Most Oklahoma College Graduates Stay and Work In-State, Strengthening Workforce and Economy

OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Nearly 92% of Oklahomans who graduate from a state college or university remain and work in the state one year after graduation, according to the 2024 Employment Outcomes Report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Five years later, nearly 84% of those graduates still live and work in Oklahoma.

State Regents Chair Courtney Warmington said the findings highlight the strong return on investment in higher education. “Graduates from our state system institutions learn here and earn here,” she said. “Retaining our graduates strengthens Oklahoma’s economy and enhances the productivity and skill level of our workforce.”

The report, which uses data from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Oklahoma Tax Commission, shows high employment retention across key industries. Nearly 89% of resident STEM graduates and 92% of those in critical economic fields are working in Oklahoma one year after graduation. More than 94% of nursing graduates and 87% of teacher education graduates are employed in the state, meeting urgent workforce needs.

Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship recipients are also likely to stay, with 93% working in-state one year after graduation and 85% still employed in Oklahoma five years later. The report further confirms that higher education pays off — graduates at all degree levels see their earnings rise over time, with higher degrees correlating to higher salaries.

The full 2024 Employment Outcomes Report is available at okhighered.org/econ-dev/statewide-employment-outcomes.