Economics at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

OU's economics program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While graduates begin near the national median at $52,212, four years later they're earning $77,023—a 48% jump that significantly outpaces typical economics degree holders. Among Oklahoma's eight economics programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, making it a solid in-state choice for residents who might otherwise consider pricier alternatives.

The $19,500 in median debt is below both national and state medians, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 sits in the 72nd percentile nationally—not terrible, but reflecting that first-year salaries are merely average. The real value here emerges over time, as graduates appear to move into roles with stronger compensation. With OU's accessible 77% admission rate, this represents a practical path to economics credentials without the debt burden of more selective institutions.

For Oklahoma families, this is a reasonable bet: manageable debt, steady if unspectacular starting earnings, and strong momentum afterward. The catch is that moderate sample size and limited state competition make it harder to gauge how reliably these outcomes transfer to individual students. Still, the growth pattern suggests graduates are gaining experience that employers value.