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State's economy keeps more graduates home
Oklahoma's economy keeps more graduates home

By Susan Simpson Comments 0
Published: September 12, 2008

More graduates of Oklahoma colleges are staying here to work, according to a report by the State Regents for Higher Education.

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•SCHOLARSHIPS OK'D:

Regents approved a scholarship program for adults earning degrees in the Reach Higher program. Drawing from $915,000 in federal grants, the state will award 620 scholarships of $500 each, with employers asked to match the amount.

•DEGREE APPROVED: Regents approved a new associate degree at Eastern Oklahoma State College in ammunition management and safety. The Wilburton college expects 25 students in the first class. All are expected to be offered jobs by the Defense Department, which operates an ammunition plant in McAlester.

About 61 percent of the people who received bachelor's degrees in 2001-02 remained in Oklahoma five years after graduation. That was up from 59 percent of the 2000-01 class.

The growth is attributed in part to Oklahoma's economy, which is stronger than most states, said Tony Hutchison, associate vice chancellor for strategic planning.

"There are jobs and opportunity,” he said. "We've sort of avoided a recession in Oklahoma, to some extent.”

Other report highlights

•The average income was $40,079 a year for 2001-02 bachelor's degree recipients employed in Oklahoma.

•The highest salaries were earned by graduates with degrees in engineering, mathematics, computer science and other technical fields. Those graduates were also more likely to take jobs in other states.