Dillard University
Dillard University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Dillard University at a Glance
Dillard University is a private, historically black university in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was founded in 1930, and incorporated earlier institutions founded as early as 1869 following the American Civil War. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.
Is Dillard University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Dillard University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,196 — 27% below average — while paying $22,094/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 79% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Dillard University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Dillard University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #20 of 47 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Belhaven University | 37 | $15,676 | $46,440 |
| #6 | Mary Baldwin University | 37 | $12,756 | $44,427 |
| #20 | Dillard University | 20 | $22,094 | $39,196 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Dillard University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Dillard University
The highest-earning program at Dillard University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $19,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Dillard University earns $59,600, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $19,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $40,000 in median debt vs. $31,250 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,094/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,600 | $59,600 | $40,000 |
| Public Health | $23,700 | $23,700 | $36,112 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $19,000 | $19,000 | $31,250 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Orleans, LA
- Student Body
- 1,063 students
- Admission Rate
- 42%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,094
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,196
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000