Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus vs Texas A&M University-College Station
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX
- Oklahoma-Norman Campus Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 11
- Texas A&M Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Texas A&M University-College Station achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 75%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,315 compared to University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus's $15,300. Students who choose University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $63,126 at ten years.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,300, roughly $6,015 a year less
Texas A&M
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than University of Oklahoma
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 57% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over University of Oklahoma. Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment vs $63,126.
Pick University of Oklahoma over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $15,300 vs $21,315.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over University of Oklahoma. 84% completion rate vs 75%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while University of Oklahoma takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,246 to 1,280.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Oklahoma comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,300, about $6,015 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $20,654.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,060 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Oklahoma leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Texas A&M University-College Station graduates report median earnings of $72,097, compared with $63,126 at University of Oklahoma. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 75%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Oklahoma to keep costs and debt down; pick Texas A&M University-College Station for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Oklahoma saves about $6,015 a year, yet Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn $8,971 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Oklahoma concentrates enrollment in Communications, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,654, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above University of Oklahoma's $15,300.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds University of Oklahoma's 22,734.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Oklahoma-Norman Campus does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK · Public
The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is a solid choice for students looking for a well-rounded education in a vibrant community. With an acceptance rate of 77%, it welcomes a diverse range of students, making it a fitting option for those interested in popular fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Psychology. It's a place where you can dive deep into your studies while also enjoying a campus life that encourages connection and growth.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $63,126 within ten years, which provides a good benchmark for potential financial stability. This figure suggests that graduates can find meaningful employment opportunities that lead to upward mobility. The cost of attending is quite manageable, especially when considering the support available for students. With a significant portion of the student body receiving Pell Grants, affordability is a key factor for many who choose this path.
When we look at the financials, the net price after aid stands at $15,300, which is reasonable compared to many institutions. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $20,654, a figure that falls within a manageable range for many. Success here often comes to those who are proactive and engaged, whether in their academic pursuits or in the numerous extracurricular activities available. It's a supportive environment where students can thrive both personally and professionally.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
Rankings They Appear On
Texas A&M University-College Station is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Oklahoma-Norman Campus's top program is Business Administration (26% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Oklahoma-Norman Campus) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Oklahoma is strongest in Communications, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Oklahoma or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 77% at University of Oklahoma.
Which is more affordable, University of Oklahoma or Texas A&M University-College Station?
University of Oklahoma is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,300 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do University of Oklahoma or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more: median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,126 at University of Oklahoma.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Oklahoma or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 75%.
Should you choose University of Oklahoma or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Oklahoma if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Texas A&M University-College Station if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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