Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rogers State University

Rogers State's associate nursing program sits in an unusual position: graduates carry 40% more debt than Oklahoma's typical nursing program while earning about $5,300 less than the state median. Among Oklahoma's 15 nursing programs, this one ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings—meaning six out of ten alternatives deliver better starting salaries. The debt load of $30,250, while manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, is notably steeper than what students pay at comparable programs like Murray State College or Carl Albert State College, which both deliver stronger earnings outcomes.

The earnings trajectory raises questions too. Most nursing programs show solid wage growth as graduates gain experience, but Rogers State grads see barely any increase between years one and four—from $63,902 to $65,201. For context, nearby Rose State College graduates start at $76,453, a $12,500 advantage that compounds over a career. Given that 38% of Rogers State students receive Pell grants, that debt differential matters even more.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift, but the pattern is clear: this program costs more and delivers less than most Oklahoma alternatives. If your child is set on staying near Claremore, it might work, but financially stronger options exist within the same state system at similar community colleges.