Analysis
Based on comparable business programs nationwide, OSU Institute of Technology's associate degree appears positioned near the median, with estimated first-year earnings around $36,600. The actual debt burden here—$10,200—sits below both the state and national averages for business associate degrees, which is meaningful when you're evaluating the program's financial accessibility. For context, the typical Oklahoma business associate program carries $11,250 in debt, while nationally it's $13,437.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 suggests graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment, assuming those estimated earnings hold. That's a manageable burden compared to many other programs. However, the earnings estimate comes from peer programs nationally since this specific program's graduate cohort was too small to report. Similar associate business programs in Oklahoma show first-year earnings ranging from about $32,400 to $36,500, which aligns with the national estimate but also reveals limited upside in this field at the associate level.
The program's lower-than-average debt combined with what peer programs suggest about earning potential makes this a relatively low-risk credential. If your child is debt-averse and wants to enter the workforce quickly, the numbers work. Just recognize that without school-specific outcomes data, you're banking on this program performing like its peers—not better, not worse.
Where Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,774 | $36,591* | — | $10,200 | — | |
| $4,059 | $36,503* | $44,881 | $11,678 | 0.32 | |
| $5,032 | $32,431* | $45,578 | $11,250 | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591* | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 State University Institute of Technology, approximately 40% 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 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.