Best
Colleges in New Orleans in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in New Orleans, LA, combines management fundamentals with the city's entrepreneurial and hospitality sectors. Courses typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business law, organizational behavior, and operations management. Students may develop leadership, analytical, and communication skills through projects and internships. Popular options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and the University of New Orleans. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, or operations manager.

Psychology

Studying psychology in New Orleans offers coursework in introductory psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal behavior, cognitive processes, statistics, and research methods. Students may gain experience through labs, internships, and community placements. Popular options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Dillard University. Graduates pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral health technician, or human resources assistant; becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines programming fundamentals with problem-solving. Students typically take courses in algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Programs may include team projects and internships with employers. Popular options include the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, and Loyola University New Orleans. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, data analysts, or cybersecurity specialists across technology, healthcare, and business sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and research methods. Students typically complete supervised fieldwork in schools, clinics, or community agencies. Popular local options include the University of New Orleans, which offers counselor education pathways, and Loyola University New Orleans, with graduate counseling study. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, or substance-use counselors, depending on licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines classroom learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity care, and public health. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or community health, depending on degree and licensure. Popular local options include LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, Loyola University New Orleans, Dillard University, and Delgado Community College.

Best Colleges in New Orleans, LA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $14,400, compared with $47,390 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $32,990.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid, compared with 63.57% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 63.57%. Schools receive an average of 10,095.71 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 19,199.6 applicants. The median applicant counts are 1,588 men and 4,570 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,172.75, and the average ACT score is 23.2.
• Schools average 3,354.36 enrolled students, including an average of 245 men and 418.71 women.
• The average graduation rate is 45.67%, compared with 76.4% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 47% for both men and women.
• Six institutions offer associate's degrees, 11 offer bachelor's degrees, 11 offer master's degrees, and seven offer doctor's degrees.
• There are nine coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates and applicant numbers. Also consider academic measures, degree offerings, enrollment, and graduation rates; the higher costs and graduation rates reported for top-10% schools may be relevant factors to weigh.

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

The average reported cost of studying in New Orleans is $20,943.64, but this figure should not be treated as the full price of completing a degree. The supplied average for tuition and fees alone is $21,870.82, and your costs will vary by college, program, and time to completion. Compare net prices after grants and scholarships at local institutions such as the University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, Loyola University New Orleans, and Tulane University. The averages for major expenses are:

• Tuition and fees: $21,870.82
• Room and board: $12,603.62
• Books and supplies: $1,346.83

Your budget can also change depending on whether you live with family, rent near campus, commute, or choose a meal plan. Ask each college for its current cost of attendance and a personalized aid offer. Comparing scholarships and transfer credits may make earning a degree in New Orleans feel more attainable.

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

In New Orleans, LA, a full-time bachelor's degree typically takes four years, an associate degree about two, and a master's degree another one to two years. At local choices such as the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Loyola University New Orleans, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you study full time.

You may shorten that schedule by transferring eligible credits, earning credit through AP or dual enrollment, taking summer courses, or choosing an accelerated program. Meet with an adviser early to confirm credits apply to your major and avoid extra semesters.

Graduation rates offer a useful reality check: the provided average is 45.67%, while the average for the top 10% of schools is 76.4%. The reported averages are 44.44% for men and 54.5% for women. These figures describe student outcomes, not guaranteed completion times at any one New Orleans campus.

Salary

After graduating from college in New Orleans, LA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,472. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $66,898, offering an encouraging benchmark as you plan your next steps.

New Orleans students can explore schools such as Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path, but these figures give you a useful starting point for considering the possibilities.

People also ask

How many colleges are in New Orleans?

There are roughly 15 colleges and universities in New Orleans, though the exact number depends on whether specialized schools, satellite campuses, and institutions focused on particular professions are included. The city offers a mix of public and private options, from community-college programs to research universities, so it's worth checking each school's location and programs.

What is the main college in New Orleans?

There isn't one official "main" college. Tulane University is often the city's best-known university, while the University of New Orleans is a major public university. Which feels like the right fit depends on what you want to study, your budget, and the campus experience you're looking for - New Orleans has several distinct choices.

Where do college students go in New Orleans?

Students spend time around their campuses and in neighborhoods such as Uptown, Mid-City, and the Marigny. Popular options include neighborhood cafés, parks, live-music venues, and restaurants along Magazine Street or Frenchmen Street. The French Quarter is another draw, especially for its architecture, food, and music; students should check venue age rules before going.

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

University of New Orleans is a public university offering an urban, broad-based college experience in New Orleans. It enrolls 6,501 students, with a 38% graduation rate and a 74% acceptance rate, making it the most accessible option in this group by acceptance. Reported total study cost is $10,926, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $42,406. For a local student, UNO combines city-based study with comparatively affordable costs and a sizable student community close to home.

Dillard University is a private historically Black university in New Orleans, offering students a close-knit campus setting and a distinctive institutional heritage. Its 1,078 students experience a 43% graduation rate and 42% acceptance rate. The reported total cost of study is $19,384, and median alumni salary is $34,738. For New Orleans residents, Dillard offers the chance to pursue a degree locally in a smaller university community; comparing aid packages and program offerings can help clarify its overall fit and affordability.

Tulane University of Louisiana is a private research university in New Orleans known for its broad academic environment and prominent city setting. It has 12,030 enrolled students, an 86% graduation rate, and a 14% acceptance rate, the lowest acceptance figure in this group. Its reported total study cost is $64,372, while median alumni salary is $50,537. For local students, Tulane offers a New Orleans degree experience, but its high listed cost makes budgeting and financial-aid review especially important before enrollment.

Xavier University of Louisiana is a private historically Black Catholic university in New Orleans, giving students a faith-rooted academic community. It enrolls 3,101 students; its graduation rate is 49%, and its acceptance rate is 69%. The reported total cost of study is $25,829, with median alumni salary of $33,206. For local New Orleans residents, Xavier provides a local path to a degree in a smaller setting, and its Catholic and historically Black identity may be important factors when choosing a campus.

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans is a specialized health sciences institution, suited to students pursuing health-related education in the city. It enrolls 2,750 students. Graduation and acceptance rates are not available in the supplied data, so applicants should consult the institution for admissions details. Reported total study cost is $15,495, and median alumni salary is $77,440, the highest among these five schools. For New Orleans students, its focused health-sciences setting offers an alternative to a traditional university.