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University of Tulsa vs Oklahoma City University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Tulsa OK · vs · Private nonprofit, Oklahoma City OK

The verdict

University of Tulsa has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,000 in 4.6 years versus 14.5 years at Oklahoma City University, on median earnings of $61,408 vs $54,655 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of TulsaOklahoma City University
Net price / yr$15,000$22,857
Total net cost$60,000$91,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,408$54,655
Median debt$21,500$20,835
Payback4.6 yrs14.5 yrs
20-year net return$200,960$34,472

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University?

University of Tulsa, at $15,000 a year after aid versus $22,857 — a gap of $7,857 a year, or $31,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University graduates earn more?

University of Tulsa graduates report a median $61,408 ten years after entry, $6,753 more than the $54,655 at Oklahoma City University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University?

Oklahoma City University: its completers carry a median $20,835 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Tulsa, a difference of $665. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at University of Tulsa, against 65% at Oklahoma City University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Tulsa vs Oklahoma City University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University a better value?
University of Tulsa. It clears its $60,000 net cost in about 4.6 years versus 14.5 years at Oklahoma City University, on median earnings of $61,408 vs $54,655 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University?
University of Tulsa: $15,000/yr net price after aid versus $22,857/yr at Oklahoma City University — a difference of $7,857 a year, or about $31,428 over four years.
Do University of Tulsa or Oklahoma City University graduates earn more?
University of Tulsa graduates earn a median $61,408 ten years after entry, versus $54,655 at Oklahoma City University — a $6,753 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.