College Costs in New Orleans, LA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 23 colleges in New Orleans, Louisiana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,834
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$53,112
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$837
per month
Colleges & Universities
23
institutions
New Orleans Overview
Population
383,997
Student Population
36,626 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
90 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for New Orleans
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,028
Total After Financial Aid
$80,028
Annual Cost
$20,007
Annual After Aid
$20,007
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,028 |
| Monthly Payment | $909 |
| Total Interest | $29,016 |
| Total Loan Cost | $109,044 |
Universities in New Orleans
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tulane University | Private | $62,844 |
| University of New Orleans | Public | $8,834 |
| Loyola University New Orleans | Private | $43,380 |
| Delgado Community College | Community | $4,236 |
New Orleans has 23 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in New Orleans vs. National Average
| Category | New Orleans | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,834 | $10,940 | -$2,106 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $837 | $1,050 | -$213 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 | -10 |
New Orleans's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in New Orleans
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
36,626 students
New Orleans has a total population of 383,997, with approximately 36,626 college students (9.5% of the population). New Orleans has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in New Orleans
$40,618
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in New Orleans earn a median starting salary of $40,618, which is $5,618 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,028 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,952 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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