Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at Tulsa Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Tulsa Community College's medical prep program demonstrates exactly what parents should look for: manageable debt paired with strong earning momentum. Students graduate with $18,744 in debt—well below both state and national medians—while their earnings jump 53% between year one and year four, reaching nearly $47,000. That's a debt burden that quickly becomes manageable as graduates move into healthcare roles.
The program outperforms most competitors, ranking in the 75th percentile nationally and above Oklahoma's median despite the state having only five programs. The first-year earnings of $30,605 might seem modest, but that's typical for medical prep programs where graduates often continue education or start in entry-level clinical positions before advancing. The trajectory matters more than the starting point here, and this program's four-year earnings significantly exceed what most similar programs deliver.
The real story is accessibility meeting outcomes. With over a third of students on Pell grants and debt kept notably low, this program opens healthcare pathways without the crushing debt loads that plague many health programs. For families weighing whether a two-year medical prep degree is worth it, Tulsa Community College offers clear evidence that the answer is yes—particularly if your student plans to continue advancing in the healthcare field.
Where Tulsa Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Tulsa Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Tulsa Community College graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all health/medical preparatory programs associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs associates's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa Community College | $30,605 | $46,914 | $18,744 | 0.61 |
| Northern Oklahoma College | $28,077 | $34,700 | $8,833 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $27,336 | — | $14,068 | 0.51 |
Other Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa | $5,061 | $28,077 | $8,833 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 46 graduates with reported earnings and 107 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.