About Dillard University
Students pay an average net price of $18,553 after financial aid, with 67.81% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $39,196 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $31,000. The monthly loan payment of $329 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings, with first-year graduates earning a median of just $26,414. This creates financial pressure that shows in the 54.71% loan repayment rate.
The student body is overwhelmingly female at 73.63% and predominantly Black at 89.02%, creating a tight-knit community with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. About half the students come from Louisiana, while the rest bring diverse perspectives from across the country. The 69.60% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic or financial demands, but those who stay often find strong support networks in this intimate university setting.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.1%
- Retention Rate
- 69.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,196
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,253 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $26,037 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,771 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
With 73.6% women and 89% Black students, Dillard maintains its identity as a close-knit HBCU where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine mentorship opportunities. The Bleu Devils compete in nine NAIA sports with 197 total athletes receiving $1.8 million in athletic scholarships. Weekends often blend campus traditions with New Orleans culture through second line parades, jazz performances, and community service projects. The United Methodist affiliation shapes campus values while respecting diverse spiritual backgrounds. Students frequently venture into the French Quarter or attend Saints games, but many prefer campus gatherings that celebrate their shared heritage and academic pursuits.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 889 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1869
Campus Safety (2023)
28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–61°F
- July Avg
- 78°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 26.4%
- Women
- 73.6%
- White
- 0.7%
- Black
- 89.0%
- Hispanic
- 2.8%
- Asian
- 0.1%
- In-State Students
- 47.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 67.8%
Location
- Address
- New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,196
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,668
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dillard University?
Dillard University accepts 79.89% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for students interested in this historically black institution. The average SAT score is 1082, with most admitted students scoring between 988 and 1176.
How much does Dillard University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Dillard University is $18,553, lower than the full tuition of $22,194. About 67.81% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dillard University?
Dillard University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,111 students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentorship and personalized attention, particularly in the university's well-regarded nursing and education programs.
What are the graduation rates at Dillard University?
Dillard University has a 46.61% four-year graduation rate and 45.10% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,196 ten years after graduation, with the university's strong alumni network including notable figures like Samuel L. Jackson and Ruth J. Simmons helping to open doors in various fields.
Where do students live at Dillard University?
Dillard University houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 889, serving most of the 1,111 total enrollment. Room and board costs $11,786 annually, and the campus sits in the heart of New Orleans, allowing students to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and jazz traditions.
Is Dillard University a historically black college?
Yes, Dillard University is a historically black college founded in 1869 with a current student body that is 89.02% Black. The university has produced influential alumni like jazz educator Ellis Marsalis Jr. and maintains its United Methodist affiliation while serving as a cornerstone of African American higher education in Louisiana.
