New Orleans had an estimated population of 362,154 as of July 1, 2025. It is internationally known for its culture, cuisine, celebrations, and Mardi Gras. The city also developed around the Port of New Orleans, which has long served as an economic engine and an important link in the global supply chain.
Furthermore, this city offers a distinctive mix of flavors, stories, and traditions. The French Quarter, one of its most historic neighborhoods, is known for its architecture, nightlife, and Bourbon Street.
Below, we review some affordable universities in New Orleans. Published tuition varies by program, credit load, and student classification, so students should review each university’s official fee page before applying.
Affordable Schools in New Orleans for International Students
1. Southern University at New Orleans
Our list starts with Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), a public historically Black university in the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Founded in 1956, SUNO was established to expand higher education opportunities for African American students in the Gulf Coast region. It is a member of the Southern University System.
SUNO offers on-campus housing through its residential life program. Students should review SUNO’s current housing information directly before applying.
SUNO’s 2025-2026 academic offerings include associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs, as well as selected online programs. Its School of Graduate Studies offers master’s programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, and the School of Social Work.
International students should review SUNO’s official admissions and fee pages for current requirements, residency classification rules, and any additional charges.
2. University of New Orleans
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $4,736 – $5,078/semester (Resident undergraduate, 12-18 credits) | $7,154 – $7,496/semester (Nonresident undergraduate, 12-18 credits) | $7,822.50/semester (International I-20 estimate for non-MBA programs)
Next on our list of affordable universities in New Orleans is the University of New Orleans. UNO is a public university established by Act 60 of the 1956 Louisiana Legislature. Classes began in September 1958.
The university’s programs are organized across four colleges: the College of Business Administration, the College of Engineering, the College of Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development. UNO also offers summer study abroad programs in Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
UNO lists three on-campus housing options: Privateer Place, Pontchartrain Halls, and Lafitte Village. Lafitte Village offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for graduate students and students with families.
3. University of Holy Cross
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $620/credit hour (Undergraduate) | $700/credit hour (Nursing and Health Sciences) | $760/credit hour (Graduate) | $300/semester international student fee for students with F-1 visas
Founded in 1916 as Holy Cross Normal, the University of Holy Cross (UHC) is a Catholic university whose history is connected to the Marianites of Holy Cross. The Congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross was founded in 1841.
In 2016, the institution changed its name from Our Lady of Holy Cross College to the University of Holy Cross. UHC is the only four-year university on the West Bank of New Orleans.
UHC offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certification programs. Students can complete selected programs on campus, online, or through a hybrid format.
4. Dillard University
We have come to Dillard University, a private historically Black university in New Orleans. Dillard traces its roots to institutions founded in 1869. New Orleans University and Straight College merged in 1930 to form Dillard University.
The university is affiliated with two religious denominations: the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Its Latin motto, “Ex Fide, Fortis,” means “From Faith, Strength.” Its academic offerings are organized through the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Nursing.
Dillard’s College of Nursing has an important place in Louisiana’s educational history. Its baccalaureate nursing program began in 1942, making it the first baccalaureate nursing program in the state. The program received full accreditation in 1952, making it Louisiana’s first accredited baccalaureate nursing program.
The nursing program uses simulation technology and educational resources to help students practice clinical skills, teamwork, leadership, and communication.
5. Xavier University of Louisiana
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $13,367/semester (College of Arts and Sciences, full-time, 12-18 credit hours) | $20,477/semester (College of Pharmacy, full-time, 12-19 credit hours)
Closing our shortlist is Xavier University of Louisiana. This private, liberal-arts-based university is the only historically Black Catholic university in the United States. It was founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
Xavier offers academic programs through the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Pharmacy, as well as graduate-level options.
The university provides students with opportunities to participate in academic organizations, campus activities, and athletics. Xavier’s athletic teams include the Gold Rush and the Gold Nuggets.
FAQs: Studying at a University in New Orleans
What is the Largest University in New Orleans?
Tulane University is generally the largest university based in New Orleans by total enrollment. Tulane reports approximately 7,000 full-time undergraduates and approximately 5,000 graduate and professional students across nine schools.
New Orleans offers several higher education options for domestic and international students. The universities above are worth considering because they combine New Orleans locations with published tuition information. Before packing your bags to leave for New Orleans, you can explore other ways to study affordably in the US, including the tuition-free universities listed on our website.
We hope this article on affordable universities in New Orleans was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out the Study in the USA page and the Available Courses for International Students.
