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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,605 |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,008 |
| Room and Board | $12,174 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,458 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,147 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,768 |
| $30–48k | $11,045 |
| $48–75k | $11,955 |
| $75–110k | $15,481 |
| $110k+ | $15,674 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of New Orleans graduates carry median debt of $18,750, ranging from $5,250 at the 25th percentile to $19,892 at the 75th percentile. This median sits $2,355 below the peer median of $21,105, placing UNO at the 76th percentile nationally for manageable debt levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 39% of their first-year income to debt service, a manageable level that supports long-term financial stability. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $13,000 with monthly payments of $171, though families should carefully evaluate their capacity to handle additional borrowing.
The controlled debt levels reflect the university's affordable net pricing and effective financial aid targeting. Students can expect to graduate with debt burdens that align with their earning potential, particularly in higher-earning programs like engineering and computer science.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of New Orleans delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and above-expected earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $6,493 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 78.3rd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $47,872 rank at the 34th percentile, the positive value-added outcome indicates the university effectively prepares students for career success relative to their entering characteristics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 positions graduates for sustainable debt service, while net prices below peer medians minimize borrowing requirements.
Earnings growth from $38,410 at six years to $47,872 at ten years demonstrates consistent career advancement. The investment proves particularly strong for students in engineering, computer science, and accounting programs, where earnings exceed $55,000.
University of New Orleans enrolls 40.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant representation of lower-income families. The $11,458 average financial aid savings reduces costs by over half for most students.
Net price variations by income demonstrate targeted assistance, with families earning under $48,000 paying approximately $10,000-$11,000 annually. This aid concentration enables the university to maintain educational access for first-generation students, who represent 40.6% of enrollment.
The financial aid system effectively supports the diverse student body by making degree completion financially feasible across income levels. Students from lower-income backgrounds benefit from aid packages that bring costs well below published rates, while middle-income families also receive meaningful assistance.
