When comparing graduate programs, it is reasonable to include the stipends provided by each institution.  However, this number must be adjusted by the cost of living.  If you go by the raw data, you may end up with a raw deal.  According to the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, the cost of living in Oklahoma City (about 15 miles away from campus)  is about 92% of the national average.  What does this mean practically?





Twelve-month stipends for teaching typically run $15,000 at OU.   (Non-native speakers of English may earn less until they pass a teaching test.)  This sum may be increased when students pass their Specialist Exam and become Ph.D. candidates, and can be augmented by awards and supplements.  For the purposes of comparison, let's stick to the $15,000 figure.  Using this figure we can calculate the amount you would have to make in other cities to have the same earning power.   You would have to make:

• $19,950.00 in Los Angeles, CA.
• $17,233.33 in Denver, CO.
• $18,916.67 in Ann Arbor, MI.
• $17,516.67 in Columbus, OH.
• $17,550.00 in Chicago, IL.
• $23,750.00 in Boston, MA.
The above cities are chosen as representative.   You are welcome to follow the above link and find out for yourself!

Please follow the links below to obtain related information:

• The State Chamber of Commerce has lots of economic data as well as community info.
• Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce also provides ecomomic data.
• An entertainment guide to Oklahoma City.
• Yahoo provides a salary comparison guide.
• Read our graduate brochure.

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Sponsor: OU Physics & Astronomy
Developer: Kieran Mullen
Updated December 8, 1998
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