Oklahoma State University-Main Campus vs University of Central Oklahoma
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 70/100 to 38/100, a 32-point edge over University of Central Oklahoma. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus runs $17,447 a year against $18,309 at University of Central Oklahoma - $862 more a year, or about $3,448 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $57,413 against $48,351 at University of Central Oklahoma. The cost earns itself back in 9.4 years at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus and 16 years at University of Central Oklahoma.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Oklahoma State University-Main Campus owing a median $20,500 versus $21,000 at University of Central Oklahoma. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Oklahoma State University... | University of Central Okl... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,234 | $8,818 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $25,754 | $19,704 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,447 | $18,309 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,788 | $73,236 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,600 | $36,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,413 | $48,351 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.2% | 36.8% |
| Payback Period | 9.4 yr | 16 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.8% | 69.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 71.4% | 61.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 75.0% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 21,773 | 10,170 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Oklahoma State Unive... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,243 | $15,275 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,314 | $15,828 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,893 | $17,776 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $21,896 | $23,249 |
| $110,001+ | $24,711 | $24,183 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Oklahoma State Unive... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $96,447 | $90,152 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,436 | $88,188 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,641 | $87,792 |
| Registered Nursing | $82,326 | $82,603 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,340 | $58,334 |
| Accounting | $81,039 | $73,074 |
| Public Health | $52,517 | $67,452 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,062 | $64,107 |
| International Relations | $63,977 | $52,852 |
| Marketing | $62,716 | $60,961 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $61,369 | $60,207 |
| Biology | $59,081 | $50,748 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $56,543 | $57,186 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $56,319 | $50,636 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $54,953 | $48,851 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Oklahoma State Unive... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 71 | 36 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 65 | 35 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 59 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 75 | 17 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 39 |
| Overall ROI Score | 70 | 38 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Oklahoma State University-Main Campus clearly outperforms University of Central Oklahoma (70 vs 38), a 32-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Central Oklahoma brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.
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Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Central Oklahoma
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.