Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma · Public · 76.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 48/100 · Below Average Value
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE) is a regional public university in Durant, OK, enrolling about 3,018 students. With in-state tuition of $7,530 and a net price of only $8,039, SE is one of the most affordable four-year institutions in the data. The ROI score of 48 (Below Average Value) reflects two structural weaknesses: a 31.5% completion rate — meaning fewer than one in three students who enter will graduate within six years — and a payback period of 17.1 years, the second-longest in the peer group. The low tuition minimizes debt (median $17,000), but students who don't graduate still accumulate costs and obligations without the earnings boost of a degree. For those who do complete, the earnings premium of 31.3% over non-college workers and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 are respectable relative to cost. SE's strongest programs — computer science, aviation technology, and management — project solid earnings for degree completers. Its location in southern Oklahoma and proximity to the Chickasaw Nation and regional industry create genuine placement corridors for graduates who stay in-state.
The data raises concerns about Southeastern Oklahoma State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate31.5% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period17.1 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,530/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $16,740/yr |
| Average net price | $8,039/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $32,156 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,079 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $34,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $180 |
| Estimated payback period | 17.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 31.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,018 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is $7,530/year ($16,740/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $8,039/year, or roughly $32,156 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $5,193/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $13,570/year.
The median graduate leaves with $17,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $180 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,079 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,193 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,333 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,247 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,275 |
| $110,001+ | $13,570 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Low-income students (under $30,000) pay $5,193 net — among the lowest in the data for any four-year institution. Four-year investment of roughly $20,800 is comparable to a year at many private colleges. The 17-year payback period reflects the full student population's outcomes; program choosers who graduate in tech or aviation face a dramatically shorter horizon. Pell grants and Oklahoma Promise scholarships can further reduce costs toward zero.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001–$75,000 income band pays $8,247 net — a modest step up, with four-year cost around $33,000. Middle-income families get excellent affordability but should note the completion rate risk. Students who stop out without a degree still carry $17,000 median debt. Enrolling full-time, living on-campus if feasible, and choosing a career-aligned program are the clearest predictors of completing within four to five years.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Households above $110,000 pay $13,570 net — SE remains very affordable even at this tier. Four-year cost of roughly $54,000 is well below most regional public flagship costs. For families who can pay out of pocket without borrowing, SE becomes an even stronger ROI play: eliminate the debt, keep the earnings, and the payback period effectively shrinks to zero. The tradeoff is institutional prestige and graduate school signaling.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Southeastern Oklahoma State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $52,418 | C |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $66,785 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $49,672 | - |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $53,029 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,523 | B |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $39,544 | C+ |
| Biology | $45,800 | - |
| Teacher Education | $46,166 | B |
| Accounting | $61,000 | - |
| Psychology | $35,428 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences is SE's strongest ROI program. Eight graduates earned $55,922 in year one and $95,825 at four years — exceptional growth reflecting the Oklahoma City and Dallas tech corridor pull. Debt data is not reported for this cohort, limiting full ratio analysis. At SE's $8,039 net price, a CS degree likely means modest total debt, positioning graduates well against the strong earnings trajectory.
Quality Control and Safety Technologies
Quality Control and Safety Technologies is SE's largest high-ROI program by graduate count (64). Graduates earn $51,356 at one year and $66,785 at four, with a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio (C+). This program feeds directly into aerospace, defense, and energy sector quality and safety roles — industries with strong Oklahoma and Texas presence. At SE's low net cost, the ratio improves materially for students with below-average debt.
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Management graduates (43 reported) earn $44,959 at one year and $53,029 at four years, with a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio (C+). This is a broadly applicable business program that feeds regional industry, government, and tribal enterprise employment. The four-year earnings ceiling is lower than pure accounting or finance tracks, but debt is minimal at SE's tuition level.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (17 graduates) shows a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 and an ROI grade of B — SE's best graded program. One-year earnings of $42,194 match Oklahoma starting teacher salaries. The relatively low median debt of $16,500 combined with Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for public school teachers makes this one of SE's cleaner ROI stories.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice (29 graduates) earns $34,958 at one year and $51,523 at four years, with a 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio and B grade — better than the institutional average. SE's program feeds law enforcement, tribal government security, and corrections roles across the region. Public safety careers often include loan repayment benefits that further improve net ROI for graduates choosing this path.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 67.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 52.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 76.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-593 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-593 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 3,018 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,173 |
SE admits 76% of applicants. ACT mid-range is 18–24 composite; SAT mid-range is 490–593 across sections. Admission is accessible for most high school graduates. Prospective students should assess their readiness for college-level coursework, particularly in quantitative fields; SE's low completion rate partly reflects students entering under-prepared. Early placement testing and developmental coursework advisement can improve persistence.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among peers — Cameron University, University of Central Oklahoma, Wayne State College, UW Parkside, and SUNY Fredonia — SE has one of the lowest sticker and net prices. Its ROI score of 48 trails UCO and SUNY Fredonia, which show stronger completion rates. Wayne State College (ROI 46) is a close comp in score and mission. SE's aviation and safety technology programs give it a distinct vocational niche that most regional publics lack. On completion rate, SE underperforms the peer median significantly — a signal that persistence support infrastructure needs investment.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University (this school) | 48 | $8,039 | $45,079 |
| SUNY at Fredonia | 51 | $15,897 | $54,247 |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | 51 | $11,772 | $51,129 |
| Wayne State College | 46 | $15,360 | $47,075 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | 38 | $18,309 | $48,351 |
| Cameron University | 20 | $10,912 | $40,118 |
Who Thrives Here
SE suits price-sensitive students in southern Oklahoma and north Texas who can commute or live cheaply in Durant, and who have a clear program in mind. Aviation and technology students in particular benefit from SE's aviation science focus and regional industry ties. Students drawn to the campus's low cost should pair enrollment with robust advising and financial planning to improve completion odds. The 41.6% Pell Grant rate confirms SE's role serving first-generation and working-class families.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Southeastern Oklahoma State University is mixed. At $8,039 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $45,079 ten years after entry - a payback period of 17.1 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 31.5% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $17,000 against $45,079 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.