Analysis
University of Central Oklahoma's computer science program outperforms most Oklahoma alternatives, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide while keeping debt 19% below the national median. That $89,163 median four years out puts graduates ahead of Oklahoma State's flagship campus, despite UCO's regional university status and more accessible admission standards (82% acceptance rate). The 39% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are landing entry-level positions that lead somewhere, not just collecting initial paychecks.
The debt picture looks particularly strong. At $20,212, it's essentially at the state median and creates a manageable 0.31 ratio to first-year earningsβgraduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross income. For a field where many programs saddle students with $25,000+ in debt, this efficiency matters. The combination of reasonable debt and solid earnings means parents aren't gambling on whether their child will land a high-enough-paying job to justify the investment.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty to these numbers, but the pattern is consistent: UCO delivers competitive computer science outcomes at a regional university price point. For Oklahoma families, this represents a straightforward path into tech careers without the debt burden that often comes with more selective programs or the earnings penalty that typically accompanies higher accessibility.
Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Oklahoma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma | $64,320 | $89,163 | +39% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $146,204 | $246,946 | +69% |
| Yale University | $133,293 | $203,685 | +53% |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $61,514 | $83,663 | +36% |
| Cameron University | $37,208 | $55,133 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,522 | $64,320 | $89,163 | $20,212 | 0.31 | |
| $10,234 | $61,514 | $83,663 | $23,759 | 0.39 | |
| $5,774 | $58,844 | β | $18,897 | 0.32 | |
| $7,200 | $55,922 | β | β | β | |
| $8,295 | $55,560 | β | β | β | |
| $7,922 | $46,721 | β | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $61,322 | β | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
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 University of Central Oklahoma, approximately 35% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.