Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,531
20th percentile (40th in OK)
Median Debt
$16,500
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
26
Limited data

Analysis

The University of Oklahoma's mathematics program starts graduates at $40,531—about $3,200 below the Oklahoma median and roughly $8,200 below the national average. While these are concerning benchmarks, the program shows something meaningful by year four: earnings climb 36% to $55,204, actually surpassing both the national 75th percentile and Oklahoma State's graduates. The caveat? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career choices heavily influence these numbers.

The $16,500 debt load provides some cushion for that slower start. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, graduates can realistically manage their loans even in that first year—they're borrowing roughly 35% less than the national median for math majors. This moderate debt matters because it gives graduates flexibility during those early years when earnings lag behind peers at other programs.

For parents considering this program, recognize you're looking at limited data that might not represent your child's experience. The strong earnings growth suggests some graduates find their footing in well-paying roles, but the 20th percentile national ranking indicates many don't. If your student has clear plans for graduate school or specific quantitative career paths (actuary, data science, teaching), this affordable foundation might work. If they're uncertain about post-graduation direction, Oklahoma State's more consistent initial earnings might be worth the comparison.

Where University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally

University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOther mathematics programs

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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus$40,531$55,204$16,5000.41
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus$46,943$23,3010.50
National Median$48,772$21,5000.44

Other Mathematics Programs in Oklahoma

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater
$10,234$46,943$23,301

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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus, approximately 24% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.