At $18,990/yr net price, University of Central Oklahoma graduates earn $48,351/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,351/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,990 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,351/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,351/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,012/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,695/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,039/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,781/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,282/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,499 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,324 | $24,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,192 | $21,922 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,625 | $19,845 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $25,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,661 | $18,750 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $51,607 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $49,729 | $37,787 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $49,058 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,265 | $33,164 |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at University of Central Oklahoma 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
University of Central Oklahoma delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes tied directly to your major choice. The $18,990 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads, but only 37.5% of students graduate, meaning financial risk runs high if you don't finish.
Engineering and business programs justify the investment. Electrical engineering graduates earn $68,499 annually, while business administration majors hit $67,324 with manageable $24,200 debt loads. Nursing provides solid middle-ground returns at $61,192, and accounting graduates earn $55,625 with the lowest debt at $19,845. These programs align well with Oklahoma's energy, healthcare, and business sectors.
The graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. With nearly two-thirds of students leaving without degrees, you face losing your investment entirely if you struggle academically or lack clear direction. The 65.5% retention rate suggests many students realize quickly whether UCO fits their needs.
UCO works financially for cost-conscious students pursuing high-earning majors who can handle the academic demands. Engineering and business students see strong returns relative to modest debt levels. The school makes less sense if you're undecided about your major or considering lower-earning fields not listed among the top programs.
Only 35.5% of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a proven major and graduating on time. The low completion rate means UCO rewards focused, academically prepared students while penalizing those who treat college as an extended exploration period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Central Oklahoma worth the cost?
University of Central Oklahoma offers mixed value with a low graduation rate of 37.5% and median earnings of $48,351 ten years after enrollment. The relatively low debt burden of $21,000 helps offset concerns, but students should carefully consider program selection since outcomes vary widely by major.
What are the best paying programs at University of Central Oklahoma?
Engineering programs at University of Central Oklahoma provide the strongest returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $68,499 and mechanical engineering graduates earning $55,512. Business administration and nursing also offer solid prospects with earnings above $60,000.
How much debt do University of Central Oklahoma graduates have?
University of Central Oklahoma graduates carry a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with the low 37.5% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Central Oklahoma have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects depend heavily on your major at University of Central Oklahoma. Engineering and business graduates see strong earnings, but the overall median of $48,351 ten years out suggests many programs lead to modest career outcomes.