Business/Commerce at Rose State College

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.