Oklahoma Christian University delivers its strongest value through focused professional programs, particularly nursing and engineering, where graduates achieve solid earnings in stable career fields.
The university combines this program strength with affordable private college pricing and the close-knit community experience of a small Christian institution.
Oklahoma Christian University is a small private nonprofit institution in Edmond, Oklahoma, serving about 2,400 students in a close-knit Christian community setting. While the university faces some challenges with overall earnings outcomes—graduates earn a median of $49,203 ten years after enrollment, which falls somewhat below expectations for similar institutions—OCU delivers strong results in key professional programs, particularly nursing and engineering.
The university serves a moderately diverse student body, with about 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 18% being first-generation college students. Net prices are relatively affordable for a private institution, especially for low- and middle-income families who pay around $19,100-$19,400 annually after aid.
What distinguishes OCU is its focused approach to career preparation in high-demand fields. Despite being classified as an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of overall mobility outcomes, the university's nursing program graduates 52 students annually with median earnings of $53,358, while its mechanical engineering program produces graduates earning $59,124. For students drawn to these specific fields and the Christian university environment, OCU provides a pathway to stable professional careers.
Oklahoma Christian University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a professionally-focused Christian university, with clear strengths in health sciences and engineering. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the largest high-return program and a key driver of the university's employment outcomes, graduating 52 students annually who enter a field with strong job security and competitive pay.
Mechanical Engineering represents OCU's highest-earning program, with graduates earning $59,124 early in their careers. Though smaller in scale with about 25 graduates per year, this program demonstrates the university's ability to compete in technical fields despite its modest size. The engineering program's success reflects both strong curriculum and the advantage of small class sizes in technical education.
Other programs like Commercial Photography show OCU's broader liberal arts offerings, though these tend to produce more modest financial outcomes. The university's strength lies in its professional programs where clear career pathways and industry demand translate into stronger earnings for graduates.
Oklahoma Christian University graduates earn a median of $49,203 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the 51st percentile nationally—essentially average among all colleges and universities. However, this overall figure masks significant variation by program, with some fields delivering much stronger financial outcomes than others.
The university's standout programs center on professional fields with clear career pathways. Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 52 students annually, leads to median earnings of $53,358 and represents OCU's highest aggregate return program. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn even more at $59,124, though with smaller cohorts of about 25 students per year. These programs demonstrate OCU's ability to prepare students for stable, well-compensated careers in high-demand sectors.
Other programs show more modest outcomes, with Commercial Photography graduates earning around $33,459. This range reflects OCU's mix of professional programs alongside more general liberal arts offerings. For students focused on nursing, engineering, or similar professional tracks, the return on investment can be quite strong, while those in other fields may see more typical private college outcomes.
Oklahoma Christian University offers relatively strong affordability for a private institution, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Students from low-income backgrounds pay about $19,109 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $19,389—both figures representing substantial discounts from the sticker price and making OCU competitive with many public universities.
Even higher-income families pay $26,413 annually, which remains reasonable for private college pricing. The university appears to provide meaningful financial aid across income levels, helping to make the Christian university experience accessible to families who might otherwise find private education out of reach. This pricing structure reflects OCU's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining its distinctive educational mission.
Oklahoma Christian University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
