Analysis
Oklahoma State's mathematics program places graduates in the middle of the pack nationally but performs notably better within Oklahoma—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 19 math programs. That's particularly relevant since OSU offers in-state tuition advantages. First-year earnings of $46,943 trail the national median by about $1,800, but they actually exceed Oklahoma's state median by over $3,000. For context, even University of Oklahoma math grads start lower at $40,531.
The debt picture looks reasonable: $23,301 represents half of first-year earnings, a manageable ratio that suggests most graduates can handle their loans without financial strain. This sits slightly above the state median but remains well below the national median debt load. The combination of moderate debt and solid in-state earnings performance creates a workable financial foundation, especially for Oklahoma residents paying lower tuition.
The main caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, which means these figures could shift considerably year to year. However, the basic value proposition holds: OSU delivers competitive math outcomes for Oklahoma students at a debt level that won't overwhelm early-career salaries. For families planning to stay in Oklahoma, this program offers better regional positioning than the raw national ranking suggests.
Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,234 | $46,943 | — | $23,301 | 0.50 | |
| $9,595 | $40,531 | $55,204 | $16,500 | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.