job prospects in Norman (find a job, schools, college)

[step_dad]

Hi everyone. Interesting forum. Our daughter, who is 21, is moving to Norman to be with her boyfriend. Her plan is to move in with him, find part time work, and complete her degree at U of Ok. We support her decision, but are concerned about their ability to make it financially. Can two young kids make it on their own in Norman? And what kind of work might she realistically be able to find? She has only two years of work experience and some college, but is she is very mature, personable and has a great attitude. We're a couple of states away from Oklahoma so any feedback from people on the ground would be appreciated.

[soonermeteor]

Originally Posted by step_dad

Hi everyone. Interesting forum. Our daughter, who is 21, is moving to Norman to be with her boyfriend. Her plan is to move in with him, find part time work, and complete her degree at U of Ok. We support her decision, but are concerned about their ability to make it financially. Can two young kids make it on their own in Norman? And what kind of work might she realistically be able to find? She has only two years of work experience and some college, but is she is very mature, personable and has a great attitude. We're a couple of states away from Oklahoma so any feedback from people on the ground would be appreciated.

I'm sure it can work. I know a lot of people who are out of state students and working there way through school. As far as jobs, there are plenty available in the food/retail industry, which is where a majority of the people I know work. Cost of living is relatively low compared to many areas in the country. You can find a nice 2 bedroom for under 500 a month. The main concern will be tuition, which unfortunately was just knocked up some. The average out of state resident is going to have to pay 13000/year. This is lower than all other big 12 schools though. One possible idea would be for her to move to Norman and work for a year. Not only will this get her some savings for the coming years in school when she may not be able to work as much, but then she will be able to get in with in state tuition. That would only be around 5000/year.

The actual tuition numbers just released by the President:
13,399 Non-Resident
5,110 Resident

[happytown]

Originally Posted by soonermeteor

I'm sure it can work. I know a lot of people who are out of state students and working there way through school. As far as jobs, there are plenty available in the food/retail industry, which is where a majority of the people I know work. Cost of living is relatively low compared to many areas in the country. You can find a nice 2 bedroom for under 500 a month. The main concern will be tuition, which unfortunately was just knocked up some. The average out of state resident is going to have to pay 13000/year. This is lower than all other big 12 schools though. One possible idea would be for her to move to Norman and work for a year. Not only will this get her some savings for the coming years in school when she may not be able to work as much, but then she will be able to get in with in state tuition. That would only be around 5000/year.

The actual tuition numbers just released by the President:
13,399 Non-Resident
5,110 Resident

Great post. I would def hold a job for a year and get in state tuition(never understood why most parents dont consider this). It will get you to become familiar with the town, find some friends and get a break from school for a second. Norman is a fantastic, beautiful city that melts into OKC so you can have big city entertainment that is only 15 mins away(depending where you live in Norman). Norman has many free outside concerts and has a nice downtown. The campus has some of the best architecture in the state. Its called Oklahoma Goth. OU is next to campus corner which will have plenty of jobs before the school year....Find a job a month before school starts!

[peggydavis]

I don't know how you feel about gambling, but my daughter worked at the Chickasaw casino just south of Norman for awhile. This was the small casino.
She made pretty good money because of the tips. She thought it was a good place to work.

[happytown]

Riverwind casino is a new huge one and it is also very close to Norman.