Analysis
A statistics bachelor's degree commands strong earning potential nationally, with first-year earnings around $60,000βand peer programs suggest UCO's graduates likely follow this pattern. The estimated debt load of roughly $20,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning graduates would owe about a third of their first year's salary. That's manageable territory for a quantitative field with solid career prospects, though these figures are drawn from similar programs nationally rather than UCO's specific outcomes.
The concerning gap here is visibility. With only two schools in Oklahoma offering statistics degrees and neither reporting actual graduate data, parents are flying blind on how UCO specifically prepares students for the market. Does the program emphasize the data science tools that drive higher salaries, or does it lean theoretical? The $60,000 baseline is respectable, but top statistics programs nationally push past $69,000 in year one, suggesting curriculum choices matter significantly.
If your child is mathematically inclined and committed to statistics specifically, the estimated debt burden shouldn't derail the plan. But push the department hard on job placement specifics, alumni outcomes, and whether coursework includes Python, R, and real-world applications. Without reported data, you need direct evidence that UCO's program delivers on the field's national promise.
Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Statistics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,522 | $59,718* | β | $20,150* | β | |
| $59,076 | $141,116* | β | β* | β | |
| $66,104 | $129,732* | β | β* | β | |
| $65,805 | $97,197* | $113,854 | $13,500* | 0.14 | |
| $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $14,850 | $83,227* | $102,151 | $16,165* | 0.19 | |
| National Median | β | $59,718* | β | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.