Analysis
A computer science degree with estimated first-year earnings around $74,000 against roughly $25,000 in debt creates a manageable financial foundation—though it's worth noting these figures come from comparable Oklahoma programs rather than OBU's actual graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests this is far from the crushing burden many families fear with private university education.
What peer programs in Oklahoma reveal is encouraging consistency: the state's CS graduates cluster in a narrow band, with OBU's estimated outcomes matching both the state median and results from University of Tulsa. Even Oklahoma's top-performing CS program at OU-Norman sits only about $5,000 higher in first-year earnings. This suggests the field's strong market demand in Oklahoma creates relatively stable outcomes across institutions, though small program size here means we can't verify OBU's specific track record.
The practical question is whether a moderately selective Baptist university can deliver the technical rigor and employer connections that translate estimates into reality. With CS skills in high demand regionally, the degree carries strong earning potential—but your family is making this investment based on peer data, not verified outcomes from this particular program. If your student thrives in a faith-integrated, smaller campus environment, the projected numbers suggest reasonable value, but confirming actual graduate placement would add crucial confidence to this decision.
Where Oklahoma Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,050 | $73,787* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $9,595 | $78,610* | $99,645 | $24,251* | 0.31 | |
| $48,602 | $73,787* | — | $21,500* | 0.29 | |
| $25,900 | $61,272* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Oklahoma Baptist University, approximately 31% 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 3 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.