Median Earnings (1yr)
$66,805
43rd percentile
Median Debt
$26,917
3% above national median

Analysis

Oral Roberts University's engineering program produces graduates who earn $66,805 their first year out—slightly below the national median but ranking in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma's limited engineering options. With debt of $26,917, the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio is quite manageable, especially compared to the national average for engineering programs.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: this is a solid middle-of-the-pack engineering program that keeps debt reasonable. Oklahoma only has three schools offering bachelor's degrees in engineering, so outperforming 60% of them puts ORU in decent company for students wanting to stay in-state. The program delivers what most engineering degrees promise—starting salaries in the mid-$60,000s with debt that should be paid down within a few years of graduation.

The context matters here. ORU's 99% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest they're accessible to students who might not get into more selective engineering schools. If your child has the aptitude for engineering but doesn't have top test scores, this provides a legitimate path into the field without crushing debt. The trade-off is earnings slightly below what the most competitive programs deliver, but the financial fundamentals are sound enough to make this a viable choice for families prioritizing affordability over prestige.

Where Oral Roberts University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Oral Roberts University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oral Roberts UniversityTulsa$34,100$66,805$26,9170.40
Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringNeedham$64,458$109,455$114,228$14,5120.13
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont$66,255$92,491$103,969$22,2400.24
Brown UniversityProvidence$68,230$86,416$87,937$14,5000.17
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$82,956$104,701$15,0000.18
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$78,211$27,0000.35
National Median$67,911$26,0560.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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 Oral Roberts University, approximately 34% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.