Median Earnings (1yr)
$64,320
57th percentile (60th in OK)
Median Debt
$20,212
19% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
34
Adequate data

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 earnings—graduates 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

University of Central OklahomaOther computer and information sciences programs

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 University of Central Oklahoma graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Central Oklahoma graduates earn $64k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all computer and information sciences 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

Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (16 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Central Oklahoma$64,320$89,163$20,2120.31
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus$61,514$83,663$23,7590.39
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology$58,844$18,8970.32
Southeastern Oklahoma State University$55,922
Southwestern Oklahoma State University$55,560
Oklahoma Panhandle State University$46,721
National Median$61,322$25,0000.41

Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Oklahoma

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater
$10,234$61,514$23,759
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Okmulgee
$5,774$58,844$18,897
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant
$7,200$55,922
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford
$8,295$55,560
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell
$7,922$46,721

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.