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
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,100 | $66,805 | — | $26,917 | 0.40 | |
| $64,458 | $109,455 | $114,228 | $14,512 | 0.13 | |
| $66,255 | $92,491 | $103,969 | $22,240 | 0.24 | |
| $68,230 | $86,416 | $87,937 | $14,500 | 0.17 | |
| $15,247 | $82,956 | $104,701 | $15,000 | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211 | — | $27,000 | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911 | — | $26,056 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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.