Dillard University

Dillard offers 22 programs across its College of Arts & Sciences, with nursing, business administration, and criminal justice as the most popular majors. The university shines in mass communication (with concentrations in multimedia journalism and public relations) and humanities (including a unique film program). Small classes—averaging 18 students—and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio foster close mentorship. As Louisiana's oldest HBCU, Dillard roots its curriculum in social justice and African Diaspora studies.

Life at Dillard pulses with 80+ student organizations, from Greek life (Alpha Kappa Alpha and Omega Psi Phi have strong chapters) to niche clubs like the Jazz Ensemble. Housing options include apartment-style dorms with single to triple occupancy units. The New Orleans location means students absorb local culture—second lines, crawfish boils, and Mardi Gras—while campus traditions like the annual "Battle of the Bands" against nearby HBCUs stoke school pride. TikTok glimpses show a vibrant, tight-knit community where dorm hangouts spill into courtyard jam sessions.

Dillard's 6-year graduation rate hovers around 43-49%, slightly below the national average for private colleges but above many peer HBCUs. Notably, 45% graduate on time (4 years), outperforming the 33.3% national average. Alumni earn $26,414 one year post-graduation, rising to $46,668 after five years—competitive with national HBCU outcomes. The university has set ambitious goals to reach a 75th percentile graduation rate among private nonprofits, signaling reinvestment in student support.

After aid, the average net price is $18,551, with Dillard awarding $14 million annually in institutional aid (averaging $9,193 per student). The total cost before aid aligns with private HBCU norms, but generous scholarships—like those for Louisiana residents—make it accessible. The financial aid office actively guides families through FAFSA and institutional grant applications, with 94% of students receiving some form of aid.

Dillard merges HBCU traditions with New Orleans' cultural heartbeat—where classroom debates on social justice echo the city's activist history. Its nursing program feeds into Louisiana's healthcare hubs, while mass communication grads tap into the city's film and media boom. Unlike larger HBCUs, Dillard offers micro-community intimacy: professors host students for red beans and rice dinners, and the marching band’s brass lines soundtrack campus walks. For students craving a historically rich, artistically alive education, it’s a singular choice.