At $17,413/yr net price, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates earn $63,126/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,126/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,413 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,126/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,126/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,654 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,555/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,730/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,551/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,593/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,842/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,296 | $143,167 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $114,892 | $272,159 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Doctoral | $107,694 | $105,335 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $95,473 | $35,957 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $94,408 | |
| Computer Science. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $91,017 | $23,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $89,746 | $41,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $83,177 |
The Risk Factor
75.3% of students at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Oklahoma-Norman gives you a solid financial return, with earnings above the typical bachelor's payoff and debt held to a level most graduates can clear without strain. A 75% grad rate and an 89% retention rate mean you're likely to finish, which is the single biggest factor in whether college pays off at all. Dropouts carry debt without the degree that services it, and OU keeps that risk low.
Engineering is where the money is here. Petroleum engineering leads at over $91,000, which fits Oklahoma's oil and gas economy directly and puts a Norman degree to work in the state's largest industry. Industrial, construction management, aerospace, and electrical engineering all land in the high $60,000s to low $70,000s. Construction management is the efficiency standout: near-identical pay to aerospace with the lowest debt of the group. Petroleum engineering carries the highest debt on this list, but the salary covers it fast.
The risk specific to OU is concentration in petroleum. That $91,000 number tracks oil prices, and a downturn in the energy sector hits Norman's top earners harder than a diversified job market would. If crude drops, so do those starting offers.
Note that these are the top programs by pay. Majors outside engineering will earn less, and OU's overall median of $63,000 reflects that spread.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $14,000 a year, and the aid tiers keep OU affordable at the bottom. Above $110,000, you pay closer to the sticker figure. The school fits you well if you're headed into engineering, especially energy or construction. If you're aiming at a lower-paying field, price out the total cost against realistic starting pay before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus worth the cost?
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus offers solid value with a net price of $17,413 and median earnings of $63,126 after 10 years. The geology, pharmacy, and dental programs deliver strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify costs.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus?
Geology leads with $122,038 in median earnings, followed by pharmacy at $118,296 and dentistry at $114,892. Business graduates earn $95,473, which is respectable but not exceptional for the field.
How much debt do University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $20,654, which is manageable given the school's earning outcomes. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially in the higher-paying programs.
Does University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus have good graduation rates?
The school graduates 75% of students, which is above average but not outstanding. Combined with the 73% acceptance rate, this suggests moderate academic rigor and decent student support.