Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Northwestern Oklahoma State University at a Glance
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) is a public university in Alva, Oklahoma, with satellite campuses in Enid and Woodward. It offers both bachelor's and master's degrees.
1897
129 years old
1,789
Identity
Is Northwestern Oklahoma State University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,358 — 18% below average — while paying $10,104/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Northwestern Oklahoma State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Northwestern Oklahoma State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OK
Ranked #41 of 80 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 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #41 | Northwestern Oklahoma State University | 36 | $10,104 | $44,358 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Northwestern Oklahoma State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in OK.
Best Programs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University
The highest-earning program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $24,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Northwestern Oklahoma State University earns $53,200, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $24,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $15,000 in median debt vs. $14,371 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,104/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 | $53,200 | $53,200 | $15,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,100 | $33,100 | $15,406 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $31,800 | $31,800 | $13,166 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,200 | $29,200 | $14,552 |
| Psychology, General | $24,200 | $24,200 | $14,371 |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Alva, OK
- Student Body
- 1,498 students
- Admission Rate
- 65%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,104
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,358
- Median Student Debt
- $17,355