Economics at Oklahoma City University

In Oklahoma, economics degrees show a tight earnings range, with the University of Oklahoma's program reporting first-year earnings of $52,212—a useful benchmark when OCU's data is suppressed due to small sample sizes. Based on comparable economics programs nationally, graduates here might expect around $51,700 in first-year earnings against roughly $24,000 in debt, producing a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's slightly above both the state and national debt medians for economics degrees, though the difference is modest enough to keep monthly payments reasonable.

The real question is whether a smaller economics program offers advantages that offset the lack of verifiable outcomes data. At a 70% admission rate with average SAT scores around 1150, OCU draws a less selective student body than OU, yet peer institutions with similar profiles suggest graduates can still reach competitive salary levels in economics. The field itself tends to open doors across finance, consulting, and analytics—careers where the specific school name matters less than your quantitative skills and internship experience.

For anxious parents, the takeaway is this: the estimated debt load won't crush your graduate, but you're investing in a program without a proven earnings track record. If your student thrives in smaller classes and needs personalized attention to succeed, that environment might justify the premium over larger state programs. If they're self-directed and cost-conscious, the data suggests OU delivers similar outcomes at lower debt levels.