Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Western Oklahoma State College

The $17,755 first-year earnings at Western Oklahoma State College are troubling—landing in just the 10th percentile among Oklahoma liberal arts programs and the 5th percentile nationally. Even with the sample size caveat, that's roughly $9,000 below what typical Oklahoma graduates in this program earn initially. Other Oklahoma community colleges offering the same degree see substantially better outcomes: Oklahoma City Community College graduates earn nearly double in their first year, and even more rural options like Seminole State College produce median earners above $26,000.

The positive news is debt stays exceptionally low at $6,308, well below both state and national norms, and earnings more than double by year four to $36,844. That dramatic growth suggests graduates who struggle initially may be working part-time or transitioning careers rather than stuck in low-wage jobs permanently. Still, even after four years, earnings only reach the state median—not an impressive recovery given the weak starting point.

For Oklahoma families, this program's value hinges entirely on keeping costs minimal and having patience for delayed career launch. The low debt creates breathing room, but with one-third of students on Pell grants, many can't afford to earn under $18,000 annually while establishing themselves. Unless your child has substantial family support during those first years or plans to transfer immediately to a four-year program, other Oklahoma community colleges appear to offer more reliable pathways to stable earnings.