At $5,999/yr net price, Tulsa Community College graduates earn $39,746/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,746/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,999 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,746/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,746/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,223 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,625/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,401/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,525/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,642/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $63,749 | $13,810 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,689 | $17,064 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,697 | $13,286 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,696 | $11,700 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Associate | $44,021 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Associate | $32,382 | |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $30,409 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,598 | $13,875 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $26,353 | $11,838 |
The Risk Factor
26.8% of students at Tulsa Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Tulsa Community College delivers strong returns for health-focused students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The dental support and nursing programs generate earnings above $60,000 annually, making them strong values given the school's low $5,999 net price. However, the 26.8% graduation rate means most students never complete their programs.
Your program choice determines everything at TCC. Health programs dominate the earnings leaders, with dental support services producing the highest returns at $63,749 annually. Nursing graduates earn $60,689, and even lower-tier health programs like medical assisting still reach $45,696. Outside health fields, your earning prospects drop significantly, making TCC a poor choice if you plan to study liberal arts or general education.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating. With only one in four students completing their programs, you face real odds of accumulating debt without credentials. The median debt of $12,223 stays manageable for successful health graduates but becomes problematic if you drop out.
TCC works best if you want direct career training in health fields and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price makes it accessible, and Tulsa's healthcare job market supports decent employment prospects for graduates. Avoid TCC if you need extensive academic support, plan to transfer to a four-year school, or want to study fields outside health and technical trades.
Financial aid reaches only 36% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket. The low sticker price makes this feasible, but also means limited scholarship opportunities for reducing costs further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulsa Community College worth the cost?
At $6,000 per year, Tulsa Community College offers solid value if you pick the right program and graduate. Healthcare programs like dental support and nursing provide strong returns, but the 27% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Tulsa Community College?
Dental support services ($63,749) and nursing programs ($60,689) offer the highest earnings potential at Tulsa Community College. These healthcare fields provide clear career paths that justify the investment.
How much debt will I have after Tulsa Community College?
Students typically graduate with $12,223 in debt from Tulsa Community College. This is manageable debt for healthcare graduates but could be problematic if you don't complete your program or choose a lower-paying field.
Do Tulsa Community College graduates make good money?
Overall graduate earnings average $39,746 after 10 years, which is modest. However, this varies dramatically by program - nursing and dental graduates earn significantly more while other fields may struggle to justify even the low tuition cost.