At $7,461/yr net price, Western Oklahoma State College graduates earn $38,248/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,248/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,461 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,248/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,248/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,899/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,009/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,619/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,122/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,439 | $10,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $15,552 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at Western Oklahoma State College 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
Western Oklahoma State College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $50,439 annually against just $10,500 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in Oklahoma's healthcare market.
Liberal arts graduates face a much bleaker picture, earning only $15,552 annually with $9,500 in debt. This income barely exceeds minimum wage work and makes loan repayment challenging. The 33.8% graduation rate compounds these risks, meaning two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.
The $7,461 annual net price keeps costs manageable, but the low completion rate means many students pay without earning credentials. Only one-third of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond federal programs.
This school works financially if you enroll in nursing and complete the program. The rural Oklahoma location provides stable healthcare employment opportunities that justify the investment. Liberal arts students should consider transferring to a four-year institution where the general education credits might lead to better-paying careers.
Avoid Western Oklahoma State College if you plan to study liberal arts or lack confidence in completing your program. The graduation statistics suggest many students struggle to finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. Focus on nursing if you choose this school, as it represents the only pathway to strong financial returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Oklahoma State College worth the cost for most students?
Western Oklahoma State College offers a low net price of $7,461 per year, but graduates earn just $38,248 annually after 10 years. With only 34% of students graduating, most who enroll never finish their degree.
What programs at Western Oklahoma State College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Western Oklahoma State College lead to median earnings of $50,439, making them the clear financial winners. Liberal arts graduates earn only $15,552, which barely covers living expenses in most areas.
How much student debt do Western Oklahoma State College graduates typically have?
Western Oklahoma State College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. However, the low graduate earnings of $38,248 still make repayment challenging for many.
Does Western Oklahoma State College provide good financial aid to students?
The low net price of $7,461 at Western Oklahoma State College suggests decent financial aid for a community college. However, the poor graduation rate means many students spend money without earning a credential.