At $43,939/yr net price, Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn $63,268/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,268/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $43,939 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $175,756 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,268/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,268/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 88.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,957/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,974/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,839/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,543/yr |
| $110,001+ | $58,219/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $102,409 | $80,203 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $87,973 | $83,281 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $78,343 | $73,344 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $149,237 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,629 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,281 | $21,250 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $59,288 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,221 |
The Risk Factor
88.9% of students at Tulane University of Louisiana graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Tulane delivers mixed financial returns with a high price tag that limits its value proposition to specific career paths. The $43,939 annual net price produces median earnings of $63,268 after ten years, creating a challenging payback period for most graduates.
Finance majors at Tulane earn strong returns with median salaries reaching $102,409, though they carry substantial debt loads averaging $80,203. Business administration and management sciences also perform well, with earnings in the $78,000 to $87,973 range. These business-focused programs represent your best financial bet at Tulane, benefiting from strong alumni networks in New Orleans' energy and finance sectors.
Chemical engineering graduates earn $69,338, which falls short of typical engineering returns given Tulane's premium pricing. Other programs show weaker earning potential that makes the investment harder to justify financially.
The low 9.28% rate of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making Tulane primarily accessible to families who can afford the full sticker price. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given the school's selectivity.
Tulane makes financial sense if you can secure admission to its top-performing business programs and your family can manage the costs without excessive borrowing. The school's New Orleans location provides unique networking opportunities in energy and maritime industries. However, if you need significant financial aid or plan to pursue lower-earning majors, you should consider more affordable alternatives that deliver similar career outcomes without the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulane University of Louisiana worth the high cost?
Tulane's $44,000 annual net price creates mixed ROI depending on your major. Finance graduates earn $102,000 annually while other programs may not justify the cost, especially with 10-year median earnings of $63,000.
What majors at Tulane University of Louisiana have the best return on investment?
Finance leads with $102,000 in early career earnings, followed by business administration at $88,000. Chemical engineering and general business majors see lower returns despite the same tuition costs.
How much debt do Tulane University of Louisiana graduates typically have?
Tulane graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to the high sticker price. The 88.9% graduation rate helps ensure most students finish their degrees.
Does Tulane University of Louisiana provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $44,000 after aid, Tulane remains expensive for most families. The 11% acceptance rate means competition for merit aid is intense.