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The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public academic institution located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1956, it is a member of the University of Louisiana System, as well as the Urban 13 association. The school is classified as an R2: Doctoral University with high research activity. It has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the Center for World University Rankings counted it among the top 1,000 universities in the world.


Overview of University of New Orleans (UNO)


Notably, the institution was the first fully integrated public university in the South and remains highly committed to diversity and inclusion. As one of the region’s foremost public resources, the University of New Orleans (UNO) offers a variety of world-class, research-based programs that help advance shared knowledge, as well as adding to the area’s industry, culture, and economy. National and international students alike participate in a broad array of research, service learning, culturally enriching, and academic activities.

The University of New Orleans is also noted for its commitment to excellence in teaching and student success. There are approximately 7,953 students enrolled, 6,508 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees. The total number of full-time faculty employed by the institution as of fall 2021 was 546. There were also 166 part-time faculty members. This makes the student-to-faculty ratio 19:1, which is a little higher than the average for most institutions in the United States.

While the majority of professors provide instruction, just under half also spend time performing research and public service. Additionally, the university maintains 217 graduate assistants. Of these, 160 provide instructional support and 57 offer research assistance.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 20:1
Graduation Rate 42%
Year Founded 1956

Student Enrollment


Total Students8,231

Undergraduate
6,713
Graduate
1,518

Undergraduate Student

Male 3,289
3,289
Female 3,424
3,424

Graduate Student

Male 744
744
Female 774
774

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UNO Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS5,882

Male 2,135
Female 3,747

ACCEPTANCE3,294

Male 1,302
Female 1,948

Acceptance Rate56%

Male 61%
Female 52%

Enrollment 955

Male 478
Female 477
Admissions
Application Fee $25
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Required
High School Transcripts NA
Formal demonstration of competencies NA
College Prep Courses NA
Recommendations Recommended
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline August 20
Common Application Accepted Yes

UNO Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Known for its affordability, the University of New Orleans is ranked among the universities whose students graduate with the least amount of debt. That said, tuition does vary based on residency status and the number of credit hours taken per semester. For undergraduate Louisiana residents, the estimated yearly tuition and fees cost when enrolled in 15 credit hours per semester is $9,454. Out-of-state students, however, are charged higher rates. Non-Louisiana residents enrolled in the same number of courses will pay and estimated $14,290 per year in tuition and fees.

Graduate students are also charged differently. Louisiana residents taking nine credit hours of master-level courses each semester can expect to pay approximately $9,108 yearly. Non-Louisiana residents with the same enrollment are charged $13,678 a year in tuition and fees.

While these estimates are comparatively low, prospective students must also anticipate the cost of additional expenses. Those enrolled will also need to pay for books, supplies, housing, food, and transportation. The University of New Orleans does offer on-campus housing for approximately $5,960 per year. Meal plans are also available. Those who want unlimited meals per week with an additional declining balance can expect to pay $5,200 per year.

Notably, the overall expense of attending the University of New Orleans may be offset by applying for various forms of financial aid. The institution’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships works with students to ensure they get every scholarship, grant, and financial aid opportunity available. As a result, the average award reported is $14,247, with 77% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.

Most institutional scholarships awarded are based on academic credentials and accomplishments. Those interested should realize, however, that this type of aid is only offered to new and incoming University of New Orleans students. Continuing students are not eligible for institutional scholarship aid.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $10,780
Average Total Aid $9,692
Students Receiving Financial Aid 95%
Room & Board $9,304

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $8,772
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $13,608
  • Books and Supplies - $1,300
  • Room & Board - $9,304
  • Other - $4,440

Popular Educational Academics at UNO


As a comprehensive urban research school, the University of New Orleans is dedicated to providing educational excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a result, degrees are available at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Many of the academic programs offered are also uniquely linked to the rich and vibrant city of New Orleans and all opportunities help prepare students to participate in the global economy.

Those enroll can choose from a wide variety of majors and minors maintained by the following colleges and schools:

  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Liberal Arts, Education, and Human Development
  • College of Sciences
  • School of the Arts
  • School of Education
  • Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism
  • School of Naval Architecture
  • School of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Graduate School

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time students pursuing bachelor’s degrees full-time in 2020 at the University of New Orleans was 58%. Notably, this is below the national average of 68% for all higher education institutions in the United States. Regardless, the rate still indicates that the majority of those enrolled were pleased with their experiences and decided to return for a second year of study in 2021. The retention rate for part-time students was lower, however, with only 16% returning.

Graduation rates are also somewhat lower. The overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time degree or certificate-seeking students who began their studies at the University of New Orleans in fall 2015 was 39%, with a transfer-out rate of 34%. This data is significant, as it indicates the number of students who successfully earned their degrees or certificates within 150% of the standard completion time, which is about six years. While most students strive to graduate within four years of enrollment, only 20% of those who began their studies in fall 2015 were able to achieve this. However, some think of the transfer out rate as an indication that those students were prepared well to graduate from another school, though graduation rates of transfer students is not available.

The University of New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many academic programs are also individually accredited. Some notable examples include the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Student Population Total


Student Population 8,231

Undergraduate
6,713
Graduate
1,518
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 291 Total Graduates / 26%
Business Administration and Management, General 99 Graduates
Accounting 82 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 45 Graduates
Finance, General 39 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 145 Total Graduates / 13%
Mechanical Engineering 60 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 39 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 30 Graduates
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 16 Graduates
All Biological and Biomedical Majors 119 Total Graduates / 11%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 119 Graduates
All Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Majors 104 Total Graduates / 9%
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 95 Graduates
International/Globalization Studies 9 Graduates
Visual and Performing Arts 78 Total Graduates / 7%
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 42 Graduates
Fine/Studio Arts, General 21 Graduates
Music, General 13 Graduates
Art History, Criticism and Conservation 2 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 33%

Outcome & Salary


The University of New Orleans is committed to student success and, as a result, monitors several key student achievement indicators. In addition to tracking retention and graduation rates, the institution also conducts self-assessment surveys one year after graduation. In 2021, 100% of respondents stated they were prepared, well prepared, or very well prepared by the university to communicate effectively in writing, access and analyze data, and work collaboratively.

It's also worth noting that University of New Orleans alumni maintain access to the institution’s Academic Career and Development Center. Graduates receive free access to career coaching, interview practice, help with resumes, and more. Alumni can also utilize Handshake, a career platform that allows users to browse and apply for jobs, upload resumes, view upcoming career fairs, and schedule career advising appointments. According to PayScale, graduates from the University of New Orleans earn an average base salary of $70,000 per year.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $50,300
College Grads Average Salary $66,851
College Grads Mid Career Salary $91,100
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $668,510
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,579,510
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $43,120
10 Year Projected ROI $625,390
20 Year Projected ROI $1,536,390
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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