Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Southern Nazarene University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The small sample size here demands caution, but the numbers warrant serious concern: first-year earnings of $23,445 rank this program in just the 10th percentile among Oklahoma's 22 liberal arts programs, falling $14,000 below the state median. Even accounting for the 45% Pell grant rate at Southern Nazarene, these earnings are troublingly low—roughly $7,000 below minimum wage expectations for full-time work. Meanwhile, graduates carry $30,754 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31 that would take exceptional budgeting to manage on this income level.
The gap between this program and comparable Oklahoma schools is striking. The University of Oklahoma's liberal arts graduates earn nearly double at $45,726, while even mid-tier options like Southeastern Oklahoma State deliver $38,899. With fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these outcomes could reflect temporary hiring challenges or an unusually difficult year for this particular group rather than a systemic program issue.
Parents should request multi-year data directly from Southern Nazarene before committing. If these earnings prove consistent across cohorts, families would be better served exploring other Oklahoma options where liberal arts graduates regularly clear $35,000-$40,000 in their first year—a difference that significantly improves the debt payoff timeline and early-career financial stability.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Nazarene University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Nazarene University graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Nazarene University | $23,445 | — | $30,754 | 1.31 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $45,726 | $49,145 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Cameron University | $43,865 | — | $26,189 | 0.60 |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | $38,899 | $38,323 | $22,879 | 0.59 |
| Randall University | $38,244 | — | $30,786 | 0.80 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $37,938 | $52,247 | $26,000 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman | $9,595 | $45,726 | $27,000 |
| Cameron University Lawton | $6,900 | $43,865 | $26,189 |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant | $7,200 | $38,899 | $22,879 |
| Randall University Moore | $17,322 | $38,244 | $30,786 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $37,938 | $26,000 |
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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.