Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Oklahoma Baptist University at a Glance
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Baptist university in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It was established in 1910 under the original name of The Baptist University of Oklahoma. OBU is owned and was founded by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
1910
116 years old
$140M
$140 million (2019)
1,514
113
Identity
Is Oklahoma Baptist University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Oklahoma Baptist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,434 — 10% below average — while paying $20,958/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,801 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Oklahoma Baptist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Oklahoma Baptist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #18 of 52 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 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Judson University | 43 | $18,558 | $56,313 |
| #4 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #5 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #6 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
| #18 | Oklahoma Baptist University | 29 | $20,958 | $48,434 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Oklahoma Baptist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OK.
Best Programs at Oklahoma Baptist University
The highest-earning program at Oklahoma Baptist University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $51,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $33,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Oklahoma Baptist University earns $51,900, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $33,200. 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 $26,611 in median debt vs. $20,500 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,958/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 | $51,900 | $51,900 | $26,611 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,400 | $33,400 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,200 | $33,200 | $20,500 |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Shawnee, OK
- Student Body
- 1,308 students
- Admission Rate
- 49%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,958
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,434
- Median Student Debt
- $24,801