Analysis
Comparable business economics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $53,200—a figure that would place this program slightly above Oklahoma's typical $47,900 median for the field. The estimated $24,000 in debt falls within reasonable bounds, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that should be manageable for most graduates. For context, Oklahoma's in-state flagship reports actual earnings of $55,500 for its business economics graduates, suggesting these estimates track closely with what similar programs deliver.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With data suppressed due to small graduate cohorts, you're making this decision without knowing how Oklahoma City University's specific outcomes compare to peers. The national benchmarks suggest viability—top programs nationally hit $60,200, so there's room for variation—but you can't see where this program actually lands. The school's 70% admission rate and moderate SAT scores indicate solid but not elite selectivity, which aligns with middle-of-the-pack outcomes rather than standout performance.
Before committing, push the admissions office for concrete placement data: where do graduates actually work, and what do they earn? If the school can't provide specifics beyond general career services platitudes, that silence tells you something important about their confidence in outcomes.
Where Oklahoma City University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,586 | $53,219* | — | $24,000* | — | |
| $9,595 | $55,460* | — | $17,800* | 0.32 | |
| $10,234 | $40,413* | — | $21,250* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 City University, approximately 23% 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.