Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable programs, an associate's degree in business from Tulsa Community College appears positioned around the middle of what Oklahoma business programs typically deliver. Similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings near $34,500, and Tulsa CC's estimated $36,600 sits slightly above that mark—close to what graduates at Oklahoma City Community College are actually earning. The estimated $11,250 in debt represents roughly four months of first-year income, a manageable burden if those earnings prove realistic for this specific program.
The challenge is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not actual outcomes for Tulsa CC business graduates. The small sample size triggering data suppression could mean anything: a young program still building enrollment, high transfer rates to four-year schools, or simply few students completing the degree. What matters is that you're evaluating this program without seeing its actual track record. The debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but that's based on how other associate business programs perform, not what's happening with Tulsa CC graduates specifically.
If your child plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree, this could serve as an affordable foundation. If they intend to enter the workforce immediately with an associate's, ask the school directly about job placement rates and typical employers—information that won't appear in federal data but matters enormously when you're working with estimates rather than verified outcomes.
Where Tulsa Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,768 | $36,591* | — | $11,250* | — | |
| $4,059 | $36,503* | $44,881 | $11,678* | 0.32 | |
| $5,032 | $32,431* | $45,578 | $11,250* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591* | — | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tulsa Community College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.