Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

University of Oklahoma's nursing program produces graduates who earn less than they would at most other nursing schools, both nationally and within Oklahoma. With median first-year earnings of $70,625, graduates rank in just the 27th percentile nationally and 40th percentile among Oklahoma nursing programs—meaning roughly three-quarters of nursing programs nationwide deliver better initial salaries.

The earnings stagnation is particularly concerning. While many nursing programs see modest salary growth over time, OU nursing graduates actually earn slightly less four years post-graduation ($70,301) than they did initially. This flat trajectory stands in stark contrast to programs like Northeastern State University, which produces graduates earning $80,792—over $10,000 more annually. Even within the state, OU ranks fifth among the top programs, trailing schools that might be considered less prestigious overall.

The debt load of $26,899 isn't excessive by national standards, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. However, when combined with below-average earnings, this represents a weaker return on investment than parents should expect from a major state university's nursing program. Given OU's solid reputation and 1239 average SAT scores, families might reasonably expect stronger career outcomes. For Oklahoma families, exploring alternatives like Northeastern State or Southwestern Oklahoma State could yield significantly better financial returns in nursing.