How to get into University of Tulsa
How to get into TU: small private with strong engineering and petroleum programs, ED rounds, and Presidential Scholar weekend
61.5%
Acceptance rate
$50,061
In-state cost
What makes University of Tulsa admissions different
The University of Tulsa is a small private research university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with around 2,800 undergraduates. Acceptance rate around 62%. TU has historically strong programs in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, computer science (with a notable cybersecurity track), and business. The Presidential Scholar competition is the top merit weekend and offers full-ride awards to finalists. ED rounds offer a real admit bump.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Early Decision I (November 1), Early Action (November 1), Early Decision II (January 15), or Regular Decision (January 15).
- 2.
Submit the TU supplement. The 'why TU' essay reads for fit with specific programs (petroleum, cybersecurity, energy management).
- 3.
TU is test-optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if they strengthen your application.
- 4.
Apply for the Presidential Scholar Competition by the November deadline. Finalists are invited to a competitive weekend in February for full-ride consideration.
- 5.
Apply for the TU Honors Program on the application.
- 6.
Computer Science applicants: TU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (one of a small number of NSA-designated programs). Reference it if cybersecurity is your interest.
- 7.
File the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the priority date.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Missing the November Presidential Scholar Competition deadline. The full-ride pool closes before regular decision.
- ✕
Treating ED as cosmetic. The binding ED bump is meaningful at small privates.
- ✕
Cybersecurity applicants not knowing about TU's NSA cyber operations designation.
- ✕
Skipping the FAFSA + CSS Profile. TU uses both for need-based institutional aid.
The specifics for University of Tulsa
Application deadlines
- Early Decision INovember 1, 2025Binding
- Early ActionNovember 1, 2025Non-binding
- Presidential Scholar CompetitionNovember 2025Top full-ride competitive award
- Early Decision IIJanuary 15, 2026Binding
- Regular DecisionJanuary 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations
TU is one of a small number of NSA-designated cyber operations programs. Real credential for cybersecurity-track applicants.
Petroleum and energy programs
Historically strong petroleum engineering, energy management, and chemical engineering programs with regional industry partnerships.
Notable scholarships at University of Tulsa
Presidential ScholarFull ride for finalists
Top competitive merit award. November deadline; finalists invited to competitive weekend in February.
What graduates actually do
University of Tulsa is a private research university with historic strength in petroleum engineering, cybersecurity, and energy law. Alumni feed major energy companies (BP, ConocoPhillips, Williams), the federal cybersecurity workforce (NSA, federal contractors), and Oklahoma business and law. The Collins College of Business and the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering produce graduates with high starting salaries in energy and finance.
Notable alumni
- S.E. Hinton — Author of The Outsiders
- Russell Westbrook — Mother attended
- Kathleen Sebelius — Former Kansas Governor/U.S. HHS Secretary
- James Inhofe — Former U.S. Senator (Law)
- George Kaiser — Billionaire/philanthropist
Transfer pathway
University of Tulsa accepts transfers for fall, spring, and summer through rolling admissions. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education's transfer curriculum guides articulation. Tulsa Community College provides the largest transfer pipeline. Minimum 2.5 GPA; engineering and selective programs require higher. Up to 64 credits transfer from two-year colleges. Transfer Phi Theta Kappa scholarships are available.
Articulation partners
Tulsa Community College · Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology · Rose State College · Northern Oklahoma College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
TU is a target for STEM-committed applicants in the 3.5+ GPA range who want a small private with strong engineering and cybersecurity programs. ED1 + Presidential Scholar Competition by November is the highest-leverage combination for top applicants. The financial decision depends on competitive merit plus federal aid.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.