Best
Private Colleges in New Orleans in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in New Orleans, LA combines classroom learning with the city's diverse industries, including tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and finance. Typical courses cover accounting, marketing, management, economics, business law, finance, and entrepreneurship. Graduates often pursue roles as operations coordinators, marketing specialists, human resources professionals, financial analysts, or sales managers. Popular local options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and the University of New Orleans, each offering business study opportunities with distinct campus cultures.

Psychology

Studying psychology in New Orleans, LA, offers students insight into behavior, cognition, emotion, and mental health. Typical coursework includes research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and abnormal psychology. Popular local options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, human resources assistant, behavioral technician, research assistant, or community support worker; clinical practice generally requires advanced education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in New Orleans, LA, combines programming, mathematics, and problem-solving with opportunities to explore the city's technology and research sectors. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular options include Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, and Loyola University New Orleans. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, web developers, or IT consultants, working across business, healthcare, government, and technology.

Counseling

Studying counseling in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines learning with supervised practice supporting individuals. Typical courses cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, practicum or internship work. Graduates pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, or substance-use counselors, often completing supervised hours and licensure requirements. New Orleans institutions offering counseling study include the University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Loyola University New Orleans; compare each program's focus, accreditation, and licensure preparation.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in New Orleans, LA combines learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Students typically study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical care, pediatrics, mental health, and public health. Popular local options include LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, University of Holy Cross, and Delgado Community College. Graduates may work as registered nurses, clinical nurses, pediatric nurses, public health nurses, or nurse educators, depending on degree and licensure.

Best Colleges in New Orleans, LA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 16,892.0, compared with 52,484.6 at schools in the top 10%, a substantial cost difference for prospective students to weigh.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 58.4% at schools in the top 10%. Students should compare aid availability with total cost when assessing affordability.
• The average acceptance rate is 58.4%. Schools receive an average of 11,348.6 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 23,669.4 applicants. The median number of applicants is 1,588.0 for men and 3,538.0 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,182.0 on the SAT and 23.75 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 3,147.38, including averages of 222.8 men and 475.2 women.
• The average graduation rate is 51.43%, compared with 78.8% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 52.0% for men and 56.0% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, eight offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• Seven schools are coeducational; the number of schools for men and the number of schools for women are both 0.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should compare costs and financial aid, consider admissions selectivity and applicant competition, and look at test scores, enrollment, available degree levels, and graduation rates to determine which factors best fit their priorities.

How much does studying at a college in New Orleans, LA cost?

The average cost of getting a degree in New Orleans, LA, is about $23,821.88 in total study costs. Your own expenses depend on your college, program, housing, and financial aid. Compare schools such as Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana; tuition and living costs differ. For budgeting, consider these reported averages:

• Tuition and fees: $26,503
• Room and board: $12,339.83
• Books and supplies: $1,339.20

These figures are separate reported averages and may not add up to the total exactly. Check each school's current cost-of-attendance estimate before enrolling. Ask about grants, scholarships, work-study, and payment plans; financial aid may help lower what you pay out of pocket. If you live at home or share housing, compare expenses with residence hall costs, too. Planning ahead can make earning a degree in New Orleans feel more manageable and exciting while keeping your budget realistic.

How long does it take to finish college in New Orleans, LA?

In New Orleans, LA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At schools such as Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana, your actual timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study year-round. The city's average graduation rate is 51.43%, compared with 78.8% among its top 10% of schools, so completing on time is possible but not automatic. The average rate is 51.43% for men and 62.83% for women, reflecting different outcomes across students.

To finish sooner, consider these options. Planning with an advisor can make a faster route feel rewarding.

• Bring eligible AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits into your degree plan.
• Take summer courses or heavier semester loads, after checking prerequisites and workload.
• Ask whether your college offers accelerated terms, credit for prior learning, or transfer-friendly pathways.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in New Orleans, LA, have a median alumni salary of $43,320. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to $59,779 - a promising benchmark as you consider what your degree could help you earn.

• Median alumni salary: $43,320
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $59,779

Your results will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path. New Orleans students can explore programs at institutions including Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dillard University. Comparing majors, internships, and career support can help you find a route that fits your goals and build toward stronger earning potential.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in New Orleans?

Beauty is subjective, but Tulane University is often a favorite for its leafy Uptown campus, grand historic buildings, and graceful live oaks. Strolling along its shaded paths can feel like a welcome escape from the city's bustle, while still keeping students close to New Orleans neighborhoods, food, and culture.

What is the most selective college in New Orleans?

Tulane University is generally considered the most selective college in New Orleans, based on its competitive undergraduate admissions. Selectivity can vary from year to year, so check Tulane's latest admissions information for current figures. For applicants, the competition can be intense, but a thoughtful application offers a chance to show what makes you distinctive.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in New Orleans, LA Ranking in 2026-2027

Dillard University offers a close-knit New Orleans experience, enrolling 1,078 students and reporting a 42% acceptance rate. Its 43% graduation rate gives applicants a measure of completion outcomes, while its listed total study cost is $19,384. Median alumni salary is $34,738. As a historically Black university with a liberal arts focus, Dillard may appeal to students seeking a community-oriented campus and broad academic grounding. For someone living in New Orleans, studying here can mean pursuing a degree close to home.

Tulane University of Louisiana is a large, research-oriented choice in New Orleans, with 12,030 enrolled students. Its 14% acceptance rate signals a selective admissions process, and its 86% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools. The listed total cost of studying is $64,372, while median alumni salary is $50,537. Students who want an extensive university environment, a wide range of academic pathways, and access to city life may find Tulane compelling, though its higher cost merits careful budgeting.

Xavier University of Louisiana combines a New Orleans setting with a compact enrollment of 3,101 students. The university reports a 69% acceptance rate and a 49% graduation rate. Its listed total study cost is $25,829, and median alumni salary is $33,206. Known as a historically Black Catholic university, Xavier offers students a distinctive institutional identity alongside its academic programs. For New Orleans residents seeking an undergraduate degree nearby, its midrange cost and community-scale enrollment may be factors when comparing options.

Loyola University New Orleans enrolls 4,135 students and offers a private university experience in the city. Its 93% acceptance rate is the highest in this group, while its 59% graduation rate exceeds those of Dillard, Xavier, and Holy Cross. The listed total cost of studying is $47,390, and median alumni salary is $36,103. With Jesuit roots and a broad academic setting, Loyola may suit students looking for values-informed education and urban campus life while staying in New Orleans near home.

The University of Holy Cross is a smaller New Orleans institution, with 1,203 enrolled students. It reports a 74% acceptance rate and a 49% graduation rate. Its listed total cost of studying, $14,400, is the lowest among these five colleges, while its median alumni salary of $62,380 is the highest. A Catholic university with a focused campus community, Holy Cross may interest students prioritizing affordability and a nearby degree option; compare program offerings and financial aid before making a decision.