Students at the University of Oklahoma achieve exceptionally strong earnings outcomes, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who see some of the best financial results among public universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently outperform peers in both earnings and debt management, reflecting the institution's ability to deliver meaningful economic returns across student populations.
Azimuth ranks the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus 47th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 12% for overall value. What distinguishes OU is its combination of flagship-level academics, strong long-term earnings outcomes, and relatively predictable pricing structure. As Oklahoma's premier research university, OU delivers median 10-year earnings of $63,126 while maintaining reasonable net prices across income levels, though access is somewhat more limited than at typical public universities.
The university serves about 24% Pell Grant recipients and 28% first-generation students, reflecting a student body that skews toward middle- and upper-income families. Despite this more selective profile, OU performs exceptionally well for the low-income students it does enroll, with graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds earning $62,500 ten years out—placing the institution in the top 10% nationally for low-income student outcomes.
As a large research university in Norman, OU offers the comprehensive academic breadth and alumni network strength typical of flagship institutions, while delivering financial returns that consistently exceed what similar students achieve at peer universities. The combination of academic reputation, career outcomes, and manageable costs makes OU an attractive option for families seeking a traditional college experience with strong long-term value.
The University of Oklahoma's program portfolio reflects both Oklahoma's economic strengths and the comprehensive nature of a flagship research university. Petroleum Engineering leads in earnings outcomes with graduates earning $91,017 ten years out, capitalizing on the state's energy sector prominence and OU's established industry connections. This specialized program, while enrolling only 72 students, demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-paying technical careers in regional growth industries.
Executive/Career Coaching represents OU's highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment of 321 graduates with solid median earnings of $47,260. This reflects the university's strength in professional development and business-oriented fields that prepare students for management and leadership roles. General Studies, the largest program with 336 graduates, serves as a flexible pathway for students seeking broad-based education, though earnings outcomes are more moderate at $37,834.
The variation in program outcomes—from specialized fields earning over $90,000 to others starting around $16,000—highlights the importance of program selection at OU. The university's comprehensive offerings allow students to pursue everything from highly technical engineering disciplines to liberal arts fields, with career outcomes varying significantly based on chosen field of study. This breadth provides options for diverse student interests while maintaining strong employer connections across multiple sectors throughout Oklahoma and beyond.
Graduates of the University of Oklahoma earn solid long-term returns on their educational investment. Ten years after enrollment, they achieve median earnings of $63,126, placing OU in the top 20% nationally for graduate earnings among public universities. While the institution's value-added earnings show a modest negative figure, this largely reflects the strong academic preparation and family backgrounds of OU students, who would likely succeed at most institutions they attend.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across OU's academic portfolio. Petroleum Engineering stands out as the highest-earning major, with graduates earning $91,017 ten years out, reflecting Oklahoma's energy sector strength and OU's established reputation in this field. Executive/Career Coaching represents the highest aggregate return program, combining strong enrollment of 321 graduates with solid median earnings of $47,260. General Studies, OU's largest program with 336 graduates, produces more moderate earnings of $37,834, while some specialized programs like Analytical Chemistry show lower early returns at $16,478.
The university's strength lies in its comprehensive program mix and established employer relationships across multiple sectors. With nearly 5,000 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, OU demonstrates consistent ability to connect students with well-paying career opportunities. The institution's location in Oklahoma provides cost-of-living advantages that help graduates' earnings stretch further compared to similar salaries in higher-cost regions.
The University of Oklahoma maintains predictable and generally reasonable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of $12,555 annually, which sits around the national median for public universities. Middle-income families face costs of $17,551 per year, while high-income students pay $23,842—all figures that reflect typical flagship university pricing without significant premium charges.
Debt levels at OU are manageable for most graduates given their earning potential. Students typically leave with $20,654 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount considering the median 10-year earnings of $63,126. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $27,028, reflecting the university's appeal to middle- and upper-income families who often supplement student aid with family contributions. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes OU's affordability story particularly strong is the loan repayment trajectory of its graduates. The university consistently outperforms national benchmarks for debt paydown, with borrowers paying off balances faster than peers at similar institutions. By year four after graduation, OU borrowers have paid down about 12% of their original balance, placing them in the top 15% nationally for repayment progress—a clear indicator that graduates have sufficient income to manage their educational debt comfortably.
University Of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
