Tulsa Community College dual credit graduates hit record high

By AI, Created 11:05 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – More than 160 Oklahoma high school students are earning both diplomas and Tulsa Community College credentials this spring, the largest dual credit class in the college’s history. The milestone underscores fast growth in TCC’s college-access pipeline as the school expands pathways to certificates, associate degrees and careers.

Why it matters: - Tulsa Community College’s dual credit program is sending more Oklahoma students into college with credentials already in hand. - The record reflects a bigger shift toward earlier college completion, lower costs through tuition waivers and faster entry into jobs or universities.

What happened: - Tulsa Community College will celebrate more than 160 high school students from 15 high schools across Oklahoma who are graduating this spring with both a high school diploma and a TCC credential. - The commencement ceremonies are set for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. - The graduating class includes first dual credit cohorts from Norman High School and Norman North High School, with some students traveling to Tulsa for commencement. - The class also includes the first dual credit graduates from KIPP University Prep High School in Tulsa, Charles Page High School in Sand Springs and Collinsville High School. - Rogers College High School in Tulsa produced the first Workforce–Advanced Manufacturing dual credit cohort.

The details: - TCC is Oklahoma’s largest provider of dual credit. - The college offers pathways that let high school students begin college early, earn transferable credits and, in some cases, complete an associate degree before graduation. - Eligible juniors and seniors can take TCC courses taught by TCC faculty on campus, online or at their high schools. - The program includes tuition waivers and structured pathways designed to help students move toward certificates or degrees more efficiently. - In 2018, only three students completed both a high school diploma and a college credential through TCC. - That number rose to 127 graduates last year and has now topped 160. - TCC launched Work Ready certificates and degrees two years ago. - Some graduates are entering high-paying careers right out of high school, while others are transferring to universities. - Melissa Steadley, TCC Director of Dual Credit, said the program helps students fast-track their future while keeping incoming freshman status and scholarships.

Between the lines: - The rapid increase from three graduates in 2018 to more than 160 this year suggests dual credit has become a major part of TCC’s enrollment and workforce pipeline. - The mix of university-bound students and career-track students shows TCC is positioning dual credit as both a college-access and workforce-development strategy.

What’s next: - TCC will recognize the new graduates during its May 7 commencement at the BOK Center. - The next growth test is whether more Oklahoma high schools join the program and whether additional students complete credentials before finishing high school. - TCC is also likely to keep expanding pathways tied to certificates, associate degrees and Work Ready programs.

The bottom line: - TCC’s dual credit program is moving more Oklahoma students into college-level credentials sooner, and the latest class marks its biggest payoff yet.