Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Central Oklahoma's mechanical engineering graduates earn slightly above the state median at $71,362, placing them competitive with Oklahoma's flagship programs—essentially matching OU-Norman and outperforming Oklahoma State. However, the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly from this median, and the program may still be establishing its track record.
The debt picture looks considerably better than the earnings ranking suggests. At $31,000, graduates carry about 40% more debt than the state median, but this still translates to a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the 1.0 threshold that typically signals financial strain. More impressively, this debt load ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of mechanical engineering programs leave students with higher debt. For a regional university with an 82% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant students, this combination of competitive earnings and controlled debt is noteworthy.
The caution here isn't about value—it's about certainty. With such a small graduating class, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. If your child thrives in smaller program environments and values staying in Oklahoma, UCO offers a financially sound path into mechanical engineering. Just recognize you're looking at a developing program rather than an established pipeline, which brings both risks and potentially more individualized attention.
Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering 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 University of Central Oklahoma graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Central Oklahoma graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all mechanical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma | $71,362 | — | $31,000 | 0.43 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $71,424 | $82,874 | $21,821 | 0.31 |
| University of Tulsa | $70,220 | $82,176 | $19,500 | 0.28 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $69,905 | $85,403 | $21,750 | 0.31 |
| Oklahoma Christian University | $65,764 | $73,212 | $23,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman | $9,595 | $71,424 | $21,821 |
| University of Tulsa Tulsa | $48,602 | $70,220 | $19,500 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $69,905 | $21,750 |
| Oklahoma Christian University Edmond | $25,900 | $65,764 | $23,000 |
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.