University of New Orleans combines accessible admission with strong value creation for diverse students. The university generates earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels below peer institutions, supporting economic mobility for the 40.4% Pell-eligible and 40.6% first-generation students enrolled.
Above-average outcomes relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and manageable debt levels relative to peers
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for diverse students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisStrong value-added outcomes at 78th percentile
University of New Orleans delivers strong value through controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations relative to student demographics. Graduates earn $6,493 beyond predicted outcomes, placing UNO at the 78.3rd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The median debt of $18,750 sits $2,355 below the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. Net price averages $11,147 across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $9,768 after aid.
Students seeking affordable public education with strong value-added outcomes in STEM and business fields. Well-suited for first-generation college students and those from lower-income families who prioritize financial accessibility alongside degree completion in New Orleans.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the University Of New Orleans hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-new-orleans/analysis.
University of New Orleans ranks #240 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, placing at the 85.3rd percentile overall. Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, this medium-sized public university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 66.8% acceptance rate while serving a diverse student body.
The university enrolls 40.4% Pell-eligible students and 40.6% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to educational access. UNO achieves well above average performance in affordability at the 87.8th percentile, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels.
The institution combines accessible admission with strong value creation, generating $6,493 in earnings beyond expectations and ranking at the 78.3rd percentile nationally on this measure. With 28.3% transfer students, UNO provides pathways for students beginning their education elsewhere to complete bachelor's degrees.
University of New Orleans admits approximately 66.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places UNO in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that University of New Orleans maintains more selective standards than typical public institutions in similar categories. This 17.8 percentage point difference suggests the university attracts competitive applicant pools while remaining accessible to a broad range of students.
The selectivity level reflects UNO's commitment to maintaining academic standards while serving diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and transfer students. Prospective students should view University of New Orleans as a realistic option with manageable admission requirements, though applicants should still present competitive academic profiles.
The moderate selectivity allows the university to enroll students with varied preparation levels while maintaining degree completion outcomes that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of New Orleans publishes a cost of attendance of $22,605 per year, including $14,008 in out-of-state tuition ($9,172 for Louisiana residents), $12,174 for room and board, and $1,300 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,147 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,458 or about 51% of the published price.
This net price sits $2,946 below the peer median of $14,093, making University of New Orleans significantly more affordable than similar institutions. The financial aid system demonstrates strong support for students across income levels, with particularly generous assistance for lower-income families.
Low-income students pay an average of $9,768, while those from the highest income bracket pay $15,674. The progressive pricing structure ensures that educational access remains affordable for students from diverse economic backgrounds, supporting the university's mission to serve first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise over 40% of enrollment.
This pricing approach enables students to minimize borrowing while accessing quality education in New Orleans.
University of New Orleans graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings grow from $38,410 six years after enrollment to $43,309 at eight years and $47,872 at ten years, representing 24.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 1,663 at six years to 2,381 at ten years, providing reliable data across time periods. While median earnings rank at the 34th percentile nationally, graduates achieve $6,493 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing UNO at the 78.3rd percentile for value-added performance.
Low-income graduates earn $40,500, indicating outcomes above typical expectations for this population. Earnings span from $27,393 at the 25th percentile to $72,915 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and varied career trajectories.
Approximately 24.1% of graduates continue to graduate school, demonstrating preparation for both workforce entry and advanced study.
Mechanical Engineering.
60 graduates
Computer Science.
47 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
39 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
30 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
82 graduates
University of New Orleans offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Mechanical Engineering ranks #178 nationally, producing 60 graduates with median earnings of $78,444 and a value score of 20.6.
Computer Science ranks #144 nationally and #2 in Louisiana, graduating 47 students with median earnings of $77,985. Acting stands out with a #6 national ranking and #1 in Louisiana, serving 42 graduates with a remarkable value score of 95.9 despite modest earnings of $37,524.
Biology, General graduates 119 students annually with earnings of $43,666, while Business Administration and Management serves 99 graduates with earnings of $43,876. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Other ranks #59 nationally and #1 in Louisiana, graduating 95 students with earnings of $43,260.
The program portfolio reflects strong technical and professional preparation across multiple fields.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Southeastern Louisiana University Higher acceptance rate (27.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 41 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 94% | $46,482 | Compare |
Nicholls State University Higher acceptance rate (29.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 47 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 96% | $45,454 | Compare |
University Of Southern Mississippi Higher acceptance rate (32.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 100 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MS | 99% | $44,140 | Compare |
Louisiana State University-Shreveport Higher acceptance rate (16 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | LA | 83% | $47,477 | Compare |
Oral Roberts University Higher acceptance rate (31.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | OK | 99% | $46,885 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ferris State University Similar quality tier (#241 ranked) | MI | 81% | $54,735 | #241 | Compare |
Clayton State University Similar quality tier (#242 ranked) | GA | 71% | $49,179 | #242 | Compare |
Cleveland State University Similar quality tier (#243 ranked) | OH | 95% | $52,131 | #243 | Compare |
Winston-Salem State University Similar quality tier (#248 ranked) | NC | 69% | $45,344 | #248 | Compare |
University Of West Florida Similar quality tier (#230 ranked) | FL | 57% | $49,137 | #230 | Compare |