Public Health at University of Central Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma's public health program delivers exceptional outcomes relative to the national field, with first-year earnings of $49,560 placing it in the 95th percentile nationally—well above the national median of $37,548. That's a substantial premium for a program at an accessible regional university with an 82% admission rate. Among Oklahoma's seven public health programs, UCO ranks solidly in the middle (60th percentile), suggesting the state overall performs well in this field, but UCO still edges out larger competitors like Oklahoma State.

The financial picture is straightforward: at $21,625 in median debt, graduates carry just 44 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year income, and earnings climb to $58,549 by year four—an 18% increase. With over 100 graduates in the sample, these numbers reflect a consistent pattern rather than a statistical fluke. The debt matches the state median and sits below the national average, while delivering significantly higher returns.

For parents, this represents one of the stronger public health programs in the country at a price point that doesn't require sacrificing outcomes. The combination of manageable debt, strong starting salaries, and continued earnings growth makes this a financially sound choice, particularly for Oklahoma residents looking at in-state options.