Admit rate has ranged 56%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public research university with a laid-back, academically focused vibe, known for its strong engineering programs and affordability. Nestled in a city famed for its culture, UNO offers unique opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and the arts, while maintaining a reputation for social mobility and low student debt.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
4,638
In-state tuition
$9,172
Out-of-state tuition
$14,008
Location
New Orleans, LA
Top Majors
Business, Biology, Engineering
Acceptance Rate
55.5%-74%
Graduation Rate
43-44%
Median Earnings
$56,037-$64,533
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,872
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.9×
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
Graduation rate
38%
First-year retention
67%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
63%
Pell (lower-income) share
70%
First-generation share
41%
Endowment / student
$5,983
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Mechanical Engineering$62,012
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$61,516
Computer Science$57,318
Civil Engineering$50,606
Accounting and Related Services$44,356
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.43
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
113
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
51°F
Annual rain
67.6"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
370
Scholarly works
20,732
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
3.1%
Bottom → top quintile
19%
From bottom quintile
17%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of New Orleans?
University of New Orleans's acceptance rate is approximately 74% (New Orleans, LA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of New Orleans?
Admitted students at University of New Orleans typically score 935–1241 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of New Orleans cost?
At University of New Orleans, the average net price (after aid) is about $12,384 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of New Orleans?
University of New Orleans enrolls approximately 4,638 undergraduate students.
Where is University of New Orleans located?
University of New Orleans is located in New Orleans, LA.
Admissions
UNO is moderately selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 55.5% to 74% across different reports. The average admitted student has a GPA of around 3.21, with SAT scores averaging 1150 (480-616 in Critical Reading, 455-625 in Math) and ACT scores averaging 19 (middle 50% range 17-25). The application fee is $25, and the university attracts a mix of in-state and out-of-state applicants.
UNO offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with standout departments in engineering, business administration, and the arts. It’s the only university in New Orleans with undergraduate mechanical and electrical engineering programs and a graduate program in hospitality and tourism. The College of Sciences and the School of the Arts are also notable, offering programs like Biological Sciences and Studio Art.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$38,061
Urban Studies/Affairs$36,183
Finance and Financial Management Services$35,060
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Top Majors: Business Administration, Biology, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Campus life at UNO is described as quiet and academically focused, with fewer party-centric activities compared to other universities. Students often engage in clubs, campus events, and exploring New Orleans’ rich cultural scene. The university emphasizes safety and encourages students to explore hobbies and interests through organized activities.
UNO has a six-year graduation rate of 43-44%, with median earnings for graduates at $56,037-$64,533. The university ranks in the top 10% nationally for social mobility, reflecting its success in supporting economically disadvantaged students. Computer Science graduates fare particularly well, with strong earning potential.
UNO is one of the more affordable options in Louisiana, with an average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $11,190 per year after aid. In-state students receive an average financial aid award of $14,247 over four years. The university’s net price calculator helps families estimate costs, and UNO prides itself on low student debt levels.
UNO combines affordability with strong programs in engineering, hospitality, and the arts, all set in one of America’s most vibrant cities. Its focus on social mobility and low student debt makes it a practical choice for First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and working-class students. The tight-knit engineering community and unique location—minutes from the French Quarter—add to its appeal.
University of New Orleans logo · sourceCampus Map | The University of New Orleans · sourceUniversity of New Orleans | The University of New Orleans · sourceVisit Us | The University of New Orleans · source
