Computer and Information Sciences at Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma's tech job market tells an uneven story for computer science graduates. While comparable programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $55,700, that's notably below the national median of $61,300 for CS bachelor's degrees—and significantly trailing the state's top performers like University of Central Oklahoma ($64,300) and Oklahoma State ($61,500). For a selective private institution with a 56% admission rate and solid SAT scores, this estimated positioning in the middle-to-lower tier of state outcomes deserves scrutiny.

The estimated debt load of $25,900 aligns closely with national norms for computer science programs, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46—manageable by most standards. Similar programs in Oklahoma typically carry less debt (state median of $20,200), but the difference isn't dramatic enough to fundamentally change the value equation. The real question is whether this program can match the stronger employment outcomes achieved by its in-state competitors, particularly the public universities.

Without actual graduate outcomes from Oklahoma Baptist, you're making an investment based on peer program performance rather than proven track record. If the school's CS program truly delivers results closer to the state leaders, this could be perfectly reasonable. But if outcomes track with the state average while debt exceeds it, families should carefully weigh whether the private university experience justifies the premium over public alternatives with demonstrated stronger earnings potential.