University of Central Oklahoma combines open access admission with above-average mobility outcomes, ranking in the 82nd percentile for converting educational access into economic advancement. Low-income graduates earn among the top 50 nationally, while debt levels remain manageable at $21,000.
Modestly below average, reflecting the earnings-to-cost relationship
With an above average tier, driven by controlled net prices and manageable debt levels
Also well above average, indicating strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With a well above average tier, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational opportunity into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisOpportunity Builder with strong mobility outcomes
University of Central Oklahoma ranks #427 nationally with affordability performance at the 62.3rd percentile. Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, this large public university maintains open access admission with an 81.8% acceptance rate while delivering above-average outcomes across multiple dimensions.
The university enrolls 35.5% Pell-eligible students and 37.2% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to educational access. UCO admits transfer students at 37.5%, supporting diverse pathways to degree completion.
Graduates earn $48,351 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 36th percentile nationally. However, the university demonstrates strong value in mobility outcomes, ranking at the 82.5th percentile on Azimuth's mobility index.
This mobility performance reflects UCO's effectiveness in serving first-generation and lower-income students while maintaining manageable costs. The university's classification as an Opportunity Builder institution indicates its role in expanding educational access while delivering meaningful economic advancement for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
University of Central Oklahoma delivers educational value through controlled costs and targeted outcomes for diverse student populations. Graduates earn a median of $48,351 ten years after enrollment, which falls $7,747 below expectations based on student demographics.
However, this earnings performance must be evaluated alongside the university's affordability profile. Median student debt remains at $21,000, exactly matching the peer median, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43.
Students seeking affordable higher education with accessible admission and strong outcomes for first-generation college students. Well-suited for Oklahoma residents wanting diverse program options, particularly in criminal justice, nursing, and artificial intelligence, with manageable debt levels and above-average mobility outcomes.
University of Central Oklahoma admits 81.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This open access admission rate places UCO well above the peer median of 78.1%, indicating more accessible admission than similar public institutions.
The university's admission philosophy emphasizes educational opportunity over selectivity, reflecting its mission to serve diverse student populations including substantial numbers of first-generation college students. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though meeting basic admission requirements remains important.
For students building college lists, UCO represents a reliable option with predictable admission outcomes. The university's open access approach supports its role as an Opportunity Builder institution, prioritizing educational access while maintaining academic standards that prepare students for post-graduation success.
Students should view UCO as a strong foundation option that provides both admission security and meaningful degree programs across multiple fields of study.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Central Oklahoma's published cost of attendance reaches $25,913 per year, including $19,409 in out-of-state tuition, $8,886 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $18,990 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,923 from the sticker price.
This net price sits $3,400 below the peer median of $15,590, providing meaningful cost advantages compared to similar public institutions. The university's affordability profile demonstrates controlled costs that support its mission of educational access.
For Oklahoma residents, in-state tuition of $8,522 creates even greater affordability, though the federal data reflects the blended population including out-of-state students. UCO's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with room and board representing about one-third of total costs.
The $6,923 average financial aid reduction indicates substantial institutional and federal support that makes the published price more manageable for most families. This cost advantage, combined with accessible admission, positions UCO as an affordable pathway to degree completion and career preparation.
University of Central Oklahoma graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career years. Median earnings increase from $43,074 six years after enrollment to $44,951 at eight years and $48,351 at ten years, representing 12.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 4,091 graduates at six years, 4,913 at eight years, and 4,846 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 25th percentile earning $30,177 and the 75th percentile earning $68,978.
This 2.3:1 ratio reflects differences in program choice and career trajectory across UCO's diverse academic offerings. Low-income graduates earn $42,900, ranking at the top 50 nationally and indicating strong mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Approximately 27% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, showing balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The university's mobility index percentile of 82.5% demonstrates effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement, particularly for the substantial population of first-generation and Pell-eligible students enrolled.
Artificial Intelligence.
78 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
25 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
127 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
68 graduates
General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other.
25 graduates
University of Central Oklahoma offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #38 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, producing 78 graduates with median earnings of $89,163 and a value score of 81.6.
Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #21 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 101 students with median earnings of $58,549 and the highest value score of 81.7. Criminalistics and Criminal Science ranks #9 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 148 students with median earnings of $42,303.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #210 nationally and #2 in Oklahoma, with 127 graduates earning $68,341. General Studies represents the university's largest program with 207 graduates, reflecting UCO's role in serving diverse educational pathways.
The university holds multiple #1 rankings within Oklahoma across criminal justice, health professions, and education fields, demonstrating state-level program leadership.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arkansas State University Similar quality tier in Southwest (#425 ranked) | AR | 70% | $42,617 | #425 | Compare |
University Of Northern Iowa Similar quality tier (#426 ranked) | IA | 94% | $55,177 | #426 | Compare |
University Of Idaho Similar quality tier (#423 ranked) | ID | 79% | $54,670 | #423 | Compare |
Georgia Gwinnett College Similar quality tier (#429 ranked) | GA | 96% | $47,730 | #429 | Compare |
University Of Mississippi Similar quality tier (#418 ranked) | MS | 98% | $50,994 | #418 | Compare |
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