18 Best Colleges in New Orleans
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in New Orleans, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in New Orleans.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for New Orleans graduates reach $44,498 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $4,678 to $65,538.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionCrescent City Bartending School
Annual Tuition
$19,078
Early Salary
$22,407
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Delgado Community College
Annual Tuition
$4,678
Early Salary
$33,305
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Dillard University
Annual Tuition
$22,194
Early Salary
$39,196
Acceptance Matrix
40.5%
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$78,495
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Loyola University New Orleans
Annual Tuition
$47,240
Early Salary
$52,927
Acceptance Matrix
87.7%
University of New Orleans
Annual Tuition
$9,172
Early Salary
$47,872
Acceptance Matrix
66.8%
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Annual Tuition
$11,540
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
University of Holy Cross
Annual Tuition
$16,160
Early Salary
$49,316
Acceptance Matrix
99%
Stevensons Academy of Hair Design
Annual Tuition
$3,715
Early Salary
$23,853
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Southern University at New Orleans
Annual Tuition
$7,490
Early Salary
$34,042
Acceptance Matrix
60.2%
Tulane University of Louisiana
Annual Tuition
$65,538
Early Salary
$63,268
Acceptance Matrix
14.6%
Xavier University of Louisiana
Annual Tuition
$27,868
Early Salary
$52,184
Acceptance Matrix
74.5%
Park Place Premier Barber School
Annual Tuition
$12,005
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Unitech Training Academy-New Orleans
Annual Tuition
$24,599
Early Salary
$24,707
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
The Chicago School at Xavier University of Louisiana
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
$56,899
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
NationsUniversity
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Bridges Christian College
Annual Tuition
$6,600
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Relay Graduate School of Education - New Orleans
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in New Orleans
01
Academic Diversity
New Orleans offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Crescent City Bartending School, Delgado Community College, Dillard University and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in New Orleans can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for New Orleans graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $78,495. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While New Orleans has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Gonzales, Opelousas, Hammond to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Louisiana landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: New Orleans
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in New Orleans, LA
Selecting a college in New Orleans provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 18 institutions within or near the city limits of New Orleans, Louisiana. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in New Orleans cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the New Orleans area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Louisiana.
Our data for New Orleans, LA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Louisiana.