Get Matched With Oklahoma Programs
The Oklahoma economy has a strong agricultural history and a boom and bust cycle in its oil-dependent energy sector. The state has identified STEM fields as a key to future growth in technology and technological innovation. By way of background, it is useful to note that Oklahoma revised its education program in 2015 to place a greater emphasis on the quality of educational outcomes. They strove for higher admissions, better retention rates, and a larger number of degrees conferred. In all the changes, the quality of education was a priority.
The results have been favorable, as Oklahoma has increased its educational measures, Oklahoma students have reported higher incomes for recent graduates. A high percentage of graduates remain in Oklahoma and join the Oklahoma professional workforce.
What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a traditional agricultural state that has developed a more diversified economy in recent decades. The areas of growth still include agribusiness and farm supplies but growth has also occurred in research and technology sectors. In the natural resources area, there are many instances of international trade, finance, and banking. The healthcare and education sectors have grown in response to greater demands and changes in public policy.
The below-listed categories describe the most popular degrees on Oklahoma.
How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree?
Oklahoma bachelor degree holders earn significantly more than those with only a high school education. The Bachelor’s degree can account for an additional 1.1 million in lifetime earnings. According to the US Census and the Department of Commerce, high school graduates may earn about $1.4 million while the bachelor’s degree holders will earn $2.5 million. One year after graduation, 87% of Oklahoma residents that graduate with a bachelor’s degree remained in the state and were employed within the state.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
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$30,784* | $38,792* | $46,124* | $64,896* | $77,844* | $96,772* |
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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Oklahoma
Business careers in Oklahoma benefit from continued high levels of Agriculture, biological research, and food manufacturing. Information technology is growing, and financial sector employers also show signs of rapid growth. The energy sector has diversified with energy research and wind-powered energy production. There are enthusiastic levels of student preference for education, health professions, and engineering. Education is a leading line of work in Oklahoma, and its recent emphasis on improving the state systems have created more employment in that sector. Healthcare has grown in response to demand as more residents have insurance. The health professions also grow as the population ages and a broad mix of new or expanded services emerge.
Find Your Online Oklahoma Program
Top Business, Management, and Marketing Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
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Financial Analysts | 1,490 | $70,300 |
Buyers and Purchasing Agents | 5,170 | $62,570 |
Compliance Officers | 4,000 | $59,340 |
Human Resources Specialists | 7,130 | $56,570 |
Management Analysts | 4,610 | $80,130 |
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Financial Analysts provide advice on assets and spending decisions. They help with essential processes like budgeting, planning, and funding.
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Buyers and Purchasing Agents are organizational executives that work the markets to get materials and other inventory at the best possible prices and conditions.
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Compliance Officers are employees that ensure that the organization operates within the bounds of the rules, regulations, and laws that control its activities.
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Human Resources Specialists provide reward systems, training, and development for the organization’s workforce.
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Management Analysts are organization executives that study operations, function, and processes to see if they perform the expected roles and in an efficient way. Management analysts perform critical assessments and recommendations for improvement.
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Accountants are concerned with reporting an organization's financial position, while management accounting is concerned with the measurement, analysis, and reporting of information for management's use.
Best Oklahoma Schools for Business, Management, and Marketing
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- East Central University
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Oklahoma State University
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
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Preschool Teachers | 7,210 | $30,300 |
High school Teachers | 11,510 | $41,900 |
Special Education Teachers (Pre-K-High school) | 110 | $39,640 |
Teacher Assistants | 11,770 | $26,590 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,130 | $70,200 |
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Preschool Teachers are primary caretakers and educators of very young children. This includes head start workers and many childcare facility workers who have their teaching license.
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High School Teachers move students from the world of middle school education into choosing their college educational course. These teachers are vital to education as a whole.
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Special Education Teachers work with special needs students to help them keep up with their peers and enable them to move onto college if they are at all able.
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Teacher Assistants help teachers with day-to-day tasks, whether student-related or clerical in nature.
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Health Specialties Teachers at the Postsecondary level assist in teaching up and coming nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Best Oklahoma Schools for Education
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- East Central University
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Oklahoma State University
Top Engineering Construction Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
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Construction and Extraction Supervisors | 91,290 | $45,820 |
Construction Workers | 9,140 | $32,520 |
Civil Engineers | 2,250 | $99,950 |
Electronics Engineers | 1,750 | $98,230 |
Environmental Engineers | 970 | $81,990 |
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Construction and Extraction Supervisors are responsible for the safety of the men on their crew and the completion of their job within budget and a reasonable timeframe.
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Construction workers are one of the largest workforce groups in Oklahoma. As Oklahoma grows, the jobs are going to continue to be high for these workers, and experience in construction labor could help you land that supervisor position.
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Civil Engineers design and help build infrastructure elements such as bridges, tunnels, roads, and railroads
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Electronics Engineers develop electronic devices that use electronic circuits and systems. They work in military, commercial, and scientific research settings.
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Environmental Engineers work in research and development to create sustainable systems and designs. They apply principles of engineering to study and mitigate the ecological impacts of human activity.
Best Oklahoma Schools for Engineering and Construction
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- East Central University
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Oklahoma State University
Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
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Dentists, General | 920 | $156,050 |
Pharmacists | 3,710 | $116,170 |
Psychiatrists | 210 | $212,680 |
Physical Therapists | 2,360 | $83,630 |
Registered Nurses | 31,350 | $64,800 |
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Dentists are doctors of dentistry that provide a wide range of services to patients. They are primary dental care providers that often refer patients to specialists for orthodontics, oral surgery, and treatment of certain diseases.
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Pharmacists are highly-trained health professionals that dispense medications, educate patients on medications, provide vaccinations, and offer advice to the public on medicines and health.
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Psychiatrists are mental health professional with training and clinical experience in mental and emotional disorders. They can manage a wide range of conditions including severe mental diseases and addictions.
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Physical Therapists work with injured, sick, or recovering patients to help improve or restore physical strength and movement. They participate in prevention, recovery, and treatment. They help patients manage pain and physical limitations.
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Registered Nurses provide patient care in inpatient settings and in clinics and medical offices. They supervise the work of LPNs and Nurse Assistants.
Healthcare Administrators provide hospital systems with strategic planning, preparing budgets, risk management, and marketing to keep the facilities operations running smoothly.
Best Oklahoma Schools for Health Professions Careers
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- East Central University
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
Top Humanities & Psychology Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
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Marriage and Family Therapists | 410 | $46,900 |
Rehabilitation Counselors | 2,210 | $26,520 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 1,830 | $46,700 |
Substance Abuse Social Workers | 1,280 | $40,430 |
Health Educators | 770 | $58,980 |
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Marriage and Family Therapists provide services that help resolve conflicts and help couples and families learn ways to work and live together in positive and constructive relationships.
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Rehabilitation Counselors work in many fields that include physical and mental injuries, diseases, and chronic conditions.
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Healthcare Social Workers specialize in the problems and issues that arise from medical and social issues, including severe and terminal diseases.
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Health Educators work in educational institutions and public and private organizations. They promote health and well-being through education, instruction, and research.
Substance Abuse Counselors provide counseling and other types of intervention to chronic or other drug and substance abusers.
Best Oklahoma Schools for Humanities & Psychology
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- East Central University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Tulsa
- Oklahoma State University
Additional Careers in Oklahoma
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Oklahoma
Occupation | Growth Rate | Salary | 2024 Job Estimate |
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Machinist | 3.0% | $43,250 | 5,540 |
Heavy Equipment Mechanic | 9.9% | $43,900 | 2,080 |
Home Health Aide | 36.8% | $22,870 | 11,530 |
Nurse Practitioner | 23.3% | $98,220 | 1,820 |
Web Developer | 10.6% | $55,950 | 1,200 |
Physical Therapist | 18.1% | $85,540 | 2,700 |
Personal Financial Advisor | 13.8% | $58,510 | 1,810 |
Physician Assistant | 23.3% | $100,560 | 1,990 |
Best Associate Degrees in Oklahoma
Obtaining an associate degree can be a great first step toward your overall career goals. Oklahoma has many programs available including business, police science, nursing, and child development. You can find associate programs in-state through numerous colleges, some of the best of which you can find below. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive way to start your college career or you are having trouble getting into your dream 4-year school, an associate degree can give you the leg up you need.
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Find Online Oklahoma Schools
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Oklahoma
The following are some of the best bachelor's degree programs available in Oklahoma: accounting, advertising, environmental science, microbiology, paleontology, political science, sociology, and more. Whatever career you’re looking for, there are likely plenty of good options for you in your home state. And, if you are looking for the most flexible degree available, a bachelor’s is for you. You can use it as an entry point into most careers or use it to catapult you to a great graduate degree. There are well-respected colleges and universities ready to accept you as a student; just check below for some fantastic programs in Oklahoma.
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Best Master's Degrees in Oklahoma
If you are looking for better job security or to advance your career, continuing your education with a master's or doctorate may be the way to go. There are many advanced degree options such as education in instructional design and technology, marriage and family therapy, biblical literature with an emphasis in advanced languages, human development and family science-gerontology, and much more. On this list, you’ll find schools that offer some of the best master's degrees and doctorate programs available.
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Cost of Oklahoma College Education & Salaries
Public colleges and universities in Oklahoma have a two-tier tuition structure. Out-of-state students pay a fee that reflects the costs and value of high-quality education. The average out-of-state rate across the US is lower than the average private school tuition prices but also much higher than the average in-state tuition. In Oklahoma, it is much the same. In-state tuition fees at public colleges and universities represent a low-cost option for Oklahoma students and families. These rates reflect the high levels of support that Oklahoma residents provide to their public university system. Oklahoma residents and businesses support education in the state with taxes and special assessments that fund the public higher education system.
Oklahoma also provides tuition relief for Oklahoma students that must attend out-of-state schools to get a major that they prefer. The Oklahoma University system is part of the SREB Academic Common Market. This program can provide a waiver of out-of-state fees for Oklahoma students that attend colleges outside of Oklahoma. When Oklahoma students seek a major course of study not available in Oklahoma, they can attend a school in a participating nearby state. The academic common market includes 16 states.
Search Programs Offering Oklahoma Majors
College Cost Analysis - Oklahoma vs. National
Average Oklahoma Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $9,000
National – $10,230
Out-of-State – $23,000
National out-of-state – $26,290
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
Oklahoma ranks well in the nation in affordable education, and some surveys rank it in the top five states for affordable education. The state also ranks well in STEM education; the US Chamber of Commerce rated Oklahoma at number 17 in the nation. Oklahoma is slightly above the national average in federal grants and somewhat below the national average in the costs of in-state tuition.
Financial Aid | Oklahoma | Average $ per Recipient |
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Received Federal Grants | 41% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $9,160 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Best Grants and Scholarships for Oklahoma
Students should pursue scholarships and grants to help pay the costs of college education in Oklahoma. Unlike student loans from the federal government, state government, or private lenders, students do not have to repay scholarships and grants. A four-year degree from a private school costs about $190,000 and about $160,000 from public schools at out-of-state rates. Many students take on student loan debt to pay the costs of a four-year degree. In-state tuition rates, when combined with grants and scholarships, can make education reachable for millions of students.
OTAG
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant
Amount: $1,000-$1,300
Deadline: Varies
https://www.okhighered.org/admin-fac/FinAidResources/otag.shtml
The OTAG program is a needs-based program that awards grants to Oklahoma students up to a limit of funds appropriated by the Legislature for each school year. The program has need-based criteria and a limit on household incomes for eligible students. Family incomes must be $50,000 or less. Students must apply through the FAFSA which has a deadline February 15, for schools, March 1 for state programs, and June 30 for federal programs. Since funds are limited, students should apply as soon as they can in the FAFSA period that begins October 1, 2019. Citizenship is a requirement; however, undocumented students may be eligible to revive OTAG funds if they meet residency requirements.
OTEG
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: February 1
https://www.okhighered.org/admin-fac/FinAidResources/oteg.shtml
The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant is open to undergraduate students that have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. Family income must qualify at $50,000 or less using the OTEG standards. The Family Contribution (EFC) must be $1,700 or less. Students must apply by demonstrating need on the FAFSA. The award is for up to $2,000 per academic year up to five academic years.
OP
Oklahoma’s Promise
Amount: Full Tuition at an Oklahoma Public Institution OR; Partial Tuition at a Private or Technical College
Deadline: Students must enroll in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade.
https://www.okhighered.org/okpromise/application-requirements.shtml
Oklahoma Promise is a tuition scholarship program that awards benefits to students that complete a required set of college preparatory courses while in high school. Eligible students must be Oklahoma residents and attend high school or take homeschooling in Oklahoma. Some out-of-state students may qualify to transfer credits into the Oklahoma system. Students must meet program requirements for grades and attendance. The program has a family income limit of about $55,000 as computed under the program’s standards.
RUBS
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship
Amount: $3,000 and Tuition Waiver
Deadline: Set by each participating School.
https://www.okhighered.org/admin-fac/FinAidResources/rubs.shtml
The 11 participating Oklahoma colleges provide tuition assistance in the form of up to four years of scholarship support. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements; they must be Oklahoma residents, National Merit Scholars, or have an ACT composite score of 30. The scholarship funds and tuition waiver provide full scholarship support for up to eight semesters. The scholarships may only be used at the granting school. Students must apply through the participating school that they wish to attend. The participating schools include Langston University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Rogers State, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Central Oklahoma, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
FTS
Future Teachers Scholarship
Amount: $500-$1,500 (awardees receive more the more hours they have completed)
Deadline: Set by Each participation Institution
https://www.okhighered.org/admin-fac/FinAidResources/fts.shtml
Students must be Oklahoma residents nominated by the college they attend. Full and part time students can participate. The program grants priority to full-time students. Students must be highly rated scholars and admitted to a state-approved, accredited, teacher preparation program. Recipients must maintain good standing, a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and must agree to teach for three consecutive years in an Oklahoma teacher shortage area.
ASP
Academic Scholars Program
Amount: #3,500-$5,500
Deadline: April 30
https://sde.ok.gov/academic-scholar-recognition-program
The Oklahoma Academic Scholars program awards scholarships to students that achieve high scores on the ACT or SAT. Students can qualify by high test scores and by a nomination of the college or high school that they attend. Students with automatically qualifying scores must apply to the college or high school of attendance. Students designated as Presidential scholars, National Merit scholar, or national Merit Finalist should apply through the college they attend or will attend. Institutional nominees should contact the Oklahoma public school that they attend through the student financial aid office.
HSF
Heartland Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
https://www.okhighered.org/state-system/policy-procedures/2017/Chapter%205-2017%20Final.pdf
The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building left many lives forever changed and damaged. Oklahoma has a scholarship fund for dependent children affected by the terror attack on the Murrah Building. Eligible students must be a surviving dependent child from the incident or a dependent child of a fatal victim. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education administers the program. Students that may be eligible should call (800) 858-1840 or email- Studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
MTHSF
May T. Henry Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 1
https://cnb-ok.com/sft1172/maythenryapplication.pdf
The award can go to any Oklahoma resident pursuing any field of study. The requirements for eligibility are a residency in the State of Oklahoma, a high school diploma or GED. Eligible students must attend or intend to attend an Oklahoma public college, university, or technical school. May T. Henry was a pioneering educator in Oklahoma that promoted parent-teacher involvement in the education of Oklahoma students.
GDNPSS
George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Set by participating schools
https://sites.uco.edu/central/leadership/nigh-academy/index.asp
These awards seek to support students that will study subjects that can lead to a career in public service. Each of the participating institutions may nominate a recipient. The schools may determine selection standards that reflect faculty recommendations, community service, extracurricular involvement, leadership, national and scholastic awards. The awards are not renewable.
AFCFS
Allen Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $10,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: December 1
https://cnb-ok.com/sft1172/allenfamilyfoundationscholarship.pdf
The Cherokee Strip Community Foundation and the Allen Family Foundation provide four $10,000 scholarships renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must be Oklahoma residents and graduates of Enid high school, Pioneer high school, or the Oklahoma Bible Academy. The program aims to promote Enid area students that seek a college degree with a special focus on students that would be the first in their families to achieve a college education. Students can attend any two-year or four-year institution as a full-time student.