At $14,542/yr net price, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates earn $45,744/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,744/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,542 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,744/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,744/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,954 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,740/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,695/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,263/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,412/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,669/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,557 | $86,800 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,328 | $15,973 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,479 | $13,784 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,017 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,464 | $15,716 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,585 | $22,396 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,671 | $18,700 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $19,755 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
The Risk Factor
34.7% of students at Southwestern Oklahoma State 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
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns for specific programs but concerning completion rates that put your investment at risk.
The pharmacy program stands out as the clear winner, delivering nearly $120,000 in median earnings despite the high debt load of $86,800. Business administration and nursing also provide solid returns with manageable debt levels around $14,000 to $16,000. Engineering technology rounds out the profitable options with earnings near $57,000.
Your biggest financial risk at SWOSU is the 34% graduation rate. Two out of three students leave without completing their degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 70% retention rate signals many students struggle from the start.
This school works financially if you can commit to one of the high-earning programs and have the academic preparation to stay enrolled. The low net price of $14,542 makes it affordable for Oklahoma families, and only 38% of students need financial aid, suggesting reasonable sticker prices.
Avoid SWOSU if you are undecided about your major or considering programs outside the top earners listed above. The combination of low completion rates and weak earnings in other fields creates substantial downside risk. Students who need extensive academic support should consider schools with stronger retention infrastructure.
The school appears to offer merit aid opportunities given the low percentage requiring need-based aid, but you should verify specific scholarship programs for your intended major, particularly in pharmacy and business where the returns justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwestern Oklahoma State University worth the cost?
SWOSU offers decent value with a low net price of $14,542 annually and manageable debt levels around $16,000. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning and may limit your return on investment if you don't complete your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?
Pharmacy graduates earn the highest salaries at $119,557 annually, making it SWOSU's strongest ROI program. Business and nursing graduates also see solid returns with median earnings over $60,000.
How much debt do Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have?
SWOSU graduates carry a median debt of $15,954, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps improve the school's overall value proposition.
What is the job market like for Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates?
SWOSU graduates earn a median of $45,744 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's rural Oklahoma location may limit some career opportunities outside of pharmacy and healthcare fields.