Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Oklahoma City University

In Oklahoma, liberal arts bachelor's programs range widely in outcomes, and this one faces a significant handicap right out of the gate. Based on comparable Oklahoma programs, first-year earnings around $37,800 suggest graduates may struggle initially, earning roughly what the state median predicts—but while carrying $32,838 in debt. That's nearly a full year's starting salary to repay, which means tighter budgets and delayed financial milestones in those crucial early career years.

The four-year earnings figure of $55,879 hints at meaningful salary growth after that difficult first year, potentially putting graduates ahead of state peers over time. However, this represents a long wait for the degree to start paying dividends, and that initial debt burden compounds the challenge. With 70% of applicants admitted and relatively modest SAT scores, the school serves a broad population, yet its debt load sits substantially above both state and national medians for liberal arts programs—programs that already struggle with return on investment compared to more vocational majors.

For an anxious parent, the core question is whether your child can weather those first few years. If they have financial cushion, family support, or a clear graduate school path that builds on this foundation, the eventual earnings growth could justify the investment. Without those advantages, the debt-to-earnings squeeze in year one represents a genuine risk worth weighing against more affordable in-state options that produce similar outcomes with less financial burden.