At $8,543/yr net price, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma graduates earn $41,913/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,913/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,543 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,172 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,913/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,913/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,445/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,105/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,684/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,794/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,515/yr |
The Risk Factor
36.3% of students at University of Science and Arts of 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
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma gives you a low sticker cost paired with weak completion odds, and that combination defines its financial risk. At $8,543 a year, the net price is modest, and median debt of $21,750 stays close to what a public bachelor's degree typically requires. The problem is what happens after: median earnings ten years out sit near $42,000, and only about a third of students finish. If you take on the debt but don't graduate, you carry the loans without the degree that pays them back.
The 36% graduation rate is the number to sit with. A 71% retention rate means nearly three in ten students leave after their first year, and completion falls further from there. Your financial return depends almost entirely on being in the group that finishes.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay between $4,105 and $6,445 a year, less than higher earners. Above $75,000, your price climbs past $13,000 and the value math gets tighter, since the earnings ceiling is the same regardless of what you paid to attend.
No program-level earnings data is listed here, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown. Judge programs on their own before enrolling.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lower income tiers, you're confident you'll finish, and you're targeting a specific credential that leads to Oklahoma-area work. Look elsewhere if you'd pay the top tier, or if a $42,000 median a decade out doesn't cover the debt you'd take on. The low price only pays off if you graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma worth the cost compared to other colleges?
With a low net price of $8,543 per year and median earnings of $41,913 after 10 years, USAO offers decent value for the cost. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What is the job market like for University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma graduates?
USAO graduates earn about $42,000 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's liberal arts focus means career outcomes vary widely depending on your major and whether you pursue graduate school.
How much student debt do University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma students typically have?
Students graduate with a median debt of $21,750, which is manageable given the starting salaries. The monthly loan payments would be around $240, representing about 7% of typical graduate income.
Should I attend University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma if I'm unsure about my career goals?
USAO's low graduation rate of 36% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. If you're undecided about your major, consider starting at a community college or choosing a school with better support systems and higher completion rates.