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Urban Colleges in Oklahoma

20 schools in Oklahoma. See our methodology.

Community Care College achieves a remarkable 78% graduation rate despite serving just 430 students in Tulsa, proving that smaller urban institutions can deliver strong outcomes. Oklahoma's city-based colleges span an enormous price spectrum, from Oklahoma City Community College's $5,135 net cost to Tulsa Welding School's $33,120 program. This range reflects the state's varied urban educational market, where community colleges serve thousands while specialized trade schools target high-demand sectors. The University of Tulsa stands out with graduates earning $61,408 annually, well above the state average, while maintaining a selective 69% acceptance rate. Oklahoma's energy and aerospace industries create strong demand for technical skills, evident in institutions like Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, which serves 744 students and produces graduates earning nearly $50,000. The state's Oklahoma Promise program covers tuition costs, making even private institutions more accessible. Urban colleges here benefit from proximity to major employers including Tinker Air Force Base and energy companies headquartered in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City's 13.2% to Community Care College's 78%, reflecting different student populations and program structures. Mid-America Christian University demonstrates the middle ground, serving 1,532 students with a 33% completion rate and $17,123 net cost.
20
Schools
$20,098
Avg. Net Price
$41,762
Avg. Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Oklahoma

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 178 $22,680 66.7%
2 City-Large 744 $31,544 60.5%
3 City-Large 1,433 $21,556 64.2%
4 City-Large 2,447 $23,678 73.3%
5 City-Large 11,397 $5,999 26.8%
6 City-Large 1,532 $17,123 33.3%
7 City-Large 9,578 $5,135 21.3%
8 City-Small 2,534 $10,705 21.5%
9 City-Large 934 $33,120 67.1%
10 City-Large 430 $24,958 78.0%
11 City-Large 3,424 $5,877 13.2%
12 City-Large 367 $22,746 75.1%
13 City-Large 283 $23,107 70.2%
14 City-Large 1,897 $21,423 55.2%
15 City-Large 3,322 $23,600 53.9%
16 City-Large 467 75.0%
17 City-Large 120 $28,311 62.5%
18 City-Large 1,143
19 City-Large
20 City-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the huge graduation rate differences between Oklahoma urban colleges?

Graduation rates span from 13.2% at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City to 78% at Community Care College. Community colleges typically serve more part-time and working students, lowering completion rates, while specialized programs like those at Community Care College and Clary Sage College (75.1%) focus intensively on career preparation with smaller cohorts.

How do Oklahoma urban college costs compare to earning potential?

Net costs range from $5,135 to $33,120, while graduate earnings span $21,213 to $63,126 annually. University of Tulsa offers the strongest return at $23,678 net cost producing $61,408 earners. Even expensive programs like Tulsa Welding School at $33,120 generate solid $41,067 median earnings in Oklahoma's growing trades sector.

Which Oklahoma city colleges serve the most students?

Tulsa Community College leads with 11,397 students, followed by Oklahoma City Community College's 9,578 enrollment. These large community colleges offer affordable education at $5,999 and $5,135 respectively. Private institutions remain much smaller, with University of Tulsa serving 2,447 students and Oklahoma Christian University enrolling 1,897 students in urban settings.

Does Oklahoma Promise really make college more affordable in cities?

Oklahoma Promise covers full tuition for qualifying students, significantly reducing costs at public institutions. Oklahoma City Community College's $5,135 net cost and OSU-Oklahoma City's $5,877 cost become even more manageable. Private colleges like Oklahoma City University at $21,556 and University of Tulsa at $23,678 remain substantial investments despite state aid.

What career-focused programs excel in Oklahoma's urban colleges?

Aviation and aerospace programs succeed, with Spartan College of Aeronautics producing $49,944 earners and serving 744 students near Tulsa's aerospace industry. Tulsa Welding School graduates earn $41,067 annually, meeting demand in energy and manufacturing. Healthcare programs at Community Care College achieve 78% graduation rates, targeting Oklahoma's growing medical sector.

How selective are Oklahoma's urban private colleges?

Most remain accessible, with Oklahoma Christian University accepting 96% of applicants and Oklahoma City University accepting 70.4%. University of Tulsa proves most selective at 69.2% acceptance while maintaining strong outcomes. This accessibility reflects Oklahoma's commitment to educational opportunity, though graduation rates vary widely from 33.3% to 73.3% among private institutions.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.