Est. Earnings (1yr)
$71,428
Est. from OK median (18 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$29,500
Est. from OK median (7 programs)

Analysis

Looking at nursing programs across Oklahoma, Bacone College's estimated figures suggest a middle-of-the-road outcome. Based on comparable programs at similar institutions in the state, graduates likely earn around $71,400 in their first yearβ€”on par with Oklahoma's median for nursing bachelor's degrees, though trailing the national median of nearly $75,000. Several state universities with reported data show first-year earnings in the mid-to-upper $70,000s, suggesting room exists for stronger outcomes within Oklahoma itself.

The estimated debt load of $29,500 aligns closely with what nursing students typically carry statewide and nationally. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, graduates would be borrowing roughly five months of their first-year salaryβ€”a manageable figure by most standards. For a school where 53% of students receive Pell grants, this represents accessible financing for working-class families pursuing a stable healthcare career.

The challenge here is uncertainty. These figures come entirely from peer programs rather than Bacone's actual graduate outcomes, making it difficult to assess what distinguishes this program from others in Oklahoma. If you're considering Bacone specifically for nursing, connect with recent graduates or the program directly to understand their actual placement rates and where alumni work. The estimates suggest reasonable value, but you're operating without the school-specific data that would make this decision clearer.

Where Bacone College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bacone CollegeMuskogee$15,060$71,428*β€”$29,500*β€”
Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah$7,513$80,792*$81,547$26,542*0.33
Oklahoma Panhandle State UniversityGoodwell$7,922$78,753*$75,453$29,416*0.37
Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford$8,295$75,846*$74,597$24,027*0.32
Rogers State UniversityClaremore$7,392$74,438*β€”$23,000*0.31
Oklahoma Wesleyan UniversityBartlesville$31,466$74,090*$82,732$31,589*0.43
National Medianβ€”$74,888*β€”$27,000*0.36
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bacone College, approximately 53% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 18 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.