General Sales, Merchandising at University of Central Oklahoma

With just two schools offering this program in Oklahoma, University of Central Oklahoma's sales graduates hit the median on both earnings and debt—but that median looks solid. At $59,698 first-year earnings against $24,711 in debt, you're looking at a debt burden under half of what graduates earn right out of the gate, a comfortable position that beats many business programs nationally.

The national context is more revealing: this program ranks in the 64th percentile for earnings among 84 comparable programs nationwide, meaning it outperforms about two-thirds of other sales and merchandising degrees. The $6,250 premium over the national median is significant for an 82% admission rate school. Typical debt loads match the national average almost exactly, so you're not paying a premium for access to this program.

The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—so these numbers could swing considerably year to year. For a student reasonably certain about a sales career, though, the math works: manageable debt, above-average starting salary, and entry to a field where performance and commissions often drive compensation beyond base pay. The risk is typical for specialized business programs at accessible institutions, but the early returns suggest competent job placement in a relatively strong regional market.