At $33,120/yr net price, Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa graduates earn $41,067/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,067/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,120 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $132,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,067/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,067/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $32,478/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,449/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,579/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,795/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,511/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | $18,645 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $31,450 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $30,983 | $9,500 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $28,091 |
The Risk Factor
67.1% of students at Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Tulsa Welding School delivers modest returns with significant financial risks that make it suitable only for specific situations. The $33,120 annual price tag produces median earnings of just $41,067 after ten years, creating a tight margin between investment and payoff.
Your program choice determines everything here. Precision Metal Working graduates earn $42,682 annually but carry $18,645 in debt, while the same program's lower-tier track produces only $30,983 with $9,500 debt. Electromechanical Instrumentation hits the middle at $31,450 with moderate debt. Plumbing graduates face the weakest outlook at $28,091, barely justifying the school's premium pricing.
The 67% graduation rate creates substantial dropout risk, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to precision metalworking and can handle the higher debt load, or if you have strong family connections in welding trades that guarantee job placement.
You should look elsewhere if you're exploring options or need financial safety nets. Community colleges offer similar welding programs at half the cost with comparable job prospects. Tulsa Welding works best for students who know exactly what they want, can afford the premium, and have realistic expectations about blue-collar earning potential in Oklahoma's industrial market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa worth the cost?
With a net price of $33,120 annually and 10-year earnings of $41,067, the financial return is modest. The low median debt of $9,500 helps, but graduates earn less than many trade school programs elsewhere.
Which programs at Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa have the best ROI?
Precision Metal Working offers the strongest return with $42,682 in median earnings. Electromechanical programs and other welding tracks produce lower earnings in the $28,000-$31,000 range.
What is the graduation rate at Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa?
The graduation rate is 67%, meaning one in three students don't complete their program. This completion rate is typical for trade schools but represents significant dropout risk.
How much student debt do Tulsa Welding School-Tulsa graduates have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low for vocational training. However, given the modest earning potential of most programs, even this amount may take several years to pay off.