University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus vs University at Buffalo

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus and University at Buffalo come out about even on financial return. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus scores 83/100 and University at Buffalo scores 83/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus runs $15,300 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo - $5,695 more a year, or about $22,780 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University at Buffalo graduates earn a median $70,814 against $63,126 at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus and 6.3 years at University at Buffalo.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University at Buffalo owing a median $19,000 versus $20,654 at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.42 and 0.41 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.