Head-to-head · 2026
Northwestern Oklahoma State University vs University of Tulsa
Compare average net price ($10,104 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University; $15,000 at University of Tulsa), ROI score (10.98 vs 10.23), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($44,358 vs $61,408), and admissions selectivity (65.5% acceptance at Northwestern Oklahoma State University; 61.5% at University of Tulsa) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Northwestern Oklahoma State University | University of Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.98 ✓ | 10.23 |
| Avg net price | $10,104 ✓ | $15,000 |
| 4-year avg net price | $40,416 ✓ | $60,000 |
| In-state tuition | $5,970 | $50,061 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $11,664 | $50,061 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $44,358 | $61,408 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 65.5% | 61.5% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 72.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 65.1% | 92.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,355 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,498 | 2,813 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1003 | 1389 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Northwestern Oklahoma State University | University of Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $6,439 | $5,578 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,828 ✓ | $8,616 |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,539 ✓ | $10,871 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,638 ✓ | $18,579 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,065 ✓ | $25,473 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Northwestern Oklahoma State University | University of Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 11.3% | 5.5% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 11.3% | 2.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 11% | 0.6% |
| Psychology, General | 6.2% | 3.5% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 4% | 4.2% |
| Biology, General | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | 3% | 1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.5% | 0.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northwestern Oklahoma State University reports the lower average net price by $4,896 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $19,584 difference over four years ($40,416 vs $60,000).
University of Tulsa reports $17,050 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($61,408 vs $44,358). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 65.1% at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and 92.1% at University of Tulsa. Median federal debt among completers is $17,355 vs $21,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Northwestern Oklahoma State University vs University of Tulsa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is cheaper — average net price $10,104 per year vs $15,000 at University of Tulsa. The annual difference of $4,896 adds up to about $19,584 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Tulsa reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $61,408 vs $44,358 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The gap in the federal data is $17,050. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Tulsa is more selective at 61.5% acceptance vs 65.5% at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.