Overview
Dillard University was founded in 1869 through the merger of Straight University and New Orleans University, both established to educate freedpeople after the Civil War, making it one of the nation's oldest historically Black colleges and universities. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ, Dillard has built a national reputation for its rigorous pre-med program, sending a remarkably high percentage of graduates on to medical and dental schools. The university has weathered significant challenges, including catastrophic damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and has since rebuilt into a modern, resilient campus community.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Total students | 1,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 56% |
| Graduation rate | 43% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $21,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,000 |
| Room & board | $12,000 |
| Average financial aid | $18,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 830-1030 |
| ACT range | 16-20 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Biology/Pre-Med
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- Mass Communications
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.