University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma at a Glance
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) is a public liberal arts college in Chickasha, Oklahoma. It is the only public college in Oklahoma with a strictly liberal arts–focused curriculum and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. USAO is an undergraduate-only institution and grants bachelor's degrees in a variety of subject areas. The school was founded in 1908 as a school for women and from 1912 to 1965 was known as Oklahoma College for Women. It became coeduc…
1908
118 years old
$27M
$ 27,000,000
1,000
Identity
Is University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Worth It?
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $6,624/year, it's priced 68% below average, while graduates go on to earn $41,913 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% 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.
With median debt of $21,750 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #8 of 46 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 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #5 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #6 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #8 | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | 64 | $6,624 | $41,913 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OK.
Best Programs at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Program-level earnings data isn't available for University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $6,624/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
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Chickasha, OK
- Student Body
- 941 students
- Admission Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $6,624
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,913
- Median Student Debt
- $21,750