Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southwestern Oklahoma State University at a Glance
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is a public university in Weatherford and Sayre, Oklahoma. It is one of six Regional University System of Oklahoma members.
1901
125 years old
$25M
$25 million
4,450
202
303 acres
Identity
Is Southwestern Oklahoma State University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,744 — 15% below average — while paying $14,459/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 37% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southwestern Oklahoma State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in OK
Ranked #198 of 250 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | CUNY York College | 100 | $4,456 | $56,945 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #198 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 29 | $14,459 | $45,744 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Southwestern Oklahoma State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in OK.
Best Programs at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
The highest-earning program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $30,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earns $61,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $30,000. 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 $13,344 in median debt vs. $20,261 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,459/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 | $61,400 | $61,400 | $13,344 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,500 | $37,500 | $14,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,400 | $35,400 | $19,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,000 | $30,000 | $20,261 |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Weatherford, OK
- Student Body
- 3,514 students
- Graduation Rate
- 37%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,459
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,744
- Median Student Debt
- $15,954