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Statewide Employment Outcomes

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The employment outcomes data is generated through a records match between the State Regents, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC). This data is used to determine the percentage of state system graduates who remain and are employed in the state one year and five years after graduation (2022-23 and 2018-19, respectively).

Graduate records are divided into two groups: (1) Oklahoma residents and (2) non-Oklahoma residents. Graduates are identified as Oklahoma residents if Oklahoma is the original state of residence when entering an Oklahoma higher education institution. If the original state of residence at enrollment is anything other than Oklahoma, the graduate is considered a non-Oklahoma resident.

The OESC database does not reflect the self-employed, employees of the federal government (e.g., military and postal service) and graduates working outside of Oklahoma. Additionally, the data does not include graduates who may have transitioned to graduate school, another positive outcome post-graduation. The OTC database includes couples filing joint returns; therefore, employment of the degree recipient is assumed, but may be that of a spouse.

The majority of Oklahoma’s state system graduates remain in the state, contributing to the state’s economy and opportunities for growth, even five years after graduation.

2024 Employment Outcomes Report (PDF, 1m)

Oklahomans Who Remain and Work in OK One Year After Graduation From a Public College or University
   

Employment Outcomes

Employment outcomes dashboards provide data on the percentage of state system graduates who remain and are employed in the state one year and five years after graduation (2022-23 and 2018-19, respectively).

Employment Outcomes Dashboards

 

91% of Oklahoma resident graduates launch their careers in the state within one year of graduation, strengthening the state’s workforce. Earnings grow with education:consistent with national trends, median annual earnings climb as degree level increases. STEM talent stays local:Nearly 80% of STEM undergraduates work in Oklahoma one year after graduation. Oklahoma attracts and retains talent: more than half of non-resident undergraduates stay to work in the state after graduation. Teacher pipeline is strong: Over 87% of teacher education graduates are employed in Oklahoma within one year. Engineering graduates build Oklahoma’s future: nearly 74% of undergraduates in engineering are employed in Oklahoma one year after graduation. Nursing graduates meet critical demand: over 94% are working in Oklahoma within one year, and more than 86% continue serving the state after five years. Oklahoma’s Promise delivers lasting impact: nearly 93% of graduates work in Oklahoma within one year, and almost 85% are still here five years later.