University of Tulsa
University of Tulsa — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Tulsa at a Glance
The University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. Originally established as the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls and later as the Henry Kendall College in 1894, it merged with the proposed McFarlin College to become the University of Tulsa in 1920. As of 2024, the university enrolled 3,769 students.
1894
132 years old
$1.3B
$1.335 billion (2025)
3,769
3,029 undergrad · 1,122 grad
306
230 acres
Identity
How to Apply to University of Tulsa
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Is University of Tulsa Worth It?
University of Tulsa delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $15,000/year, it's priced 26% below average, while graduates go on to earn $61,408 — 14% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 73% graduation rate means roughly 27% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: University of Tulsa delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How University of Tulsa compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 49 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #2 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #3 | DePauw University | 61 | $22,264 | $70,527 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Tulsa's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in OK.
Best Programs at University of Tulsa
The highest-earning program at University of Tulsa is Petroleum Engineering at $69,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $37,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Petroleum Engineering graduate from University of Tulsa earns $69,300, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $37,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,000/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | $69,300 | $69,300 | $25,852 |
| Chemical Engineering | $67,600 | $67,600 | $19,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $64,900 | $64,900 | $21,537 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,500 | $57,500 | $26,945 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,000 | $37,000 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in OK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Tulsa, OK
- Student Body
- 2,813 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 73%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,000
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,408
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500