Overview
University of New Orleans is a less selective public four-year institution in New Orleans, Louisiana. The school accepts 69.8% of applicants and enrolls 4,479 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 69.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,060
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 930–1,190
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 4,479
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
The University of New Orleans uses rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the fall to secure better financial aid packages and housing options. Your application becomes stronger when you connect your interests directly to New Orleans' unique setting and UNO's specialized programs.
Focus your essays on how you'll use the city as your classroom. The Urban Studies program partners with local government agencies, while Film and Theatre students work on productions throughout the French Quarter and beyond. Marine and Environmental Biology majors conduct research in the nearby wetlands and Gulf Coast. Music students perform in jazz clubs and festivals across the city. Connect these real opportunities to your academic goals rather than writing generic statements about wanting to help people.
UNO's location creates unusual research and internship possibilities that other universities cannot match. Engineering students work on hurricane protection systems and coastal restoration projects. Business majors intern with port operations and international trade companies. Psychology students participate in disaster response and community resilience research. Mention specific professors whose work aligns with your interests, particularly those involved in the university's disaster resilience and coastal sustainability initiatives.
The Honors Program requires a separate application with additional essays and recommendations. Apply even if your test scores sit at the lower end of the range, as the program considers your full academic profile and extracurricular involvement. Honors students get priority registration, smaller class sizes, and special research opportunities with faculty.
Campus culture blends commuter convenience with residential community. Many students work part-time or full-time while attending classes, creating a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. You'll find students who chose UNO specifically for its location and specialized programs rather than prestige. The student body includes many first-generation college students and working adults returning to school.
Submit your FAFSA early since UNO awards significant need-based aid to Louisiana residents. Out-of-state students should research the competitive merit scholarships available through individual academic departments. Engineering, business, and liberal arts programs each offer departmental scholarships with separate application requirements and deadlines.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $11,147/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $9,172
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,008
- Students Receiving Aid
- 40%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,872/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 70.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for University of New Orleans?
University of New Orleans requires a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. The application deadline for fall admission is July 25.
Does University of New Orleans require SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, University of New Orleans requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. Both tests are accepted equally.
What is the application deadline for University of New Orleans?
The priority application deadline for University of New Orleans is December 15 for fall admission, with a final deadline of July 25. Spring admission applications are due November 15.
How many credits can transfer students bring to University of New Orleans?
University of New Orleans accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours from four-year institutions. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous college.