Understanding the Costs of Attending the University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa (TU) represents a significant investment in one's future. For prospective students and their families, understanding the various costs associated with attending TU is crucial for financial planning. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses at the University of Tulsa.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

The University of Tulsa's tuition is $52,026, making it more expensive than the national average cost of tuition of $47,097. This figure includes both tuition and fees, often referred to as the sticker price. Full-time undergraduate tuition stands at $46,932, with mandatory fees adding an average of $1,170. Compared to other private institutions, the University of Tulsa's tuition and fees place it among the more expensive, ranking in the top 20% nationally.

Additional Costs: Beyond Tuition

When budgeting for college, it's important to consider the total cost of attendance, which includes not only tuition and fees but also room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At the University of Tulsa, the total cost is $69,664.

Room and Board: Room and board charges at the University of Tulsa average $15,164 per year, with $9,000 allocated for housing and $6,164 for meal plans.
Books and Supplies: The cost of books and supplies is listed as $0 per year.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses are estimated at $6,894 per year.
Other Costs: Approximate cost per year for supplies, drug testing fees, background check fees, mobile handheld device, scheduling system fees, immunizations, CPR certification fees, uniforms, and ATI testing fees.

Net Price: Understanding Your Actual Cost

The net price represents the actual cost a student pays after factoring in grants and scholarships. This figure is personalized based on individual circumstances and a college's financial aid policies. The average net price at the University of Tulsa is $23,681 per year. To get the most accurate estimate of your net price, it's recommended to use the university's Net Price calculator.

Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Financial aid is a critical component in making higher education affordable. It can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which most colleges determine based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Average Aid Package: The average aid package awarded is $36,581.
Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These do not need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $29,789. In fall 2023, 65% of first-year students received need-based financial aid.
Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back.
Non-Need-Based Aid: Also known as merit-based aid, this is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $44,518.
Meeting Financial Need: University of Tulsa met 56% of its students’ financial aid need.

Student Loans: Investing in Your Future

Student loans are a common way to finance a college education, but it's important to understand the potential debt burden. At the University of Tulsa, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $21,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $228. Additionally, 10% of graduating students at University of Tulsa took out private loans, with an average of $42,741 in private loan debt at graduation. The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $31,335, with 47% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.

Scholarships: Funding That Doesn't Need Repaying

Scholarships are a valuable form of funding that does not require repayment. They can be need-based, merit-based, or awarded based on other criteria such as community service, unique hobbies, or affiliations. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Work-Study and Employment Opportunities

The University of Tulsa offers various work-study opportunities designed to help students finance their education while gaining valuable experience. Eligible students can find part-time employment on campus, working in roles that accommodate their academic schedules and complement their fields of study. International students may also participate in on-campus employment, including certain work-study roles, provided they meet federal and institutional eligibility requirements.

Payment Plans and Policies

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all educational expenses are paid during the semester in which they are incurred. If financial aid does not cover all of the student’s expenses, the student may pay the balance in full or enroll in a monthly payment plan. Contact the Bursar’s Office at 918-631-2600 for information regarding the monthly payment plan. A nominal fee will be assessed to establish a payment plan. Students will receive messages via their utulsa.edu addresses advising them when statements are available for review on the TU Portal. Currently enrolled students: Any unpaid balance not covered by financial aid, must either be paid in full or a payment plan must be established with 20% down payment. Payment must be received by the Friday prior to the start of the semester. Currently enrolled students with an unpaid balance will not be allowed to enroll in subsequent semesters. Payments must be current to be in good standing. Non-payment per the terms above or a failed payment plan will result in cancellation of enrollment. A failed payment plan is considered to be two missed payments and or two payments that have been returned unpaid. Participation in a payment plan does not guarantee enrollment in future semesters or a release of transcript or diploma. A failed or delinquent payment plan may result in cancellation of enrollment, will result in an enrollment hold for future semesters, and denial of access to transcripts and diplomas.

The university accepts charges on valid VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. If a student withdraws from his or her courses at the University, he or she may receive reduction of tuition based upon the following schedule. The reduction shall be calculated from the date on which application for withdrawal is processed. Financial aid recipients receiving refunds will have their refunds returned to the proper aid accounts as determined by the Student Financial Services Office pursuant to federal guidelines.

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Additional Fees and Requirements

Student Health Insurance: All students enrolled at The University of Tulsa are required to have health insurance coverage which provides for benefits in the State of Oklahoma. To help ensure coverage, all students will have the cost of the coverage available through the University added to their University bill each semester. However, the charge will be removed from the student’s account upon verification of other appropriate coverage. Verification must be received annually by September 15th for students enrolling in the fall semester and January 31st for students enrolling for the first time in the spring semester.
Student Renter’s Insurance: Renter’s insurance is recommended for all students living in on campus or other away-from-home accommodations. In many cases, parents’ homeowner policies will cover expenses related to dependents’ expenses in external locations.
Immunization Requirements.
TU One Card: The Parking and Card Services office in Fisher Hall issues identification cards to all students and University employees. The cards are required for admission to the campus libraries, dining hall, residence halls, labs, selected classrooms and other facilities. Students are required to carry their TU One Cards at all times on University property and at University events, and to present it to University officials when requested. ID cards may not be loaned to anyone at any time. The TU One Card is used for admission to Student Association-sponsored programs and University athletic events. Students at The University of Tulsa are allowed one free student ticket to each athletic event. Students must present their valid University of Tulsa ID and ticket for admittance to athletic events.
Hurricane Gold Dollars: Hurricane Gold Dollars are a safe and convenient option for on- and off-campus dining and shopping. It is a non-interest-bearing declining balance convenience account, not a credit card or a checking account, and is tied to a student’s TU One Card. Purchases are deducted from the student’s account when the ID card is swiped at the register. Banking regulations and University policy prohibit cash withdrawals during the academic year, but remaining balances are fully refundable at the end of the semester or upon withdrawal from the University. If a student loses a TU One Card, especially when there is money in his or her Hurricane Gold or Dining Dollars account, he or she should notify the Parking and Card Services office immediately. The student will be responsible for all transactions made by the student or by anyone else who uses the card, even if lost. However, to minimize loss, a $20.00 per day spending limit has been established for all vending locations. The Parking and Card Services office will instantly change the account number to protect the account from unauthorized use and will issue a replacement TU One Card. Loss of an ID after normal business hours can be reported to any Hurricane Gold location with a cash register - e.g., the Hut or Pat Case Dining Center - which can “lock out” use of the missing card. Then, when the Parking and Card Services office reopens, the account number can be changed and the account reactivated. Invalidation of the card will occur on the morning of the next business day.
Undergraduate Textbook Program: All continuing undergraduates who started prior to Fall 2022 will be assessed $25 per enrolled credit hour for the undergraduate textbook program. The charge is posted directly to the student TU Tuition and Fees bill and can be paid with other university charges or using financial aid. Continuing students may choose to opt-out of the program until certain points in each semester of enrollment.

Nursing Program Specific Fees

Basic Life Support Certification: Basic Life Support Certification is required prior to beginning clinical placements. If the student is traveling to Tulsa from out of town, expect the added expense of accommodations. There is special hotel pricing through La Quinta Inn & Suites Tulsa Downtown, and lunch is provided on Monday and Friday.
Virtual-ATI: The course fee covers the expense of Virtual-ATI which is an NCLEX review for soon-to-be graduates of nursing programs. It is a resource that provides individualized guidance and assignments in preparation for the NCLEX. This content and service is integrated into the course curriculum for NSG 4263. (This does not include the cost of the NCLEX exam and the application for licensure in your state.
Clinical Requirements: Some clinical sites require criminal background checks and drug screenings to be conducted on an annual basis. The first criminal background check that is completed prior to matriculation is covered by TU. Any further, required background checks will be at the expense of the student. 10-panel drug screening scheduled via the GroupOne portal. A TU representative will be responsible for uploading the drug screening and criminal background check reports into the students’ Clinical Wallet account. Criminal background checks must be completed for admission and drug screenings must be completed prior to bootcamp. The first criminal background check is covered by TU. Any further background checks will be at the student’s expense.
Name Badge: All students will receive one free TU School of Nursing name badge during bootcamp.
Typhon Subscription: A $100 fee to register for a three-year subscription to Typhon.
Drug Screening and Criminal Background Check: The cost of a 10-panel drug screening and criminal background check, which students must complete prior to the start date of courses.
MedCram Subscription: A subscription fee of approximately $150 for MedCram, an online library of instructional medical videos. This discounted subscription includes a three-year, all-access package.
Professional Liability Insurance: AGACNP students are required to hold professional liability insurance and health insurance for clinicals. The liability insurance fee is $25 per semester.

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