Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Carl Albert State College

Carl Albert State College's nursing program offers one of Oklahoma's better value propositions on paper—graduating with just $13,625 in debt, roughly 40% less than the typical nursing student in the state. The initial $69,264 salary lands above both state and national medians, placing this program in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma's nursing programs. That low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 is genuinely impressive.

The concerning element here is what happens after that strong start: earnings drop to $58,040 by year four, a 16% decline that's unusual for nursing. This could reflect graduates moving to lower-cost-of-living areas, shifting to part-time schedules, or changing specialties—factors the data can't capture with a moderate sample size. However, even with that decline, graduates are earning solidly above Oklahoma's overall median while carrying minimal debt.

For families prioritizing affordable entry into nursing, especially given that nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, this program delivers what matters most: licensure at a manageable cost. The earnings trajectory deserves attention during campus visits—ask about typical career paths and whether graduates tend to stay in the region—but the financial foundation is sound enough that this remains a practical choice for Oklahoma families.