Computer and Information Sciences at Rogers State University

An estimated $35,761 in first-year earnings would put this associate's degree well below what similar computer science programs produce in Oklahoma. State data from programs like Oklahoma City Community College ($49,198) and Cameron University ($48,190) suggest this field typically launches Oklahoma graduates near $49,000—nearly 40% higher than the national benchmark this estimate draws from. That's a significant gap for a field known for strong entry-level pay.

The debt load appears manageable at around $15,461, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that would typically signal reasonable affordability. But that calculation depends entirely on whether actual outcomes match peer programs nationally or align more closely with Oklahoma's stronger state pattern. If Rogers State graduates perform closer to other Oklahoma schools, the investment looks considerably better than the national estimate suggests. If they track with weaker programs nationally, students face a longer payoff period than state comparisons imply.

For a family evaluating this program, the core question is whether Rogers State's computer science graduates follow Oklahoma's pattern or lag behind. With 38% of students on Pell grants, affordability matters here. Before committing, look for program-specific job placement data or talk to recent graduates directly about their actual starting salaries—not just where the school's career services office places them, but what they're actually earning. The difference between the state and national figures represents thousands of dollars annually and fundamentally changes the value proposition.