University of Tulsa logo

University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK Private ยท Urban utulsa.edu
Accept Rate
57.99%
Grad Rate
72.8%
Enrollment
2,447
Avg SAT
1325
Tuition
$48,602
Median Salary
$61,408
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Tulsa offers a unique blend of collegiate charm and metropolitan energy, nestled in a beautiful, historic campus along the Arkansas River. Students often describe it as a close-knit community where you get the personalized attention of a small private school with the opportunities of a mid-sized city. It feels like a place where you can build strong relationships with professors while enjoying an active, urban lifestyle.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

57.99%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 132575th Pctl
11501490
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2433
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in one of TU's signature programs like engineering, business, or computer science in your application essay, as this shows fit. With an acceptance rate around 58%, aim for an SAT score above 1325 or a strong GPA to be competitive. Demonstrate leadership or community involvement, as TU values well-rounded applicants who contribute to campus life.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1325
40080012001600
School range: 1150โ€“1490

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

TU is renowned for its strong programs in engineering and computer science, particularly cybersecurity and petroleum engineering, alongside a highly respected College of Business. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and undergraduate research, with a low student-to-faculty ratio that fosters direct mentorship and collaborative projects. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with local industries for real-world experience.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
19.3%
Engineering
17.2%
Biology & Biomedical
9.4%
Computer Science
8.7%
Health Professions
6.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.8%
Social Sciences
6%
Multidisciplinary Studies
5.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
Mathematics & Statistics
2.8%
English & Literature
2.6%
Communications
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

72.8%
Graduation Rate
85.1%
Retention Rate
2,447
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$48,602
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,678
After financial aid
Total Cost
$63,093
Cost of attendance/year
26.1%
Receive Pell Grants
36.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Tulsa

Tulsa offers a vibrant arts and music scene, with students frequenting the Brady District for live music, galleries, and the iconic Gathering Place park. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy kayaking on the Arkansas River or hiking nearby Turkey Mountain, while the city's food truck culture and festivals provide endless weekend options. It's a city that blends Southern hospitality with cosmopolitan amenities, perfect for exploring without feeling overwhelming.

Local Rent Check

$900 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Tulsa
Explore Tulsa

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$194,408
$0Est. 4 Years: $194,408

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($61,408):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The University of Tulsa has its own campus police force and a well-lit, compact campus that feels secure, with emergency blue lights throughout. The surrounding midtown Tulsa area is generally safe, but students should stay aware of their surroundings in the urban setting, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong STEM programs with high job placement rates in engineering and computer science
  • โœ“ Personalized attention from faculty due to low student-faculty ratio
  • โœ“ Urban campus in a growing city with rich cultural and outdoor activities
  • โœ“ High retention rate of 85.1% indicating student satisfaction

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price for tuition, though net cost is lower
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment of ~2,400 may limit diversity of social options
  • โœ— Tulsa's location in Oklahoma means fewer major corporate headquarters compared to coastal cities

Notable Alumni

Sheldon Adelson
Billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, known for his influence in gaming and hospitality.
Bill Hader
Emmy-winning actor and comedian, famous for his work on Saturday Night Live and creating the series Barry.
Megan Mullally
Actress and comedian, best known for her role as Karen Walker on Will & Grace, with multiple Emmy nominations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Tulsa is particularly known for its strong programs in engineering (especially petroleum and cybersecurity), business, and computer science. It also has a notable College of Law and a focus on undergraduate research. The campus is recognized for its beautiful Gothic architecture and proximity to the Arkansas River, blending academic rigor with a scenic urban environment.

With an acceptance rate of approximately 58%, TU is moderately selective, meaning it's not overly competitive but still requires a solid application. The average SAT score is around 1325, and admitted students typically have strong GPAs and extracurriculars. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds, so holistic review is important.

Campus life at TU is active and community-oriented, with over 120 student organizations, Greek life, and Division I athletics in the American Athletic Conference. Students enjoy a walkable campus with residence halls, dining options, and events like concerts and cultural festivals. The urban setting allows easy access to Tulsa's amenities, fostering a balance between on-campus involvement and off-campus exploration.

Yes, for many students, especially those in high-ROI majors like engineering or business, where 10-year median earnings reach $61,408. The effective net price of $23,678 and strong graduation rate (72.8%) enhance value, supported by career services that connect students to local employers. However, it's best for those who qualify for aid or scholarships, as the full tuition is steep without them.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

ConocoPhillips American Airlines Baker Hughes Google St. Francis Health System
Smart Start Score
69

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,735
  • In-State Tuition $48,602
  • Zip Code 74104

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 49.3% โ™€ 50.7%

The Money Talk

At around $48,600 annually for tuition, TU is a significant investment, but the average net price of $23,678 after aid makes it more accessible for many families. With 10-year median earnings of $61,408 and a solid graduation rate of 72.8%, the ROI is competitive, especially in high-demand fields like engineering and tech. The value is strong for those who leverage TU's career services and alumni network, though out-of-state students should weigh costs carefully.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $48,602
Housing (12 mo) $10,800
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $66,602
With avg financial aid:
$23,678/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.