Tulane University of Louisiana logo

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

New Orleans' vibrant private research hub, known for resilience and groundbreaking service learning.

Tulane University of Louisiana stands as a dynamic private research institution, deeply woven into the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans. With a prestigious R1 classification for very high research activity, Tulane offers a distinctive blend of rigorous academics, a storied history, and an engaging student experience set against the backdrop of one of America's most unique cities.

Rooted in its founding as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834, Tulane boasts a significant historical footprint. It uniquely transitioned from a public to a private university in 1884 through the generous endowments of Paul Tulane and Josephine Louise Newcomb. This era also saw the establishment of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, a groundbreaking coordinate college for women that served as a model for institutions nationwide, and the South's first business school.

Academically, Tulane excels across a broad spectrum of disciplines. It is home to the 12th oldest law school and the 15th oldest medical school in the United States, alongside the nation's only School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Its strengths extend through vibrant programs in engineering, architecture, social work, and a robust graduate school, all contributing to its standing as a premier university in the Deep South.

The student experience at Tulane is profoundly shaped by its location and commitment to community engagement. Following Hurricane Katrina, the university pioneered an undergraduate public service graduation requirement in 2006, making it the first Carnegie R1 institution to do so. This commitment fosters a unique sense of purpose, blending academic pursuits with impactful contributions to New Orleans' ongoing renewal and reflecting the university's motto: "Non Sibi Sed Suis" – Not for oneself, but for one's own.

Key Highlights

  • A top-tier private research university (R1 classification) with an endowment of $2.3 billion.
  • Home to the 12th oldest law school and 15th oldest medical school in the United States.
  • Pioneered H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, the first coordinate college for women in the U.S.
  • Established the first business school in the South (College of Commerce, 1914) and the first School of Social Work in the South (1927).
  • Unique in the U.S. as the only institution housing a School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
  • The first Carnegie R1 institution to require undergraduate public service for graduation (since 2006).
  • Alumni include Nobel laureates, a U.S. Chief Justice, multiple governors, and numerous distinguished scholars.

Timeline

1834
Founded as the Medical College of Louisiana in response to public health fears.
1847
Established as the public University of Louisiana, adding a law department.
1884
Privatized and renamed Tulane University of Louisiana following a major endowment.
1886
H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, a pioneering women's college, was established.
1894
University moved to its current uptown campus on St. Charles Avenue.
1914
The College of Commerce, the first business school in the South, was established.
1958
Elected to the Association of American Universities (AAU), recognizing its research prominence.
1963
Enrolled its first African American students.
2005
Closed due to Hurricane Katrina, leading to a comprehensive "Renewal Plan".
2006
Implemented an undergraduate public service graduation requirement, a first for an R1 university.
🏛️
192 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

9 notable schools within Tulane University of Louisiana

⚖️

Tulane University School of Law

The 12th oldest law school in the United States, renowned for its challenging programs.

🏥

Tulane University School of Medicine

The 15th oldest medical school in the United States, established in 1834.

🏫

H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College

The first coordinate college for women in the United States, established in 1886.

⚙️

School of Engineering

Evolved from the College of Technology, providing comprehensive engineering education since 1894.

🏫

Tulane School of Architecture

Offering a four-year professional curriculum since 1907, becoming an independent school in 1950.

💼

Freeman School of Business

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

🎓

Graduate School

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

🏫

School of Social Work

The first school of its kind in the southern United States, established in 1927.

🏥

School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Established in 1912, it remains the only school of its kind in the country, becoming independent in 1967.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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