Students at the University of New Orleans benefit from earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning roughly $6,500 more than similar students at other institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with some of the lowest net prices among public universities, creates compelling value for families seeking affordable access to meaningful economic mobility.
The University of New Orleans delivers solid value as a mid-sized public research university, combining affordable access with meaningful long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Located in one of America's most distinctive cities, UNO serves a diverse student body where about 40% receive Pell Grants and 41% are first-generation college students, yet still manages to help graduates achieve earnings that exceed expectations by roughly $6,500 compared with similar students at other institutions.
What makes UNO particularly compelling is its balance of accessibility and outcomes. Net prices remain well below national averages across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $9,768 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $11,955. Despite this affordability, graduates earn a median of $47,872 ten years after enrollment, with engineering programs delivering particularly strong returns and the university's overall earnings performance ranking in the top half nationally.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, UNO excels at converting broad access into upward mobility. The university maintains reasonable admission standards while supporting students from diverse backgrounds toward meaningful career outcomes. For Louisiana families seeking a cost-effective path to a solid return on investment, UNO represents a practical choice that delivers financial results without the premium pricing of more selective institutions.
The University of New Orleans shows clear program-level variation in outcomes, with engineering fields delivering the strongest returns and largest aggregate impact. Mechanical Engineering stands out with 60 graduates earning a median of $62,012, creating the highest total economic value for the institution. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $61,516, though with a smaller cohort of 30 graduates annually.
The university's program mix reflects both strengths and challenges in career preparation. While engineering programs consistently deliver strong financial outcomes, popular majors like Biology (119 graduates) and Psychology (77 graduates) show more modest earnings at $24,808 and $26,264 respectively. This pattern suggests that students interested in life sciences or social sciences should carefully consider career pathways and potentially pursue additional credentials or graduate education to maximize their return on investment.
For prospective students, the data indicates that program choice significantly impacts long-term financial outcomes at UNO. Engineering and technical fields provide clear pathways to solid middle-class earnings, while liberal arts and sciences programs may require more strategic career planning to achieve comparable financial results. The university's strength in engineering reflects Louisiana's industrial economy and provides graduates with access to regional employers in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
Graduates of the University of New Orleans achieve solid long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $47,872, with the university delivering an earnings advantage of approximately $6,500 compared with what similar students achieve at other institutions. This higher-than-expected performance places UNO in a strong position among public universities for actual financial outcomes versus predictions.
The university's return story is anchored by standout programs in engineering and technical fields. Mechanical Engineering, which graduates about 60 students annually, delivers the strongest aggregate return with median earnings of $62,012. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $61,516 for its 30 graduates. These engineering programs demonstrate UNO's ability to prepare students for high-demand careers in Louisiana's growing industrial and energy sectors.
However, outcomes vary significantly by field of study. While engineering majors achieve strong financial returns, programs like Biology and Psychology show more modest earnings, with Biology graduates earning around $24,808 and Psychology majors at $26,264 ten years out. This variation reflects the importance of program choice at UNO, where technical and professional fields consistently outperform liberal arts disciplines in terms of early-career financial outcomes.
The University of New Orleans stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Louisiana and beyond. Low-income students pay just $9,768 annually in net price, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families see costs around $11,955 per year. Even high-income families pay only $15,674, representing excellent value for a comprehensive research university experience.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UNO graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,750 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $13,000 for families who choose that option. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by earnings that provide adequate repayment capacity. Most borrowers demonstrate steady progress paying down their balances, with loan repayment rates performing above national medians in the early post-graduation years.
What makes UNO particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and solid earning potential. With median graduate earnings approaching $48,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms comfortably while building their careers. The university's affordability advantage means families can achieve strong educational outcomes without taking on the debt burdens typically associated with higher-priced institutions.
University Of New Orleans Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
