<p>I haven't seen much about University of Tulsa on here. What is it like? What kind of kids go there? Many from outside the surrounding states? What are its strengths? What is it known for?</p>
<p>Tulsa first attracted my attention because the possiblity of a full-ride for national merit finalists. It also seems to be a nice size and have a reasonably strong student body.</p>
<p>I'm a high school senior here in Tulsa. I'm not looking at going to TU but I know a lot about it.</p>
<p>It's the most intellectual schools in Oklahoma and one of the most in this entire part of the country. The students are pretty intense academically and it attracts a lot of local kids who want to stay close to home without going to a huge, Greek-heavy party school like our two flagship state universities, OU and OSU.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, TU has division one basketball AND football. It's the smallest division one football school and the football team is really good. They had a ten win season, won their bowl game and made it to the Conference USA championship game. Unfortunately, however, students don't realize how lucky they are to have such high caliber athletics and could do a much better job of attending games. I go to a ton of TU football basketball and football games and the student section is usually embaressingly low. The basketball coach actually just threw a fit about this over the radio and that has shamed a lot more into coming down for the last few Bball games. If you're looking for a school with an overwhelming ammount of school spirit, though, TU's probably not the place for you.</p>
<p>The students are mostly from Oklahoma or bordering states although many do come from as far away as the coasts. Like I said, academics are pretty important to your typical TU student. The campus is really pretty, especially the older parts of campus (which are drop dead gorgeous). They've recently expanded and the newer areas look pretty souless to be honest. The new buidlings, though, supposedly are some of the nicer dorms on campus so the new construction isn't all bad.</p>
<p>It's engineering programs probably have the strongest reputations Nevertheless, it really isn't weak in any area and I know for a fact that it has a really strong english department. They don't emphasize anything in particular and the strength of each major is pretty equal across the board. Since its a rather small school, however, lots of majors aren't offered. I know people who have had to transfer to OU (University of Oklahoma) or OSU (Oklahoma State) because TU didn't have their major.</p>
<p>My english teacher, who got her B.A. M.A. and doctorate from TU, has amazing things to say about their honors program. From what I understand, it's a program and not a seperate college within TU. </p>
<p>If you want a small university in a mid-sized city that doesn't party too much but still want your college football and basketball fix, you'd definitely be happy at TU. Like I said, I'm no insider but I know a lot about TU. If you have anymore questions about TU or just the city of Tulsa in general, don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to answer.</p>
<p>TU is one of the truly hidden gems. It's major problem, which is not really a problem is being in Oklahoma. Tulsa is a delightful residential town, past and still home to enormous prosperity ... 7 or 8 major oil companies USED to be based there, and a whole lot of the $$ is still there.</p>
<p>TU has been the beneficiary of that circumstance. It's a very interesting combination of very general and career focused programs along with many liberal artsy and as noted, engineering. Their petro engineering is superb. It is only about 2,800 undergrad students and another 1K or so in grad students. Also a very fine, decent (if not Harvard) law school. The facilities had seemingly taken on a somewhat "worn" look ... until recently. We've never seen so much construction, renewal, and redesigning on a campus. It's nothing short of spectacular. </p>
<p>Also, the endowment is one of the biggest ... especially on a per student basis ... in the nation. </p>
<p>The profs we talked to there were really into their teaching and still many doing research too. The housing was really neat ... lots and lots of 2/3 bedroom apt style dorms surrounding the campus. Several had club houses and pools for socializing. It's very diverse for such a small school. The tennis center is one of the finest in the country and the NCAAs have been played there 2 or 3 X in the past 3 or 4 years. It's in a decent area that seems to have very little crime problem. But it's not NYC either. Nor is it OK City ... not prairie/dry flatland at all. Sorta rolling hills. Close to a major airport ... HOWEVER ... the major downside, imo, is getting in and out of there. For most of the world, it's no fewer than 2 airplanes away. But it's not far from Branson so bring the grandparents and make a trip of it.</p>
<p>Tulsa is one really neat place. </p>
<p>I find it most interesting that it's not even listed on CC. Oh well, keeps it a great secret for those who find it.</p>
<p>One final plus ... it is incredibly "cheap" relative to similar types of places ... Bucknells, Lafayettes, Lehighs, etc. and they have a very decent merit FA program. One interesting thing ... note how many great coaches have passed thru Tulsa. Seems they don't stay, but they come, do well, make their name, and then cash it in.</p>
<p>Was founded by Presbyterians and has a chapel on campus. But does not seem too churchy. Was I think originally in Muskogee and was a mission school for Indian girls. Merged with another new start up college being establlished in Tulsa around 1906 -07, I think. We absolutely loved the people we met there. As noted above, many are quite heady, and bright but not at all stuffy. </p>
<p>It has one of the absolute most spectacular workout centers we've seen anywhere. Whoever the Collins family is, TU owes them and Case as in Tennis Center and Football palace a gazillion vote of thanks.</p>
<p>I think TU and Trinity have lots of similarities, athletics and curricula aside.</p>
<p>Thanks for the insight.</p>
<p>Another question-- is the atmosphere more Midwest laid back or more bleached and polished?</p>
<p>Whistle Pig-- I looked first for something in the colleges forum. I was dismayed when there wasn't a forum for Tulsa. A quick word search didn't yield much either. At least this thread should come up for the next person who looks.</p>
<p>The only way I've heard of Universty of Tulsa is on this message board, but because of the good things I've heard (and further reserach I've done), it is near the top of my son's list. We haven't visited however. It looks like a good match school for my son grade & score wise.</p>
<p>I cannot add much to what has already been so well said above. </p>
<p>TU, as it is know locally, is building a significant number of additional student apartment style housing so I can only imagine that they plan to boost enrollment. All of these new apartments will be an easy walk to central campus without having to cross a major street or anything. </p>
<p>I think the TU music department is another gem. I was talking to a music student who goes there a few months back and he was having a blast. I've been to a couple of faculty performances on campus and they were really nice.</p>
<p>I too have been surprised that the University of Tulsa hasn't gotten more mention here on CC although that may be a plus for those that are considering attending. </p>
<p>About the only thing I didn't care for is that TU built a big Islamic Mosque a few years back as they attract quite a number of the middle eastern (oil producing states) students who study engineering. However, if diversity is your thing then maybe that will appeal to you.</p>
<p>Cressida ... you're on the $$. And interestingly, and to your point, when we visited, TU folks were "bragging" about their mosque. My own observation was they may not know their primary audience as well as they think they do. Diversity is certainly the campus battle cry of the moment.</p>
<p>I am strongly against the University of Tulsa, as they stole our football coach.</p>