Mechanical Engineering at University of Tulsa

University of Tulsa's mechanical engineering program delivers solid starting salaries just below the national median, but graduates carry debt that's notably lower than typical for this major. That $19,500 debt burden translates to less than three months of first-year earnings—a manageable ratio that gives graduates financial flexibility. Among Oklahoma's five mechanical engineering programs, Tulsa ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, clustering tightly with the state's flagship university and ahead of Oklahoma State.

The earnings trajectory shows healthy growth, with graduates earning $82,176 by year four—a 17% increase that suggests career progression is on track. Starting at $70,220 positions graduates competitively for entry-level engineering roles, though they won't be commanding premium starting salaries. The moderate sample size means these figures represent real outcomes but could shift somewhat with different cohorts.

For Oklahoma families, this program offers a practical path into mechanical engineering without excessive debt burden. The combination of below-average borrowing and middle-of-the-pack earnings creates a risk-aware investment—you're not paying extra for modest outcomes, but you're also not getting a bargain. If your child is set on mechanical engineering and wants to stay in-state, Tulsa performs comparably to OU and UCO while likely offering smaller class sizes given the school's profile.