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69.2%Acceptance
$48,602Tuition
2,447Students
73%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,408Earnings
#11 in OklahomaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa builds engineers and business leaders on one of America's most stunning collegiate Gothic campuses. This small research university enrolls just 2,447 students in a large city setting, creating an intimate academic environment with big-city opportunities. Notable graduates include NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent and author S.E. Hinton, who wrote "The Outsiders." The school maintains its Presbyterian heritage while attracting students from across the region.

Students pay an average net price of $23,678, less than the sticker price of $48,602. Graduates earn a median of $61,408 ten years after leaving school, making the typical monthly loan payment of $228 manageable for most. With median debt of just $21,500, TU students graduate with relatively light financial burdens compared to many private universities.

The Golden Hurricane competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 17 varsity sports supported by over $16 million in athletic scholarships. A 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. The 73% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on student success, while 85% of freshmen return for sophomore year.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Tulsa operates as a private research university known for engineering excellence and strong business programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. TU's petroleum engineering program ranks among the nation's best, reflecting the school's deep ties to Oklahoma's energy industry. The 73% six-year graduation rate demonstrates solid academic support systems. Computer science and cybersecurity programs have gained national recognition in recent years. Students benefit from small class sizes typical of top liberal arts colleges while accessing research opportunities usually found at larger universities. The engineering school particularly attracts students interested in energy sector careers and modern technology development.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
75.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
72.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
73.3%
Retention Rate
85.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,408
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. Master $124,271
Petroleum Engineering. Bachelor $80,022
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $69,338
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. Bachelor $69,338
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $67,812
Chemical Engineering. Bachelor $67,660
Computer Science. Bachelor $66,171
Accounting and Related Services. Master $64,493
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $61,020
Law. Doctoral $57,318

View all 149 programs →

Campus Life

TU's Gothic Revival campus sits on 230 acres in midtown Tulsa, just minutes from downtown's entertainment district and outdoor recreation along the Arkansas River. With housing capacity for 2,430 students and total enrollment of 2,447, nearly everyone lives on campus during their first two years. The small size means you'll recognize faces walking between the limestone buildings and manicured lawns.

Oklahoma's continental climate brings hot summers requiring plenty of sunscreen and cold winters where you'll need that coat, though snow rarely sticks around long. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Weekends often revolve around Golden Hurricane athletics, particularly football games at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Students frequent Brookside and Cherry Street for dining and nightlife, while the nearby Gathering Place riverfront park offers kayaking and concerts. Greek life provides social structure, though with just 2,447 students, the entire campus feels like a close-knit community where academic excellence meets Southern hospitality.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
2,430 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1894

Campus Safety (2023)

66 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 12 10 0 0
Burglary 8 4 1 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 0 1 0
Dating Violence 3 3 0 0
Stalking 4 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 1 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
28°–48°F
July Avg
73°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
41.0"
Annual Snowfall
8.7"

Student Demographics

University of Tulsa draws a balanced mix of men and women to its 2,447-student campus, with just over half coming from Oklahoma. The roughly even gender split reflects the school's dual strength in engineering and liberal arts programs. Students represent diverse backgrounds, though the majority are white, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations. The 26% Pell Grant rate shows TU serves middle-class families seeking quality private education. Strong in-state enrollment demonstrates the university's reputation as Oklahoma's top small research institution, while out-of-state students are drawn by its strong engineering and business programs.
Men
49.3%
Women
50.7%
White
48.9%
Black
7.8%
Hispanic
12.9%
Asian
7.9%
In-State Students
55.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.1%

Location

Tulsa sits in northeastern Oklahoma as the state's second-largest city with over 400,000 residents. The campus lies about 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City in the heart of oil country. This sprawling metropolitan area built its wealth on petroleum and aerospace industries, giving students access to major corporate internships at companies like American Airlines and Williams. The Arkansas River winds through downtown Tulsa just minutes from campus. Students enjoy a true urban environment with professional sports, museums, and a revitalized downtown arts district. The surrounding region offers rolling hills and lakes rather than the flat plains many associate with Oklahoma. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare University of Tulsa with similar schools in the region.
Address
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3189
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HA-Chapman-Stadium-Tulsa
HA-Chapman-Stadium-Tulsa

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,408
Median Earnings (5 years)
$75,031
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$50,400
Loan Repayment Rate
79.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Tulsa?

University of Tulsa accepts 69% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1078-1350 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting solid students to its engineering and business programs.

How much does University of Tulsa cost after financial aid?

Despite a sticker price of $59,794, the average net price is $23,678 after aid. The university is known for generous institutional grants averaging $35,824 for recipients, helping make this strong private education more accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Tulsa?

University of Tulsa maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 2,447 total students. This intimate environment allows the research university to provide personalized attention while maintaining strong programs in engineering, business, and liberal arts.

What do University of Tulsa graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $61,408 ten years after enrollment with a strong 95.9% employment rate. The school's reputation in engineering and business, plus its connections in Oklahoma's energy sector, help create solid career outcomes for its alumni.

Where is University of Tulsa located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Tulsa, Oklahoma on one of America's most beautiful collegiate Gothic campuses. With housing capacity for 2,430 students and 17 varsity sports competing as the Golden Hurricane in Division I, campus life centers around this architecturally stunning setting.

Is University of Tulsa known for any famous alumni?

The university has produced notable graduates including NFL Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Steve Largent, plus author S.E. Hinton who wrote The Outsiders. Founded in 1894 with Presbyterian roots, TU has built a reputation for producing successful leaders across diverse fields from sports to literature.