6 Cheapest Universities in New Orleans for International Students

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In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in New Orleans, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 6 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in New Orleans, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in New Orleans for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New Orleans ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Southern University at New Orleans 8,900 USD 73%
University of New Orleans 14,700 USD 54%
Dillard University 19,200 USD 40%
Xavier University of Louisiana 26,800 USD 17%
Loyola University New Orleans 49,600 USD -55%
Tulane University 72,000 USD -126%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 31,900 USD for universities in New Orleans.

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1. Southern University at New Orleans

The Southern University at New Orleans, or SUNO, is a 17-acre large university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1956, the school is considered as a Historically black college or university (HCBU) in the United States. Despite this, SUNO hosts more than just African-Americans but also students from all over the globe. The university has provided undergraduate and graduate level programs and top-notch student services for arts, sports, and recreation.

2. University of New Orleans

University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public institution with the mission to provide higher education to students regardless of background. From its founding to the present, its goal of promoting inclusivity hasn’t faded. Moreover, besides offering top-rated programs, UNO is a nationally recognized institution in the US that continues to find ways to improve its education system.

3. Dillard University

Dillard University is a historic black private university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dillard University offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Nursing degrees in more than 35 majors and holds dual degree programs in several fields. The university is famous for its undergraduate research programs, especially in education and nursing, and among them, professional training programs are well-run systematically.

4. Xavier University of Louisiana

The Xavier University of Louisiana has a rich history of being the only historically black and Catholic academic institution and the only university founded by a saint. XULA was established by Katherine Drexel and the Blessed Sacrament sisters to mold future leaders for a more humane and just world. They do so by providing excellent education and diverse opportunities. The university’s placements among US university rankings: 383rd (Times Higher Education) and 301 (QS Top Universities) are a testament to their teaching.

5. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is a Roman Catholic academic institution founded by the Jesuits. Around 140+ programs are available for undergrad, grad, and professional students. Several of those programs are available on an online setup. The Times Higher Education ranking places Loyola at 401st in the US, while the US News puts it at 202nd.

6. Tulane University

Tulane University already has a deep history of providing excellent education. The university began as a small medical college and flourished into becoming a top-ranked institution in Louisiana state. Tulane University takes pride in being the first research university to require community service in its curriculum and vows to continue that legacy in the coming years.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in New Orleans for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New Orleans ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Loyola University New Orleans 5,340 USD - 18,900 USD 62%
Xavier University of Louisiana 6,552 USD - 45,000 USD 53%
Southern University at New Orleans 9,378 USD 32%
Dillard University 12,300 USD 11%
University of New Orleans 14,000 USD -1%
Tulane University 35,100 USD - 70,400 USD -154%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 13,800 USD for universities in New Orleans.

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1. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is a Roman Catholic academic institution founded by the Jesuits. Around 140+ programs are available for undergrad, grad, and professional students. Several of those programs are available on an online setup. The Times Higher Education ranking places Loyola at 401st in the US, while the US News puts it at 202nd.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Loyola University New Orleans should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,340 USD to 18,810 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Xavier University of Louisiana

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Xavier University of Louisiana. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana is 6,552 USD to 45,000 USD.

The Xavier University of Louisiana has a rich history of being the only historically black and Catholic academic institution and the only university founded by a saint. XULA was established by Katherine Drexel and the Blessed Sacrament sisters to mold future leaders for a more humane and just world. They do so by providing excellent education and diverse opportunities. The university’s placements among US university rankings: 383rd (Times Higher Education) and 301 (QS Top Universities) are a testament to their teaching.

3. Southern University at New Orleans

The Southern University at New Orleans, or SUNO, is a 17-acre large university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1956, the school is considered as a Historically black college or university (HCBU) in the United States. Despite this, SUNO hosts more than just African-Americans but also students from all over the globe. The university has provided undergraduate and graduate level programs and top-notch student services for arts, sports, and recreation.

The tuition fee at Southern University at New Orleans for incoming international master’s students is 9,378 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dillard University

Another affordable university to consider in New Orleans is Dillard University.

Dillard University is a historic black private university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dillard University offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Nursing degrees in more than 35 majors and holds dual degree programs in several fields. The university is famous for its undergraduate research programs, especially in education and nursing, and among them, professional training programs are well-run systematically.

The tuition fee in Dillard University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,300 USD.

5. University of New Orleans

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of New Orleans has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 13,903 USD yearly.

University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public institution with the mission to provide higher education to students regardless of background. From its founding to the present, its goal of promoting inclusivity hasn’t faded. Moreover, besides offering top-rated programs, UNO is a nationally recognized institution in the US that continues to find ways to improve its education system.

6. Tulane University

Tulane University already has a deep history of providing excellent education. The university began as a small medical college and flourished into becoming a top-ranked institution in Louisiana state. Tulane University takes pride in being the first research university to require community service in its curriculum and vows to continue that legacy in the coming years.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in New Orleans, Louisiana?

Applying to cheap universities in New Orleans requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in New Orleans?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in New Orleans. For example, one of the best affordable schools in New Orleans is the Loyola University New Orleans, which offers Accountancy, Biological Sciences, and Chemistry and Biochemistry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Loyola University New Orleans offers Teaching, Business Administration, and Criminology and Justice.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in New Orleans for international students was helpful!