At $23,678/yr net price, University of Tulsa graduates earn $61,408/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,408/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,678 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,408/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,408/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,809/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,984/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,340/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,462/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,755/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $124,271 | |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,022 | $26,950 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,812 | $16,764 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,171 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $27,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $57,318 | $90,365 |
The Risk Factor
73.3% of students at University of Tulsa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Tulsa gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major. With a 73% graduation rate and median debt around $21,500, your debt load stays manageable against median earnings of $61,408 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor, and the 85% retention rate means most people who start actually finish.
The payoff here is concentrated in engineering. Petroleum engineering leads at $80,022, which makes sense in Tulsa, a city built on oil and gas. Energy systems, mechanical, chemical engineering, and computer science all clear $66,000. Mechanical engineering is the standout on cost-efficiency: graduates carry under $17,000 in debt against nearly $68,000 in earnings. If you're studying any of these five fields, the numbers back you up.
The risk is that Tulsa's top earnings cluster around one industry. Petroleum and energy jobs track oil prices, so your paycheck depends partly on a market you don't control. If you enroll expecting engineering money but end up in a non-technical major, you're paying private-school prices without the private-school return,the top programs listed are all engineering and computer science, and nothing outside that range appears in the data.
Net price by income has a quirk worth watching. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $17,000 a year,less than higher-income families. But the jump is steep: earn $48,000 to $75,000 and your price climbs to $23,340, then $28,462, then $30,755 above $110,000. The aid drops off fast as income rises.
This school fits you if you're headed into engineering or computer science, especially at a lower family income where the net price stays near $17,000. If you're aiming for a field outside the technical majors, weigh the $23,678 average price carefully against what that degree pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Tulsa worth the cost?
University of Tulsa offers mixed value depending on your major. Engineering and energy programs justify the cost with strong earnings, but many graduates earn around $61,000 annually against $21,500 in debt.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Tulsa?
Energy Systems Technologies leads at $124,271 annually, followed by Petroleum Engineering at $80,022. Business and other engineering programs typically start around $67,000-69,000.
How much debt do University of Tulsa graduates have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable compared to many private schools. With a net price of $23,678 per year, most students graduate with reasonable debt levels.
Does University of Tulsa have good financial aid?
The net price of $23,678 suggests decent aid for a private university. However, 27% of students don't graduate, which increases the risk of debt without a degree.