About Tulane University of Louisiana
Tulane draws ambitious students seeking rigorous academics in one of America's most active cities. The private research university enrolls 7,759 students who come primarily for strong pre-med and business programs while embracing the party-friendly culture that New Orleans enables. Notable graduates include Yahoo co-founder David Filo and former EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. Students need strong credentials to gain admission, with the 11.45% acceptance rate requiring SAT scores typically between 1370-1510.
The sticker price of $84,826 intimidates many families, but financial aid makes Tulane more accessible than it appears. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $20,957. Even middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay around $26,839 after aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,268 ten years out, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $20,500. The 88.90% six-year graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees successfully.
Women comprise 61.35% of the student body, creating a female-leaning environment. Nearly 90% of students come from out of state, drawn by the unique combination of academic rigor and New Orleans culture. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the research university setting.
The sticker price of $84,826 intimidates many families, but financial aid makes Tulane more accessible than it appears. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $20,957. Even middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay around $26,839 after aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,268 ten years out, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $20,500. The 88.90% six-year graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees successfully.
Women comprise 61.35% of the student body, creating a female-leaning environment. Nearly 90% of students come from out of state, drawn by the unique combination of academic rigor and New Orleans culture. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the research university setting.
Academics & Faculty
Tulane operates as a research university where 89% of students graduate within six years, reflecting strong institutional support. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates work closely with professors who balance teaching with research. Business and pre-medical programs draw national attention, with the Freeman School of Business and robust science departments feeding students into top graduate programs. Liberal arts offerings round out the curriculum, but Tulane's reputation centers on professional preparation. Students benefit from New Orleans' unique research opportunities, from public health initiatives to environmental studies in nearby wetlands. The university's research focus means upperclassmen often participate in faculty projects while receiving personalized mentoring.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 88.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.9%
- Retention Rate
- 94.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,268
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $102,409 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $87,973 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $78,343 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $76,460 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $67,660 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,629 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,281 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $59,288 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,221 |
Campus Life
Tulane sits in New Orleans' leafy Uptown district, just minutes from the French Quarter and downtown. With housing capacity for 4,221 students and enrollment of 7,759, about 54% of students live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and newer residential colleges. The subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for winter, but forget about snow boots.
Weekends blend Southern charm with big city energy. Students might catch a streetcar to Magazine Street for shopping, hit up Frenchmen Street for live jazz, or explore the countless festivals that define New Orleans culture. The Green Wave's 15 varsity sports draw crowds, especially when playing conference rival LSU. Campus traditions run deep, from the Crawfest seafood celebration to the annual Rites of Spring concert. The 61% female student body creates a social active that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. With 94% of students staying after freshman year, the tight-knit community and irresistible city location clearly hook most Green Wave newcomers.
Weekends blend Southern charm with big city energy. Students might catch a streetcar to Magazine Street for shopping, hit up Frenchmen Street for live jazz, or explore the countless festivals that define New Orleans culture. The Green Wave's 15 varsity sports draw crowds, especially when playing conference rival LSU. Campus traditions run deep, from the Crawfest seafood celebration to the annual Rites of Spring concert. The 61% female student body creates a social active that many describe as collaborative rather than competitive. With 94% of students staying after freshman year, the tight-knit community and irresistible city location clearly hook most Green Wave newcomers.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,221 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
141 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 20 | 17 | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 16 | 1 | 0 | 20 |
| Stalking | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Fondling | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–63°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 62.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Tulane draws ambitious students from across the country, with 90% coming from out-of-state to experience college life in New Orleans. The student body skews heavily female at 61%, reflecting strong programs in public health, social work, and liberal arts alongside traditional pre-professional tracks. With only 9% receiving Pell Grants, Tulane primarily serves affluent families who can afford the steep price tag. Students typically balance rigorous academics in business and pre-med with the city's active social scene, creating a work-hard-play-hard culture that defines campus life.
- Men
- 38.7%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 64.7%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 10.8%
- Asian
- 5.8%
- In-State Students
- 10.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.3%
Location
Tulane sits in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of America's most distinctive major cities. The university draws 90% of its students from out of state to experience this cultural center known for jazz, cuisine, and Mardi Gras. Students live in the heart of a port city where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The Uptown campus lies just miles from the French Quarter and Garden District. New Orleans offers internships in tourism, healthcare, and energy sectors while providing endless entertainment options. The city's unique blend of cultures creates an atmosphere unlike any other college town in America. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Tulane with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- New Orleans, Louisiana 70118-5698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,268
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,803
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tulane University of Louisiana?
Tulane accepts just 11.45% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1370 and 1510 on the SAT, reflecting the academic caliber needed to gain admission to this strong New Orleans research university.
How much does Tulane University of Louisiana cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $43,939, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $20,957, while those from higher-income families face steeper costs at this expensive private institution.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Tulane University of Louisiana?
Tulane maintains an impressive 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. The university is particularly known for its strong pre-med and business programs, which benefit from this intimate academic environment.
What are the employment outcomes for Tulane University of Louisiana graduates?
Graduates achieve a 94.2% employment rate with median earnings of $63,268 ten years after graduation. The 88.9% six-year graduation rate reflects strong student support, though graduates carry a median debt load of $20,500.
Where do most students at Tulane University of Louisiana come from?
Only 10.05% of students are from Louisiana, making Tulane a truly national university that draws students to New Orleans from across the country. The student body is 64.7% white with growing diversity, and women outnumber men 61.35% to 38.65%.
Does Tulane University of Louisiana have a party school reputation?
The university has a 94.41% retention rate despite its party-friendly culture in the heart of New Orleans. Students balance the city's famous nightlife and festivals with rigorous academics, particularly in pre-med and business programs where Tulane has built its academic reputation.
