Most
Popular Colleges in New Orleans in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in New Orleans, LA combines business fundamentals with the city's distinctive tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurial economy. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and operations. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, financial analyst, operations manager, or business consultant. Popular local options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and the University of New Orleans, where students build valuable leadership and analytical skills.

Psychology

Studying psychology in New Orleans, LA, combines coursework in developmental psychology, social psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, and abnormal psychology with opportunities to explore the city's diverse communities. Popular local options include Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Graduates commonly pursue roles in case management, human services, market research, or behavioral support; advanced study can prepare students for licensed counseling or clinical practice.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in New Orleans, LA, offers students a blend of theory and hands-on work. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, computer networks, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students often build projects, collaborate in teams, and develop problem-solving skills. Popular local options include the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, and Loyola University New Orleans. Graduates commonly pursue jobs as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, or cybersecurity specialists across industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and research. Students typically complete supervised fieldwork or internships serving local communities. Popular options include the University of New Orleans, which offers counseling graduate study, and Loyola University New Orleans, with related clinical mental health training. Graduates may pursue varied roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance use counselors, or college advising professionals.

Nursing

Studying in a New Orleans nursing program combines learning, simulation, and clinical practice in local clinical settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child care, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing. Local options include LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, Delgado Community College, and the University of Holy Cross. Graduates often pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, or home health; experience may support advanced practice careers.

Best Colleges in New Orleans, LA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 19,384.0, compared with 54,182.8 at schools in the top 10%, a substantially higher median for that group.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 63.57% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 63.57%. Schools receive an average of 10,095.71 applicants overall, while those in the top 10% average 19,199.6 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,588.0 men and 4,570.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,172.75 on the SAT and 23.2 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 4,359.43; averages for enrolled men and women are 245.0 and 418.71, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 48.14%, compared with 69.8% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 47.0% for men and 45.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• Six schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men, and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the cost and availability of financial aid with your budget, and consider how acceptance rates and applicant numbers relate to your admissions plans. Also weigh test scores, degree offerings, enrollment figures, and graduation rates - including the differences between overall results and those reported for top 10% schools - as you decide which factors matter most to your goals.

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

For a student planning to earn a degree in New Orleans, the average total cost of studying is $27,955. This citywide figure gives you a useful benchmark as you compare options such as Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Your own budget will depend on the school, program, housing choices, and how long you study.

The reported average tuition and fees are $30,090, while average room and board cost $12,987.71, and books and supplies average $1,346.83. These component figures do not reconcile with the $27,955 total, so treat them as separate reference points rather than adding them together. Studying in New Orleans can feel exciting: you can explore the city's culture while choosing from a range of academic paths. Before enrolling, compare each college's cost of attendance and ask about grants, scholarships, and housing options to shape an affordable plan.

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

In New Orleans, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two, and many master's programs add one to two years. At Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana, or Loyola University New Orleans, your timeline depends on major requirements, course load, and whether you attend year-round. The average graduation rate across schools represented in the data is 48.14%; fewer than half finish within the measured period, while the top 10% average 69.8%. Average graduation rates were 47.57% for men and 49.71% for women.

To shorten your path, ask advisers about:

• Transferring eligible credits from prior college coursework or exams.
• Taking summer or winter courses to complete requirements year-round.
• Using accelerated, online, or competency-based courses where your program permits.

Planning early with an adviser helps you avoid missed prerequisites and makes faster progress feel more manageable. Comparing program requirements at New Orleans campuses can help you choose a realistic schedule and feel confident about your route to graduation.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in New Orleans, LA, have a median alumni salary of $39,254.50. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is higher, at $56,458.50. Your own earnings can vary depending on your field, experience, and the role you pursue.

• Median alumni salary: $39,254.50
• Median alumni salary at top 10% of schools: $56,458.50

New Orleans offers a range of places to earn a degree, including Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. Comparing programs, career services, and opportunities for internships can help you find a path that fits your goals and build toward the earnings you want.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in New Orleans?

By total student enrollment, Tulane University is generally the largest college in New Orleans. It enrolls roughly 14,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. For a prospective local student, that scale can mean a wide range of academic options, campus activities, and opportunities to meet people with varied interests.

What is the richest university in New Orleans?

By endowment, Tulane University is generally considered the wealthiest university in New Orleans. Its endowment is valued at several billion dollars, though the amount changes with investment performance and reporting year. A substantial endowment can support research, scholarships, and campus resources, but it does not by itself determine the cost or affordability of attending.

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

Tulane University of Louisiana enrolls 12,030 students and combines a research-focused environment with a campus near the cultural life of New Orleans. Its 86% graduation rate and 14% acceptance rate suggest strong completion outcomes alongside selective admission. The listed total study cost is $64,372, while median alumni salary is $50,537. For a student based in New Orleans, LA, studying locally can mean access to the city's arts, food, healthcare, and service opportunities, while weighing a high cost against career prospects.

Dillard University is a historically Black university in New Orleans, offering a campus community and a setting rooted in the city's cultural heritage. It enrolls 1,078 students, reports a 43% graduation rate, and has a 42% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $19,384, with median alumni salary of $34,738. For New Orleans, LA residents, studying at Dillard keeps college close to home and provides opportunities to engage with local communities, institutions, and the region's distinctive cultural life.

Xavier University of Louisiana is a historically Black Catholic university known for its science and health-professions pathways, within New Orleans' academic and cultural landscape. It enrolls 3,101 students, with a 49% graduation rate and a 69% acceptance rate. The total listed study cost is $25,829, and median alumni salary is $33,206. For a local student, attending in New Orleans, LA offers the convenience of staying near home while connecting with community organizations, cultural institutions, and regional career opportunities nearby.

University of Holy Cross offers a university setting in New Orleans, with a community-oriented atmosphere and programs suited to students seeking personal support. It enrolls 1,203 students, posts a 49% graduation rate, and admits 74% of applicants. Its listed total study cost is $14,400, while median alumni salary is $62,380, the highest among these five schools. For New Orleans, LA students, the local campus can make it practical to stay near home and explore city-based internships and employment opportunities nearby.

University of New Orleans is a public university with an urban campus and a broad range of academic options, appealing to students seeking city-connected study. It enrolls 6,501 students, with a 38% graduation rate and 74% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $10,926, lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $42,406. For a New Orleans, LA student, UNO offers the chance to pursue a degree locally while accessing the city's employers and cultural resources.