Oklahoma is seeing strong retention of its college graduates, with 92% choosing to work in the state one year after graduation. The Employment Outcomes Report, using data from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Oklahoma Tax Commission, highlights how higher education contributes to the state’s workforce and economy, according to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Chancellor Sean Burrage noted that many graduates continue to work in Oklahoma years after finishing their studies, particularly in key sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and business. Data shows that five years after graduation, a large share of alumni remain employed within the state.
STEM graduates also report strong retention rates, with 89% of resident undergraduates working in Oklahoma after one year and 78% after five years. Across all critical fields, about 84% of graduates remain in-state five years after completing their degrees.
Nursing graduates show one of the highest retention rates, with 94% working in Oklahoma after one year. Among engineering graduates, more than 72%—including non-residents—stay to work locally. Teacher education graduates also show high in-state employment, with 87% working in Oklahoma one year after graduation.
The report further indicates a steady link between educational attainment and higher earnings, with wages continuing to rise across degree levels five years after graduation. These findings highlight the long-term impact of Oklahoma’s higher education system on workforce stability and economic growth.
