. Families earning under $48,000 pay less than higher earners, dropping to about $22,800 in the $30k-$48k band. But the discount shrinks fast as income rises, and if your family earns over $75,000 you pay near the full $30,000 sticker with little relief. That flat top-tier pricing hits middle and upper-middle families hardest.
OKWU fits you if you're set on nursing and confident you'll finish all four years. The debt is manageable and the job market for nurses in Oklahoma rewards the degree. Look elsewhere if you're undecided on a major, since the low completion rate turns an unfinished degree here into debt with no earnings to offset it. At $27,000 a year, the risk of not graduating is the biggest financial threat this school carries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma Wesleyan University worth the money?
Oklahoma Wesleyan University's return on investment depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $65,000-$87,000 annually, making the $24,813 median debt manageable, but education majors face a tougher financial picture with $44,468 average earnings.
What is the job outlook for Oklahoma Wesleyan University graduates?
The school's 28% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs. However, those who do graduate and enter nursing typically find stable employment with decent pay in Oklahoma's healthcare market.
How much debt do Oklahoma Wesleyan University students typically have?
The median debt of $24,813 is reasonable compared to many private schools. With a net price of $26,827 per year, students who graduate in four years can expect manageable debt levels if they receive typical financial aid.
What are the best paying majors at Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns, with some specializations earning $87,532 annually. Business graduates average $66,077, while education majors face lower earnings at $44,468 despite similar education costs.