Hailey
A newly released study highlights the significant economic contributions of Oklahoma’s public higher education system, revealing that each dollar invested yields more than $17 in economic output.
This comprehensive report, commissioned by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and conducted by the University of Cincinnati Economics Center, underscores the system’s vital role in job creation, tax revenue, and workforce development.
Public Colleges Power Economic Impact
According to the findings, Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities support over 111,000 jobs statewide, both directly and indirectly.
In addition, the higher education system generates more than $460 million in tax revenues at the state, county, and local levels.
Regent Dennis Casey emphasized the importance of higher education in the state’s growth trajectory.
“Our colleges and universities continue to produce career-ready graduates who meet Oklahoma’s dynamic workforce needs,” he said.
“With a total economic impact of $14.61 billion, it’s clear that public higher education is a pillar of Oklahoma’s economy.”
Education Levels Translate to Higher Earnings
Over the past 10 years, there has been a 5% increase in adults aged 25 and older holding at least an associate degree in Oklahoma.
The study also shows that education level strongly influences earning potential:
| Education Level | Median Annual Earnings (2023) |
|---|---|
| Less than High School Diploma | $30,185 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $57,336 |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | $71,642 |
These figures illustrate that higher education significantly boosts individual income, contributing further to the state’s overall economy.
Strong In-State Employment After Graduation
One of the most encouraging findings is the high retention of graduates within Oklahoma’s workforce:
- 94% of in-state undergraduate students were employed in Oklahoma within one year of graduating.
- More than 61% of out-of-state graduates also remained in Oklahoma, helping meet local labor demands.
This high employment rate not only supports local communities but also reinforces the value of investing in Oklahoma’s education system.
Blueprint 2030: Strategic Plan for Workforce Readiness
Chancellor Sean Burrage praised the role of Oklahoma’s public institutions in fostering economic growth and innovation.
He pointed to Blueprint 2030, the regents’ strategic initiative aimed at aligning academic programs with labor market demands.
“Our focus is to produce more teachers, engineers, nurses, and IT professionals—the careers Oklahoma urgently needs,” Burrage said. The Blueprint prioritizes:
- Career-aligned curriculum
- Student achievement and retention
- Efficient, effective system-wide operations
Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship Delivers High ROI
The report also analyzed the Oklahoma’s Promise program, a scholarship initiative for eligible residents that covers college tuition costs.
The data reveals that every $1 invested in Oklahoma’s Promise results in $5.88 of economic output.
Key outcomes of Oklahoma’s Promise include:
- 94% of recipients employed in Oklahoma within one year of graduating
- 86% still working in the state five years post-graduation
- $197 million in total wages earned by program graduates in 2023
- In contrast, non-participants earned $171 million, highlighting the added economic value of the program
The data clearly demonstrates that public higher education in Oklahoma is more than an academic endeavor—it’s a powerful economic engine.
From increased earnings and job creation to strong in-state retention and scholarship-driven success, Oklahoma’s investment in education continues to yield lasting dividends.
As Oklahoma moves forward with Blueprint 2030, the focus on workforce development, student outcomes, and strategic resource use will ensure that higher education remains a cornerstone of the state’s prosperity.