Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Oklahoma City University at a Glance
Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a private university historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.
1904
122 years old
$95M
$94.98 million
2,748
1,619 undergrad · 1,129 grad
104 acres
Identity
Is Oklahoma City University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Oklahoma City University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,655 — 2% above average — while paying $22,857/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.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Oklahoma City University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Oklahoma City University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #60 of 182 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 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #6 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #60 | Oklahoma City University | 39 | $22,857 | $54,655 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Oklahoma City 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 City University
The highest-earning program at Oklahoma City University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Dance at $19,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Oklahoma City University earns $62,000, while a Dance graduate earns $19,200. 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 $18,750 in median debt vs. $26,660 for Dance.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,857/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 | $62,000 | $62,000 | $18,750 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $24,400 | $24,400 | $27,000 |
| Music | $20,900 | $20,900 | $27,000 |
| Dance | $19,200 | $19,200 | $26,660 |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Student Body
- 1,514 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,857
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,655
- Median Student Debt
- $20,835