Computer and Information Sciences at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology's Computer and Information Sciences program manages to outperform the state median by about $3,000 while keeping debt notably lower than most competitors—a rare combination for a school serving 40% Pell grant students. At $18,897 in median debt, graduates owe roughly $6,300 less than the typical Oklahoma computer science graduate and $6,000 less than the national median. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means the entire loan balance equals just four months of first-year salary, making repayment straightforward.

The tradeoff is earnings potential: $58,844 sits below the national median for this degree but above Oklahoma's state median, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. This puts OSU-IT graduates within striking distance of larger state universities like Southwestern Oklahoma State ($55,560) while avoiding the debt load that often comes with flagship programs. For families prioritizing a manageable financial burden over maximum earning potential, that's an appealing position.

The practical calculation is simple: your graduate enters the workforce with minimal debt and solid mid-market earnings for Oklahoma. They won't match the $64,000 starting salaries at University of Central Oklahoma, but they also won't be navigating five-figure debt with those earnings. For students planning to stay in Oklahoma's tech job market, this represents a low-risk entry point into a field with strong long-term growth prospects.