Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Southwestern Oklahoma State University's nursing program hits a sweet spot for Oklahoma families: graduates earn about $75,800 in their first year—notably above the state median of $71,400 and ranking in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma nursing programs. With debt averaging $24,000 (well below both state and national medians of $27,000), the program delivers a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. A nursing graduate here could realistically pay off their debt within a year or two of focused repayment.
The modest earnings dip to $74,600 by year four shouldn't alarm parents unduly. This likely reflects the realities of Oklahoma's nursing market rather than program quality—salaries here start strong relative to local costs and tend to plateau rather than climb dramatically. While top Oklahoma programs like Northeastern State and Oklahoma Panhandle show slightly higher initial earnings, SWOSU's significantly lower debt burden narrows that gap considerably. The 100% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment (38%) suggest accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.
For an Oklahoma family, this represents solid value: strong starting pay, manageable debt, and a credential that launches careers quickly. The numbers suggest graduates enter the workforce prepared and employable at competitive wages within their state.
Where Southwestern Oklahoma State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | $75,846 | $74,597 | $24,027 | 0.32 |
| Northeastern State University | $80,792 | $81,547 | $26,542 | 0.33 |
| Oklahoma Panhandle State University | $78,753 | $75,453 | $29,416 | 0.37 |
| Rogers State University | $74,438 | — | $23,000 | 0.31 |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University | $74,090 | $82,732 | $31,589 | 0.43 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $74,056 | — | $29,400 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern State University Tahlequah | $7,513 | $80,792 | $26,542 |
| Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell | $7,922 | $78,753 | $29,416 |
| Rogers State University Claremore | $7,392 | $74,438 | $23,000 |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville | $31,466 | $74,090 | $31,589 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $74,056 | $29,400 |
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 250 graduates with reported earnings and 309 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.