Analysis
Based on comparable criminal justice programs across Oklahoma, University of Tulsa students can expect first-year earnings around $39,600—right at the state median but well below what graduates from the University of Oklahoma-Norman achieve ($53,000). With an estimated $27,000 in debt, that's roughly 8 months of pre-tax income to repay, a manageable ratio that falls within what most financial advisors consider sustainable.
The challenge here is value for money. University of Tulsa charges selective-university tuition (average SAT of 1325, 58% admission rate) but appears to produce outcomes similar to less expensive regional universities in the state. Criminal justice careers generally offer modest starting salaries nationwide—the $39,600 figure tracks closely with the national median of $37,800—so the real question is whether Tulsa's academic environment and smaller class sizes justify the premium over, say, East Central or Rogers State, which likely cost considerably less.
For families focused purely on earnings potential in this field, the data suggests University of Oklahoma-Norman delivers substantially better outcomes. If your child is set on University of Tulsa for other reasons—campus culture, specific faculty, or academic programs they might switch into—the debt load isn't alarming. But if criminal justice is the definite path, run the actual net price calculator and compare it carefully against state alternatives that produce similar starting salaries.
Where University of Tulsa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,602 | $39,609* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,595 | $53,003* | $54,438 | $27,156* | 0.51 | |
| $8,032 | $41,437* | $41,685 | $21,553* | 0.52 | |
| $7,513 | $39,668* | $44,016 | $23,050* | 0.58 | |
| $8,522 | $39,609* | $44,492 | $22,875* | 0.58 | |
| $7,392 | $38,064* | — | $17,880* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 University of Tulsa, approximately 26% 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 median of 7 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.