Business Administration, Management and Operations at Carl Albert State College

Carl Albert State College's business program shows concerning earnings outcomes that fall well below what students typically achieve at similar Oklahoma schools. First-year earnings of $26,274 lag the state median by nearly $7,000, ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide—meaning three-quarters of comparable Oklahoma programs deliver better starting salaries. Even nearby community colleges like Murray State and Northern Oklahoma are producing graduates who earn $9,000-$10,000 more right out of the gate.

The modest debt load of $10,568 offers some consolation, sitting below both state and national averages. However, even with this lighter debt burden, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 reflects the reality of those suppressed wages. The 18% earnings growth to $30,962 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates remain behind their peers at other Oklahoma institutions throughout the earnings window we can observe.

The small sample size here is worth noting—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could be skewing these numbers. Still, when a program trails the state median this substantially while serving a population where nearly half receive Pell grants, families should seriously consider whether nearby alternatives like Murray State or Northern Oklahoma might offer better economic returns on their educational investment.