University of Oklahoma-Norman 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, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus comes out ahead: 83/100 to 38/100, a 45-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, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus runs $15,300 a year against $18,309 at University of Central Oklahoma - $3,009 more a year, or about $12,036 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates earn a median $63,126 against $48,351 at University of Central Oklahoma. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus and 16 years at University of Central Oklahoma.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus owing a median $20,654 versus $21,000 at University of Central Oklahoma. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.42 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 | University of Oklahoma-No... | University of Central Okl... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,797 | $8,818 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $27,377 | $19,704 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,300 | $18,309 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $61,200 | $73,236 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,600 | $36,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,126 | $48,351 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.3% | 36.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.2 yr | 16 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,654 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $219 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.42 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 69.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.3% | 61.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 76.6% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 22,734 | 10,170 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Oklaho... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,509 | $15,275 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,602 | $15,828 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,536 | $17,776 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,342 | $23,249 |
| $110,001+ | $20,986 | $24,183 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Oklaho... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $106,719 | $58,334 |
| Electrical Engineering | $91,833 | $90,152 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,653 | $88,188 |
| Management Information Systems | $91,291 | $66,442 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $88,953 | $64,107 |
| Accounting | $85,005 | $73,074 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,009 | $82,603 |
| Marketing | $77,606 | $60,961 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $76,148 | $50,636 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $71,589 | $49,630 |
| Human Resources Management | $65,881 | $69,235 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $65,646 | $53,927 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $65,474 | $49,383 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,731 | $51,332 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $61,404 | $57,186 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Oklaho... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 87 | 36 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 82 | 35 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 84 | 59 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 86 | 17 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 39 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 38 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus clearly outperforms University of Central Oklahoma (83 vs 38), a 45-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 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus.
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University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Strong 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.