Analysis
Business programs in Oklahoma typically produce stronger first-year earnings than what these peer-institution estimates suggest for Southern Nazarene. While comparable programs across the country indicate around $47,500 in starting salary with $27,000 in debt, other Oklahoma business degrees show median earnings closer to $54,000—nearly $7,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're working down a five-figure debt load.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 sits in reasonable territory nationally, meaning graduates from similar programs generally earn enough to manage their loans without crisis-level strain. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, Southern Nazarene serves many families where affordability isn't just about the ratio but about absolute numbers. A $27,000 debt estimate based on peer institutions is manageable, though it's worth noting that Oklahoma's state median for business programs runs considerably higher at $41,000—suggesting significant variation across schools.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely from estimates derived from similar institutions, so your child's actual outcome could diverge. Given that other Oklahoma business programs appear to deliver stronger earnings, it's worth understanding what differentiates Southern Nazarene's approach—whether that's smaller class sizes, specific industry connections, or program focus—before committing. The fundamentals look workable, but the competitive landscape in Oklahoma suggests room for comparison shopping.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,600 | $47,506* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $31,466 | $54,171* | $58,697 | $40,831* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
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 Southern Nazarene University, approximately 45% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 242 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.