Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 sits in manageable territory—peer social sciences programs nationally suggest graduates could pay off their $27,000 in debt within three years if they dedicate roughly 15% of their income to loan payments. That's a relatively straightforward path compared to many bachelor's programs, though the estimated $37,500 first-year salary won't feel lavish in practice.
What complicates the picture is Oklahoma's labor market for social sciences graduates. The one nearby program with reported data—Rogers State—shows outcomes below the national median, and statewide figures suggest Oklahoma may not offer the same earning potential as other states for this field. Oklahoma City University's private school environment and smaller class sizes may provide networking advantages that translate to better opportunities, but without actual graduate data, that remains speculative.
The fundamental challenge here is betting on a general degree in a state where social sciences careers tend to pay less than the national average. Unless your child has specific graduate school plans or a clear career path that requires this credential, the estimated numbers suggest this is a significant financial commitment for outcomes that mirror the national median rather than exceeding it. The debt is reasonable, but the earning potential—at least based on comparable programs—doesn't create much financial breathing room in those crucial early career years.
Where Oklahoma City University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (5 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,586 | $37,459* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $7,392 | $34,955* | $43,655 | $23,573* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.