Tulane vs. Tulsa University vs. SMU vs. Rice

Comparable Facts

Compare Tulane University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA with University of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tulane University of Louisiana is larger than Tulsa University based on total student enrollment (13,310 students vs. 3,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tulane University of Louisiana is located in New Orleans, LA (Large City setting); University of Tulsa is in Tulsa, OK (Large City setting).
• Tulane University of Louisiana is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Tulsa is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tulane University of Louisiana 7:1; University of Tulsa 10:1.

Tulane vs. Tulsa University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tulane or Tulsa University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Tulsa than Tulane ($13,095 vs. $47,427).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Tulsa are 35.8% lower than at Tulane University of Louisiana ($12,108 vs. $18,868).
• Tulane University of Louisiana is 37.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tulsa University (about $18,617 more per year; $68,678.00 vs. $50,061.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Tulane than at University of Tulsa (about $18,617 more per year; $68,678.00 vs. $50,061.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Tulsa than at Tulane University of Louisiana (100% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Tulsa students is 31.1% larger than aid received by Tulane University of Louisiana students ($51,968 vs. $39,654).

Tulane vs. Tulsa University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tulane or Tulsa University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tulsa University and Tulane.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tulane University of Louisiana (1460) is 80 points higher than at Tulsa University (1380).
• Incoming Tulane students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Tulsa University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tulane University of Louisiana 1400/1520; University of Tulsa 1223/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tulane University of Louisiana 31/34; University of Tulsa 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tulane - Test optional; Tulsa University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tulane Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tulsa University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Tulane (3.64).
• Tulsa University has a higher acceptance rate (61.5%) than Tulane (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.3% at Tulane vs. 23.3% at Tulsa University.

Tulane vs. Tulsa University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tulane and Tulsa University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Tulane University of Louisiana earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Tulsa University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Tulsa graduates have a $543 lower median loan debt than Tulane graduates ($26,986 vs. $27,529).
• Among borrowers, Tulsa University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tulane graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Tulsa University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tulane students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.