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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,392 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,704 |
| Room and Board | $9,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,083 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,309 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,275 |
| $30–48k | $15,828 |
| $48–75k | $17,776 |
| $75–110k | $23,249 |
| $110k+ | $24,183 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Central Oklahoma graduates carry median debt of $21,000, exactly matching the peer median and indicating typical borrowing patterns for similar public institutions. Debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,750 at the 75th percentile, showing most students borrow modest amounts with some requiring more substantial financing.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 indicates that typical graduates dedicate about 43% of their first-year income to debt obligations, which falls within manageable ranges but requires careful financial planning. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,539 with monthly payments of $191, adding family debt obligations beyond student borrowing.
The combination of controlled debt levels with earnings of $48,351 creates sustainable repayment conditions for most graduates, though the debt-to-earnings ratio suggests that financial discipline remains important for successful debt management after graduation.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Central Oklahoma delivers educational value through controlled costs rather than exceptional earnings outcomes. With median earnings of $48,351 falling $7,747 below expectations, the university's return profile reflects its access mission and diverse program mix.
However, the debt level of $21,000 matches peer institutions while net price remains $3,400 below peers, creating cost advantages that partially offset earnings gaps. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 requires careful financial planning but remains manageable for graduates entering diverse career fields.
Low-income graduates earning $42,900 achieve meaningful economic outcomes relative to their backgrounds, supporting the university's mobility index ranking at the 82.5th percentile. The investment proposition centers on affordable access to degree completion with outcomes that support career advancement, particularly for first-generation students and those from lower-income backgrounds who represent substantial portions of enrollment.
University of Central Oklahoma serves 35.5% Pell-eligible students, substantially above the national average and reflecting the university's commitment to educational access for lower-income families. The $6,923 average financial aid savings represents about 27% of the total cost of attendance, indicating meaningful support across the student population.
Aid distribution shows particular concentration toward families earning under $75,000, who receive the most substantial net price reductions. The university's high first-generation share of 37.2% correlates with the substantial Pell population, as these student characteristics often coincide.
Financial aid effectiveness appears strongest for the core low-income population, with net prices remaining below $17,000 for families earning under $48,000. This aid profile supports UCO's role as an Opportunity Builder institution, making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise face financial barriers to degree completion.
