2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$115,284
95th percentile
Median Debt
$16,250
31% below national median

Analysis

Southwestern Oklahoma State delivers exceptional results that far exceed what you'd expect from an open-admission regional university. Graduates earn $115,284 in their first yearβ€”more than double the national median of $49,444 for pharmacy-related bachelor's programs and landing in the 95th percentile nationwide. With just $16,250 in median debt, students face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.14, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of work.

The 60th percentile ranking within Oklahoma is somewhat misleading since only two schools in the state offer this program, making statewide comparisons less meaningful. What matters more is the national standing: this program crushes most competitors across the country while keeping debt substantially below the national median of $23,413. The combination of sky-high earnings and rock-bottom debt is rare for any program, let alone one at a university that admits every applicant.

One caveat: these are bachelor's-level pharmacy graduates, and many may be working as pharmacy technicians or in related roles before potentially pursuing a PharmD. But even if this is a stepping stone to graduate school, starting with minimal debt and strong earning potential creates an excellent foundation. For Oklahoma families seeking a pharmacy pathway that won't break the bank, this program delivers extraordinary value.

Where Southwestern Oklahoma State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford$8,295$115,284β€”$16,2500.14
University of Hawaii at HiloHilo$7,838$63,776$128,695$20,5000.32
North Carolina Central UniversityDurham$6,542$62,022$60,019$30,0000.48
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia$51,340$57,889β€”β€”β€”
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$57,096β€”$19,0460.33
Campbell UniversityBuies Creek$40,410$54,919$68,854$23,0650.42
National Medianβ€”$49,444β€”$23,4130.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Pharmacists

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

$137,480/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree
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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University, approximately 38% 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 74 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.