Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Oklahoma State vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career goals and financial objectives.
Analyzing 53 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#26 nationally
$55K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.
Engineering programs at Oklahoma State deliver exceptional earnings outcomes, with Mechanical Engineering producing $85,403 median earnings and ranking #41 nationally. Artificial Intelligence graduates earn $83,663, while Aerospace Engineering reaches $68,226.
These programs combine strong national rankings with manageable debt levels, creating excellent value propositions. Engineering students can expect debt-to-earnings ratios well below 0.4, making loan repayment highly manageable.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing high earnings potential and strong return on investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #26 |
Program outcomes vary significantly within institutions due to differences in career trajectories, industry demand, and regional job markets. These rankings reflect actual graduate outcomes from federal College Scorecard data, measuring median earnings and debt levels for degree recipients. Rankings compare programs nationally within each field, not across all programs at Oklahoma State. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in federal reporting, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported figures. Students should consider program-specific outcomes alongside personal interests and career goals, recognizing that individual results depend on factors including geographic location, additional certifications, and career choices beyond the degree program.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $96,261★ |
| $45,250 |
| 62 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #42 | $85,403 | $31,790 | 254 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #69 | $83,663 | $29,378 | 130 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | #18 | $82,708 | — | 44 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #14 | $78,417 | — | 15 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #130 | $72,820 | — | 22 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #19 | $72,645 | $36,675 | 54 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #141 | $71,176 | $36,150 | 58 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #62 | $69,486 | — | 49 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #195 | $68,499 | — | 56 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #51 | $68,226 | $41,369 | 82 |
| Agricultural Engineering. | #18 | $65,494 | — | 29 |
Business programs show varied outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading at $72,317 and Accounting Technology reaching $72,003. Digital Marketing produces $56,827 with strong national ranking (#103), while the large Business Administration program graduates 382 students annually at $54,967.
Some programs like Banking carry higher debt levels, while others maintain more manageable borrowing. This group serves students seeking diverse career paths in commerce and finance, with outcomes depending significantly on specialization choice.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #91 | $72,317★ | $49,634 | 189 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #92 | $72,003 | $46,162 | 176 |
| Digital Marketing. | #102 | $56,827 | $38,458 | 276 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #191 | $54,967 | $37,042 | 382 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #44 | $45,907 | $41,930 | 66 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | #20 | $44,384 | — | 44 |
| International Business. | #58 | $40,442 | — | 32 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #59 | $40,413 | — | 36 |
Health graduates earn 63K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.Small sample | #236 | $74,056★ | — | 17 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #7 | $65,876 | $44,161 | 73 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #41 | $48,997 | $41,238 | 51 |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. leads sciences & mathematics with 61K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #26 | $60,545★ | — | 65 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #186 | $46,943 | — | 33 |
| Immunology. | #41 | $37,748 | $32,288 | 74 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #35 | $26,353 | $27,959 | 59 |
| Biology, General. | #379 | $26,025 | $23,672 | 84 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #20 | $25,194 | — | 61 |
Psychology represents the primary program in this category, graduating 168 students with median earnings of $44,208. While earnings are moderate, debt levels remain reasonable at $35,843.
This field typically serves students planning graduate education or career paths in counseling, human resources, or social services. Students should expect longer earning growth trajectories and consider debt management carefully given the moderate starting earnings typical in psychology and related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #20 | $72,132★ | $19,940 | 52 |
| Psychology, General. | #180 | $44,208 | $35,843 | 168 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #230 | $39,574 | — | 38 |
Advertising ranks #29 nationally, producing $51,274 earnings for 122 graduates. However, debt levels reach $53,112, creating challenging debt-to-earnings ratios that extend payoff timelines.
This program attracts students interested in creative marketing careers, but financial planning becomes critical given the higher debt burden. Students should carefully consider debt management and explore scholarship opportunities to improve the financial equation in communications fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #30 | $51,274★ | $53,112 | 122 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #112 | $28,212 | — | 25 |
General Studies ranks exceptionally at #27 nationally, producing $52,247 earnings for 265 graduates with strong value scores. This program demonstrates that liberal arts education can yield solid career outcomes when combined with practical skills.
The large enrollment suggests strong student demand and institutional support. This pathway suits students seeking broad educational foundations with flexibility for diverse career applications, particularly those planning graduate school or professional programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #30 | $52,247★ | $40,740 | 265 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #156 | $34,281 | $31,812 | 56 |
| American History (United States). | #296 | $30,522 | — | 21 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #301 | $27,775 | — | 45 |
| Acting.Small sample | — | $24,871 | — | 7 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces $43,047 earnings for 116 graduates, reflecting typical outcomes in education fields. Debt levels of $45,624 create extended payoff timelines common in public service careers.
Education programs serve students committed to teaching and community service, where intrinsic rewards often complement moderate financial returns. Students should plan for longer debt repayment periods and consider public service loan forgiveness programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #109 | $46,040★ | $44,466 | 74 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #142 | $43,047 | $45,624 | 116 |
Agricultural programs reflect Oklahoma State's heritage strengths, with Agricultural Animal Breeding ranking #19 nationally despite moderate earnings of $43,388. Agribusiness operations produce $51,143 with solid value scores.
These programs typically involve higher debt levels relative to earnings, creating longer payoff timelines. However, graduates enter stable career fields with growth potential.
This group suits students passionate about agricultural sciences and willing to accept moderate earnings for meaningful work in essential industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #20 | $51,143★ | $38,194 | 167 |
| Soil Chemistry and Physics.Small sample | #7 | $43,421 | — | 14 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #23 | $43,388 | $46,970 | 217 |
| Agricultural Communication/Journalism. | #5 | $41,565 | $35,288 | 78 |
| Environmental Science.Small sample | #142 | $35,385 | — | 16 |
Criminal Justice graduates earn 89K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | #2 | $89,490 | — | 50 |
Aeronautics/Aviation shows the challenges of specialized career fields, with $36,141 earnings against $48,762 debt creating difficult financial equations. Despite ranking #24 nationally, the program struggles with affordability metrics.
Students passionate about aviation should carefully evaluate debt management and explore scholarship opportunities. This pathway requires strong commitment to the field given the financial challenges typical in entry-level aviation careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. | #11 | $56,272★ | — | 31 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #2 | $55,230 | $28,416 | 104 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #17 | $45,585 | $31,270 | 136 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #29 | $37,393 | — | 40 |
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | #25 | $36,141 | $48,762 | 102 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #214 | $35,437 | $59,059 | 61 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.