Analysis
The numbers suggest a practical but unexceptional path into the insurance industry. First-year earnings of $50,182 place this program below the national median of $55,819 for insurance bachelor's degrees—in fact, it ranks at just the 21st percentile nationally. The estimated debt of $22,394 (based on the national median for similar programs at this institution type) produces a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's a workable number that shouldn't create overwhelming financial pressure.
The earnings gap matters because insurance is one of those fields where entry-level compensation can vary significantly by employer and location. National peer programs suggest graduates typically earn around $56,000, with top-quartile programs reaching $63,600. UCO's outcomes land considerably short of these benchmarks, which could reflect the local Oklahoma market, the program's network connections, or the types of insurance roles graduates secure. Since this is the only insurance bachelor's program with available data in Oklahoma, there's no direct state comparison to help clarify whether this is a regional ceiling or a school-specific issue.
For a student certain about pursuing insurance, this program offers reasonable debt exposure with immediate employment in a stable field. But the below-average earnings trajectory means your child would be starting behind peers from stronger programs—a gap that matters over a career spanning decades.
Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Oklahoma graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,522 | $50,182 | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796 | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752 | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523 | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080 | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131 | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819 | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 14 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.