East Central University
East Central University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
East Central University at a Glance
East Central University is a public university in Ada, Oklahoma. It is part of Oklahoma's Regional University System. Beyond its flagship campus in Ada, the university has courses available in McAlester, Shawnee, and Durant, as well as online courses. Founded as East Central State Normal School in 1909, its present name was adopted in 1985. Some of its more prominent alumni include former Microsoft COO B. Kevin Turner, Modernist painter Leon Polk Smith, former NFL player Mark Gastineau, past gov…
1909
117 years old
$36M
$35,564,099
3,577
Identity
Is East Central University Worth It?
East Central University offers moderate value at $8,683/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $44,962, which is 16% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How East Central University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OK
Ranked #44 of 117 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #44 | East Central University | 43 | $8,683 | $44,962 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of East Central University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in OK.
Best Programs at East Central University
The highest-earning program at East Central University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Resources Management and Services at $23,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from East Central University earns $58,300, while a Human Resources Management and Services graduate earns $23,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,683/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,300 | $58,300 | $21,031 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,500 | $32,500 | $18,532 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,200 | $31,200 | $18,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,000 | $31,000 | $16,873 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,500 | $25,500 | $12,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $23,300 | $23,300 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Ada, OK
- Student Body
- 2,467 students
- Admission Rate
- 58%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,683
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,962
- Median Student Debt
- $17,671