Tulane University of Louisiana logo

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA Private ยท Urban tulane.edu
Accept Rate
14.59%
Grad Rate
88.2%
Enrollment
7,759
Avg SAT
1443
Tuition
$65,538
Median Salary
$63,268
Overall Grade
B-
A+
Academics
C
Value
A+
Admissions
B-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Tulane pulses with an infectious energy that blends rigorous academics with the vibrant, celebratory spirit of New Orleans. It feels like a place where intellectual curiosity is matched by a love for life, with campus traditions and city festivals always just around the corner. Students are ambitious and engaged, equally comfortable debating in a seminar room or cheering at a football game in the Superdome.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

14.59%
Highly Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 144375th Pctl
13901510
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3275th Pctl
3133
1122436

Admissions Tips

Demonstrate a genuine passion for community service and engagement in your application, as Tulane's motto is 'Not for oneself, but for one's own.' Highlight your interest in New Orleans and how you plan to engage with the city, as this shows you understand the unique character of the university. Since Tulane uses holistic review, make sure your essays and extracurriculars showcase your personality and fit with the school's collaborative and spirited culture.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1443
40080012001600
School range: 1390โ€“1510

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Tulane is nationally recognized for its strong programs in business, public health, and the liberal arts, anchored by the renowned A.B. Freeman School of Business. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with unique opportunities for undergraduate research and internships integrated directly into the academic experience. As a top-tier research university, Tulane offers students direct access to faculty mentors and cutting-edge projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
27.6%
Social Sciences
15.5%
Biology & Biomedical
10.5%
Health Professions
9%
Psychology
8.3%
Communications
6.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%
Architecture
3.4%
Engineering
2.9%
English & Literature
2.1%
History
1.5%
Philosophy & Religion
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

88.2%
Graduation Rate
94.4%
Retention Rate
7,759
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$65,538
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$43,939
After financial aid
Total Cost
$83,761
Cost of attendance/year
9.3%
Receive Pell Grants
20.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Orleans

Student life in New Orleans is unparalleled, offering a vibrant mix of music, food, and culture right at your doorstep. Students often spend weekends exploring the French Quarter, listening to live jazz on Frenchmen Street, enjoying crawfish boils, or cheering on the Green Wave at campus and city sporting events. The city's festive atmosphere, from Mardi Gras to numerous other festivals, provides a constant backdrop of excitement and unique experiences.

Local Rent Check

$1,149 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Orleans
Explore New Orleans

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$262,152
$0Est. 4 Years: $262,152

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($63,268):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Uptown campus is generally considered safe, with its own Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) that patrols the area. However, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially when venturing off-campus into the surrounding neighborhoods or into the city at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Access to the unique cultural and professional opportunities of New Orleans
  • โœ“ Strong emphasis on undergraduate research and experiential learning
  • โœ“ High retention (94.4%) and graduation (88.2%) rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support
  • โœ“ Powerful and engaged alumni network

Cons

  • โœ— Very high tuition cost, both in-state and out-of-state
  • โœ— Highly selective admissions process (14.59% acceptance rate)
  • โœ— The urban setting can present safety challenges that require student awareness

Notable Alumni

Jerry Springer
Former Mayor of Cincinnati and longtime host of 'The Jerry Springer Show'
Lester Holt
Anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' and 'Dateline NBC'
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (attended for one semester)

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulane is nationally renowned for its top-ranked business school (A.B. Freeman School of Business), its School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and its strong programs in law, architecture, and the liberal arts. Beyond academics, it is known for its vibrant social scene, deep integration with the city of New Orleans, and spirited Division I FBS football program.

Yes, Tulane is highly selective. With an acceptance rate of just 14.59%, admission is highly competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1370 and 1500 or an ACT score between 30 and 33, though the university uses a holistic review process that considers essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.

Campus life is defined by a blend of rigorous academics and a lively social scene, deeply influenced by the surrounding city. Students are highly engaged in over 200 student organizations, a vibrant Greek life system, and spirited athletics events. The proximity to New Orleans means students often spend their free time exploring the city's world-famous music, food, and festival culture.

For many students, the return on investment is strong, evidenced by an 88.2% graduation rate and a 10-year median earnings of $63,268. The value comes from the powerful combination of a rigorous degree, access to a major city's job market, and a highly networked alumni base. However, the high net price means families should carefully consider financial aid packages and potential debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Entergy Ochsner Health Loyola University New Orleans Tulane University Shell
Smart Start Score
85

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 9,274
  • In-State Tuition $65,538
  • Zip Code 70118

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.6% โ™€ 61.4%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price and an average net price over $43,000, Tulane is a significant financial investment for most families. However, the investment can be justified by its impressive 88.2% graduation rate and a 10-year median earnings figure of $63,268, which is strong for a private university. The robust alumni network and prime location in a major business hub can provide pathways to lucrative careers, particularly in business, law, and healthcare.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Georgetown University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $65,538
Housing (12 mo) $13,788
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $86,526
With avg financial aid:
$43,939/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.