Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,126/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,126/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,654 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,296 | $143,167 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $114,892 | $272,159 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $89,746 | $41,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,422 | $69,469 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $66,461 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $15,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,468 | $16,915 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $56,344 | $170,890 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $55,512 | $49,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Doctoral | $53,358 |
Analysis
The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center pays off if you finish a health-focused bachelor's degree, and the numbers back that up. Median debt sits around $20,000 against median earnings above $63,000 ten years out, so you graduate owing less than a year's pay. For a public health-sciences campus, that debt-to-earnings ratio is the strongest argument in its favor.
The dental support and allied health diagnostic programs are the standouts here. Dental support graduates earn about $66,000 on roughly $15,000 in debt, which is close to the best case you can build at this school. Nursing follows behind at around $59,000, still solid given Oklahoma's steady demand for registered nurses. Nutrition Sciences is the weak spot. At about $45,000, it trails the dental program by more than $20,000 a year while costing you the same time in school, so think hard before choosing it as your path.
The risk specific to this campus is its narrow focus. Every listed program is clinical or allied health, so your degree here is a bet on healthcare employment. If you don't want a career treating patients or working in a lab, the payoff logic breaks down, and you should look at OU's Norman campus or another general four-year school.
This is a good financial fit for you if you're set on nursing, dental support, or diagnostic health work and want to keep borrowing low. Weigh your net price against your family income before committing, since aid varies widely. If you're undecided on a major or leaning toward the lower-paying nutrition track, the math is thinner and worth a second look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center worth the cost?
For pharmacy and dentistry students, yes - these programs lead to six-figure salaries that justify the investment. Other health programs offer mixed returns, with nursing providing solid outcomes but some rehabilitation fields showing weaker financial performance.
What is the average debt at University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center?
The median debt is $20,654, which is relatively low for a health sciences program. This manageable debt load makes the school's outcomes more attractive compared to other medical schools with much higher borrowing requirements.
Which University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center programs have the best ROI?
Pharmacy leads with $118,296 average earnings, followed by dentistry at $114,892. These programs offer strong returns that easily cover educational costs and debt payments.
Do University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center graduates earn enough to pay off loans?
Most do, thanks to low median debt of $20,654 and strong earning potential in top programs. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like dental support services may face tighter budgets despite the reasonable debt levels.