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Dillard University

New Orleans, LA·Private nonprofit·1,111 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. no major red flags in the data. 68% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

41%
Accept
1,111
Students
$18,553
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$37,900
Earnings
10 yr
$23,048
Debt

About This School

Dillard University is a private nonprofit institution located in New Orleans, Louisiana with approximately 1,111 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 41% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $18,553 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $37,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Dillard University is a private, historically black university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1930 and incorporating earlier institutions founded as early as 1869 after the American Civil War, it is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 45% graduation rate and 70% freshman retention suggest that a significant portion of students don't make it to the finish line, which is worth taking seriously. That said, the average net price of $18,553/year is reasonable, and for students drawn to a tight-knit HBCU community with deep roots in New Orleans, the cultural and historical value is real. Median earnings of $37,900 a decade out are modest relative to the $23,048 in typical debt, so students should go in with a clear plan — ideally pairing it with strong financial aid and a defined career path.

Founded
1869
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Biological Sciences14%
Visual & Performing Arts12%
Business & Marketing11%
Psychology8%
Social Sciences7%
Communications7%
Physical Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Andrew YoungAlice Dunbar NelsonBeah RichardsEllis Marsalis Jr.Garrett MorrisP. B. S. PinchbackJohn Hope FranklinGeorge T. JohnsonSheila TlouJericho Brown

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1089
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile563

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$22,194
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,194
Avg Net Price
$18,553
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants68%
Median debt at graduation$23,048

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,048
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,048
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black89%
Hispanic/Latino3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,111 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Dillard University

2601 Gentilly Blvd

New Orleans, LA 70122

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Louisiana

Browse all Louisiana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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