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Tulane University of Louisiana vs University of New Orleans: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA · vs · Public, New Orleans LA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Tulane University of Louisiana has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $159,796 in 10.7 years versus not at all at University of New Orleans, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $47,872 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTulane University of LouisianaUniversity of New Orleans
Net price / yr$39,949$12,384
Total net cost$159,796$49,536
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,268$47,872
Median debt$20,500$18,750
Payback10.7 yrs—
20-year net return$138,364-$59,296

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans?

University of New Orleans, at $12,384 a year after aid versus $39,949 — a gap of $27,565 a year, or $110,260 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans graduates earn more?

Tulane University of Louisiana graduates report a median $63,268 ten years after entry, $15,396 more than the $47,872 at University of New Orleans. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans?

University of New Orleans: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Tulane University of Louisiana, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Tulane University of Louisiana, against 38% at University of New Orleans. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Tulane University of Louisiana vs University of New Orleans: frequently asked questions

Is Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans a better value?
Tulane University of Louisiana. It clears its $159,796 net cost in about 10.7 years versus no clear payback at University of New Orleans, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $47,872 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans?
University of New Orleans: $12,384/yr net price after aid versus $39,949/yr at Tulane University of Louisiana — a difference of $27,565 a year, or about $110,260 over four years.
Do Tulane University of Louisiana or University of New Orleans graduates earn more?
Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $63,268 ten years after entry, versus $47,872 at University of New Orleans — a $15,396 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.