At $18,553/yr net price, Dillard University graduates earn $39,196/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,196/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,553 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,196/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,196/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,801/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,532/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,888/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,306/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,604/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $34,741 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $26,037 | $31,062 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,771 | $31,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $34,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $29,000 |
The Risk Factor
45.1% of students at Dillard University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Dillard University offers a mixed financial return that heavily depends on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $59,253 annually compared to the school's overall median of $39,196. This makes nursing one of the strongest ROI programs you'll find at any HBCU.
The financial picture gets murky outside of nursing. Psychology graduates face $34,741 in debt while earning just $28,960, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Public health majors earn only $26,037 with $31,062 in debt, making loan repayment difficult on typical nonprofit salaries in New Orleans.
Your biggest risk at Dillard is the 45% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 69% retention rate signals that many students struggle after freshman year, often due to academic preparation gaps or financial pressures.
Dillard makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing or can secure substantial aid to reduce that $18,553 net price. The school awards aid to 68% of students, so merit scholarships are possible for strong applicants. New Orleans' lower cost of living helps stretch your post-graduation dollars compared to major metropolitan areas.
You should look elsewhere if you're interested in majors outside nursing and healthcare, especially if you need to borrow heavily. The combination of modest earning potential and significant dropout risk creates real financial danger for unprepared students. Dillard works best for focused, academically ready students who want the HBCU experience while pursuing high-demand healthcare careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dillard University worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
Dillard graduates earn a median of $39,196 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $18,553 per year and typical debt of $31,000, the financial return is modest unless you pursue nursing, which pays significantly better at $59,253.
What are the best paying majors at Dillard University?
Nursing programs at Dillard University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $59,253 annually. Other majors like accounting ($33,993), sociology ($29,685), and psychology ($28,960) provide much lower earnings that may not justify the cost.
How much debt do Dillard University students typically graduate with?
Dillard University students graduate with a median debt of $31,000. Given that most graduates earn around $39,196 annually, this debt load represents a significant portion of early career income for non-nursing majors.
Does Dillard University have good graduation rates?
Dillard University has a 45% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who start don't finish their degree. This low completion rate increases the financial risk, especially for students taking on debt to attend.