Analysis
Southern Nazarene University's HR program produces some of the strongest outcomes you'll find in Oklahoma or nationally. Graduates earn $61,939 in their first yearβroughly $16,000 more than the Oklahoma median and $11,000 above the national average for this degree. Among Oklahoma's seven HR programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outpacing even larger state universities like Central Oklahoma and OU-Norman. Nationally, it places in the 95th percentile, meaning it beats 19 out of 20 comparable programs across the country.
The debt picture is equally manageable. At $25,750, students borrow slightly less than the national median and only marginally more than the Oklahoma average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42βwell within the range that financial advisors consider reasonable. Graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years while building their careers. The 4% earnings growth to year four ($64,388) is modest but stable, suggesting graduates secure solid middle-management positions rather than continuing rapid advancement.
For parents weighing HR programs, this is straightforward: Southern Nazarene delivers significantly better earnings than its in-state competitors at comparable debt levels. The high Pell grant population (45%) suggests the university serves diverse students effectively. If your child is interested in HR and considering Oklahoma schools, this program offers clear financial advantages over alternatives.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Nazarene University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Nazarene University | $61,939 | $64,388 | +4% |
| Cornell University | $73,436 | $94,446 | +29% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $82,714 | $92,289 | +12% |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $45,107 | $62,354 | +38% |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $45,556 | $46,013 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,600 | $61,939 | $64,388 | $25,750 | 0.42 | |
| $8,522 | $45,556 | $46,013 | $17,900 | 0.39 | |
| $9,595 | $45,107 | $62,354 | $24,375 | 0.54 | |
| National Median | β | $50,361 | β | $26,625 | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
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.
Sample Size: Based on 85 graduates with reported earnings and 127 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.