At $23,600/yr net price, Oral Roberts University graduates earn $46,885/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,885/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,600 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,885/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,885/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,412/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,588/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,615/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,477/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 | $58,221 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $26,917 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,608 | $20,003 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $44,189 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $21,750 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Master | $35,416 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,946 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,755 | $25,250 |
The Risk Factor
53.9% of students at Oral Roberts University 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
Oral Roberts University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business and healthcare majors but weak performance for students pursuing ministry degrees. The $23,600 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads, but your major choice determines whether you'll earn enough to justify the cost.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $58,221 in median earnings against $27,000 in debt. Business administration and accounting also perform well, with business majors earning $53,608 while carrying just $20,003 in debt. Engineering graduates hit $57,318 in earnings, making the technical programs solid investments.
Theological studies present the biggest financial risk. With median earnings of $44,189, ministry majors earn barely more than the overall university median despite similar debt loads. If you're pursuing ministry, you'll likely struggle to achieve positive ROI compared to secular career paths.
The 53.9% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly half of students who start at ORU don't finish, meaning you could end up with debt but no degree. The 81.4% retention rate suggests most students who struggle leave early, but that still represents significant financial exposure.
ORU works financially if you're targeting business, healthcare, or engineering programs and have strong academic focus. The relatively low debt levels help even average-earning majors achieve reasonable returns. However, students uncertain about their major or considering ministry should carefully evaluate whether the costs align with realistic career earnings. With only one-third of students receiving aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited for reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oral Roberts University worth the cost?
Oral Roberts University's $23,600 annual net price leads to median earnings of $46,885 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With a 54% graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt, the financial return is modest unless you pursue high-paying programs like nursing or engineering.
What are the best paying majors at Oral Roberts University?
Nursing programs at Oral Roberts University offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $58,221 annually. Accounting ($57,995) and engineering ($57,318) also provide solid returns, while theology graduates typically earn $44,189.
How much debt do Oral Roberts University graduates have?
Oral Roberts University graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average earnings of $46,885, graduates may struggle to pay off loans quickly unless they enter high-paying fields.
Does Oral Roberts University have good job placement after graduation?
Only 54% of students graduate from Oral Roberts University within six years, which raises concerns about completion and job readiness. Career outcomes vary significantly by major, with nursing and business graduates faring much better than those in lower-paying programs.