Nutrition Sciences at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

OU's nutrition sciences post-bac certificate punches well above its weight in a limited field. With first-year earnings of $52,849 and just $25,000 in median debt, graduates see a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under six months of full salary. That's rare for any credential. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while keeping debt in the 5th percentile, a combination that typically signals strong institutional support and smart program design.

The context matters here: only five schools nationwide offer this specific post-bac certificate, making direct comparisons limited. OU is the sole provider in Oklahoma, so there's no in-state competition to benchmark against. Earnings growth is modest at 3% over four years, suggesting this credential leads to stable rather than rapidly advancing positions—likely roles in clinical nutrition, public health, or food service management where experience matters more than credentialing alone.

For families worried about post-grad debt loads, this program offers a straightforward value proposition: manageable borrowing with immediate earning potential that covers the investment quickly. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes without the volatility of tiny cohorts.