ALT Group of diverse college students attentively working together in a classroom setting. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? A study from the National College Attainment Network shows that for each post-secondary graduate, Oklahoma’s annual GDP increases by more than $114K."

ALT Smiling young student with glasses and backpack walking through a hallway. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? National data show college grads have double the yearly income, 3x the retirement savings, and 4x the net worth of working-age, non-college educated Americans."

ALT Students focused on typing at computers in a lab. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? Degree production in computer and information sciences increased nearly 60% over the last 10 years."

ALT Healthcare student practicing patient care on a medical dummy in a clinical training setting. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? At our public colleges and universities, FY27 tuition and mandatory fees are over 25% less, on average, than institutions in their national/regional peer groups."

ALT Two college students walking and talking in a campus hallway. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? Public higher education plays a vital role in preparing students for Oklahoma’s critical occupations. In the last academic year, nearly 90% of all degrees awarded were in these essential fields."

ALT Three diverse graduates in caps celebrating with peace signs outside a building. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? A national study ranking entry-level jobs based on 12 key metrics—from starting salary to projected job growth—shows that four of the 5 jobs with the most income growth potential require a college degree."

ALT Two female students sitting at an outdoor table with laptops and notebooks, smiling and studying together. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? Master’s degree production has increased nearly 44% over the last 10 years."

ALT Student in glasses carefully pouring liquid in a science experiment. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? You aren’t defined by your test scores. High ACT/SAT scores aren’t your only path to a degree—public college and university admission decisions reflect several key factors."

ALT A student receives a white coat. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities offer nearly 100 online programs in nursing and other healthcare professions."

ALT Two students in a trade school setting. Text reads: "Why Higher Ed? Microcredentials developed through UpskillOK equip Oklahomans to fill critical workforce needs, and many are stackable toward a degree."