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Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Non Sibi Sed Suis (Latin)("Not for oneself, but for one's own")

1834
Founded
Private research university
Type
7,759
Total Students
8,610
Undergrad
5,452
Graduate
$2.3B
Endowment
(2024)
$66K
Tuition (In-State)
$66K
Tuition (Out-State)
$44K
Avg Net Price
15%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
6-year
94%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Michael Fitts

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Tulane University of Louisiana

Tulane: A historic New Orleans research hub, forged by resilience and academic innovation.

Tulane University of Louisiana stands as a vibrant private research institution, deeply woven into the fabric of New Orleans. Renowned for its unique blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion, Tulane offers an unparalleled student experience in a city famous for its history, music, and cuisine. What began as a medical college in 1834 to combat public health crises quickly evolved into a comprehensive public university, before a pivotal privatization in 1884 transformed it into the distinguished institution it is today. This journey, from a state-run entity to one of the few private universities to complete such a transition, underscores Tulane's adaptive spirit and enduring commitment to higher education.

Academically, Tulane is celebrated for its "very high research activity" classification (R1) and boasts several pioneering schools. It is home to the 12th oldest law school and 15th oldest medical school in the nation, alongside the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, the first coordinate college for women in the United States. Beyond these historical distinctions, Tulane has consistently led in fields like public health and tropical medicine, architecture, business (hosting the South's first business school), and social work. The university's strong ties to its host city are exemplified by its innovative service-learning requirement, ensuring undergraduates engage directly with the community.

Students at Tulane thrive in an environment that values both intellectual pursuit and civic engagement. The university’s resilience was profoundly demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where it not only rebuilt but emerged stronger, cementing its commitment to New Orleans through initiatives like mandatory public service. With a rich history of producing influential leaders, scholars, and innovators, Tulane offers a dynamic and transformative education, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," reflecting its significant research contributions.
  • Home to the 12th oldest law school and 15th oldest medical school in the United States.
  • Established the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College in 1886, the first coordinate college for women in the U.S.
  • Founded the College of Commerce in 1914 (the first business school in the South) and the School of Social Work in 1927 (also the first in the southern U.S.).
  • Features the country's only School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
  • Requires a service-learning course for all undergraduate degrees, emphasizing civic engagement and community impact.
  • Boasts an endowment of $2.3 billion and a diverse student body of 14,027.
  • Alumni include 2 Nobel laureates, 1 Chief Justice of the United States, 18 Rhodes Scholars, and 155 Fulbright Scholars.

Timeline

1834
Founded as the Medical College of Louisiana to address public health concerns.
1847
Established as the University of Louisiana by the state legislature, becoming a public institution.
1884
Privatized and renamed Tulane University of Louisiana, one of the few U.S. universities to convert from public to private.
1886
H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, the first coordinate college for women in the United States, was established.
1894
The university moved to its present-day uptown campus on historic St. Charles Avenue.
1914
Established a College of Commerce, becoming the first business school in the South.
1958
Elected to the Association of American Universities (AAU), recognizing its leadership in research.
1963
Enrolled its first African American students, marking a significant step in desegregation.
2005
Closed temporarily due to Hurricane Katrina; subsequently implemented a mandatory undergraduate service-learning requirement.
2024
Non-tenure track faculty voted to form Tulane Workers United, the first higher education faculty union in Louisiana.
🏛️
192 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

8 notable schools within Tulane University of Louisiana

⚖️

Tulane University School of Law

The 12th oldest law school in the United States, established with the university's public conversion in 1847.

🏥

Tulane University School of Medicine

The 15th oldest medical school in the United States, tracing its origins to the university's founding in 1834.

🏫

H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College

Established in 1886 as the first coordinate college for women in the United States.

🏫

Tulane School of Architecture

Developed from a four-year professional curriculum in architecture established in 1907.

💼

Tulane School of Business

Founded as the College of Commerce in 1914, it was the first business school in the South.

🏫

Tulane School of Social Work

Established in 1927, it was the first School of Social Work in the southern United States.

🏥

Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Re-established independently in 1967, it remains the only school of its kind in the United States.

🎓

Graduate School

Established as a graduate division in 1885, it became an independent school in 1925.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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