Business Administration, Management and Operations at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Oklahoma State's business program offers solid value with manageable debt, though it won't catapult your child to the top of the earnings ladder. With graduates earning $45,200 initially and $54,967 after four years, the program performs right around national averages but notably outpaces most Oklahoma schools, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The 22% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build marketable skills that translate into career advancement.
The debt picture is reasonable at $22,472—well below both national and state medians for business programs. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5, meaning your child's first-year salary would cover their total debt twice over. However, the program does lag significantly behind Oklahoma's top performers like OU Norman, where business graduates earn $61,373 initially.
For families seeking a dependable business education without crushing debt, Oklahoma State delivers exactly that. Your child won't graduate with the highest starting salary in the state, but they'll have solid earning potential with room for growth and financial breathing room to build their career. It's a practical choice that balances affordability with decent outcomes.
Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $45,200 | $54,967 | $22,472 | 0.50 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $61,373 | $75,693 | $15,000 | 0.24 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology | $56,180 | — | $34,250 | 0.61 |
| Southern Nazarene University | $55,107 | $54,669 | $26,037 | 0.47 |
| Mid-America Christian University | $53,164 | $51,846 | $31,625 | 0.59 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $46,410 | $51,283 | $25,000 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman | $9,595 | $61,373 | $15,000 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa | $18,828 | $56,180 | $34,250 |
| Southern Nazarene University Bethany | $29,600 | $55,107 | $26,037 |
| Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City | $19,896 | $53,164 | $31,625 |
| University of Central Oklahoma Edmond | $8,522 | $46,410 | $25,000 |
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-Main Campus, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 425 graduates with reported earnings and 430 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.