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Dillard University
About 42 in 100 applicants get into Dillard University — solidly within reach for students near the ranges below.
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Dillard University sits in New Orleans proper — a private campus woven into the city rather than walled off from it. It is one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities, a designation that shapes both its history and its present mission. The school maintains its United Methodist affiliation, which threads through campus life to a degree that varies by program.
Its highest-earning path is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, where graduates median $90,661 four years out. Faculty pay averages $87,252 a year here — a rough proxy for what the school spends on the teaching itself. With 1,063 undergraduates and a residential core, weekends happen on campus — and 78% of first-years come back for a second year.
Submitters admitted here typically landed between 976 and 1153 — near the LA middle for four-year schools. Put your own practice estimate on Dillard University's range with the SAT calculator, or bring a saved GPA from the grade tools.
Admissions
Dillard University is test-optional: scores are considered when submitted but not required. The 976–1153 range below describes admitted students who chose to submit — typically Dillard University's stronger testers — so treat it as the higher end of what gets in.
| Score | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading & Writing | 503 | 555 | 590 |
| SAT Math | 473 | 530 | 563 |
| ACT Composite | 19 | 21 | 23 |
Percentiles are among students who submitted scores (Fall 2023 admissions cycle).
In the Fall 2023 cycle, Dillard University received 8,065 applications and admitted 3,267 (40.5%), with 248 enrolling.
How Dillard University compares
| Dillard University | Louisiana median | National median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 41.9% | 78.3% | 77.2% |
| Tuition (in-state) | $23,918 | $10,272 | $19,591 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $39,196 | $47,477 | $53,781 |
Ten years out, Dillard University's median earnings are $39,196 — below the Louisiana benchmark of $47,477. Weigh that against the $23,918 price above; the by-major table shows majors drive much of this gap.
Cost, size & completion
Dillard University lists tuition at $23,918 for everyone — private schools don't do residency pricing. Dillard University's sticker and net price can differ sharply after aid; treat $23,918 as the ceiling, not the bill.
With 1,063 undergraduates, Dillard University is small enough that class size and faculty access are structural, not marketing claims.
43.3% graduate within six years. Roughly 57% don't — ask a Dillard University tour guide what happens to them and watch the answer carefully.
Top majors by earnings at Dillard University
| Bachelor's program | Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $90,661 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,687 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,546 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,103 |
| Public Health | $47,641 |
| Biology, General | $37,061 |
Median earnings for these 6 Dillard University programs come from a different federal cohort than the campus-wide $39,196 above — compare rows to each other, not to that 10-year figure. 15 additional Dillard University programs have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA and test scores do you need for Dillard University?
Among admitted students who submitted scores, the middle 50% scored 976–1153 on the SAT. There's no published GPA cutoff — pair these ranges with the 41.9% admission rate to judge your odds.
What is Dillard University's acceptance rate?
40.5% in the Fall 2023 cycle — 3,267 admitted from 8,065 applicants.
How much does Dillard University cost?
At Dillard University, published tuition is $23,918 — net price after aid usually comes in lower. That number is Dillard University's ceiling, not a quote.
What do Dillard University graduates earn?
Federal data puts median earnings at $39,196 ten years after enrolling. The table above breaks this down by major.
Similar colleges in Louisiana
- Grambling State University — 44.9% admitted
- Centenary College of Louisiana — 55.7% admitted
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport — 50.5% admitted
- Southern University and A & M College — 35.1% admitted
Run your own numbers
Data: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Jun 2026), IPEDS ADM2023/HD2024. Retrieved 2026-09-01. Figures reflect the latest federal cohorts, which lag the current admissions cycle.