College Costs in Tulsa, OK 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 15 colleges in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,582
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,753
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,113
per month
Colleges & Universities
15
institutions
Tulsa Overview
Population
413,066
Student Population
36,455 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
84 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Tulsa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$67,648
Total After Financial Aid
$67,648
Annual Cost
$16,912
Annual After Aid
$16,912
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $67,648 |
| Monthly Payment | $768 |
| Total Interest | $24,528 |
| Total Loan Cost | $92,176 |
Universities in Tulsa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tulsa | Private | $44,726 |
| Oral Roberts University | Private | $32,780 |
| Oklahoma State University-Tulsa | Public | $6,582 |
| Tulsa Community College | Community | $3,558 |
Tulsa has 15 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Tulsa vs. National Average
| Category | Tulsa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,582 | $10,940 | -$4,358 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,113 | $1,050 | +$63 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16 |
Tulsa's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Tulsa
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
36,455 students
Tulsa has a total population of 413,066, with approximately 36,455 college students (8.8% of the population). Tulsa has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Tulsa
$50,984
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Tulsa earn a median starting salary of $50,984, which is $15,984 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $67,648 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,592 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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