Analysis
Rose State College's business associate degree starts graduates at just $32,431—below both the state median of $34,467 and the national median of $36,591. Among Oklahoma's 10 programs, this ranks 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten business programs in the state produce better first-year outcomes. Even nearby Oklahoma City Community College delivers $4,000 more in starting earnings.
The 41% earnings jump from year one to year four is encouraging, bringing graduates to $45,578 and suggesting the program provides useful foundation skills. The debt load of $11,250 is reasonable—matching the state median and coming in below the national average of $13,437. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates can realistically manage payments on entry-level salaries.
The critical caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For an anxious parent weighing this investment, the question becomes whether slightly below-average starting pay is worth the risk when other Oklahoma community colleges show stronger outcomes. If your child is committed to Rose State for location or cost reasons, the manageable debt makes this workable. But if flexibility exists, nearby alternatives offer better earnings potential for the same credential.
Where Rose State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rose State College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose State College | $32,431 | $45,578 | +41% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Oklahoma City Community College | $36,503 | $44,881 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rose State CollegeMidwest City | $5,032 | $32,431 | $45,578 | $11,250 | 0.35 |
 Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City | $4,059 | $36,503 | $44,881 | $11,678 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Rose State College, approximately 29% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.