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 gives you a mixed financial picture that depends heavily on your major. Median earnings ten years out sit near $48,000, and median debt of $21,000 is manageable against that. The bigger risk is finishing at all: only 37.5% of students graduate, and one in three freshmen don't return for a second year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome here, and the numbers say it happens to a lot of people at UCO.
Your major decides whether this pays off. Electrical engineering leads at $68,499, and nursing follows at $61,192 with debt close to the typical figure. Accounting and computer science both land in the mid-$50,000s while carrying below-average debt, which makes them the cleanest value on the list. Mechanical engineering pays similarly but comes with $25,000 in debt, the highest of the top programs, so the return is thinner than the sticker earnings suggest. These are all bachelor-level outcomes tied to Oklahoma City-area employers in healthcare, energy, and finance.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and punish middle earners. If your family makes under $48,000, you pay around $16,000 a year. Cross into the $48-75k band and the price jumps to about $20,000. above $110k it climbs past $24,000. The steepest increase hits families earning $48,000 to $75,000, who lose roughly $3,300 in aid for crossing that line.
UCO fits you if you're an Oklahoma resident heading into engineering, nursing, accounting, or computer science and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about completing a degree or drawn to a lower-paying field, because the low graduation and retention rates make the debt a real gamble.
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.