Study: More Graduates Staying In Oklahoma

Friday, July 6th 2007, 3:11 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Nine out of 10 Oklahomans who earn a bachelor's degree at an in-state public university stay in Oklahoma for at least a year, up from 80% two years ago, according to a report released by state regents.

After five years, 72% remain as Oklahoma workers.

More jobs are available in a variety of fields, although degrees in architecture and transportation still lead a majority of those grads out of state, according to the report released Thursday.

``In the global economy, there is fierce competition for the best and brightest,'' said Jim Purcell, associate vice chancellor of strategic planning and analysis.

Five years after graduation, bachelor's degree recipients earned an average annual salary of $37,747 in Oklahoma.

``I think most of our college graduates have a strong affinity toward their home state, and would prefer to work right here in Oklahoma,'' Purcell said. ``Fortunately, the Oklahoma economy has matured to the point where these proud young people can find that dream closer to home.''