Head-to-head · 2026
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of New Orleans
Compare average net price ($13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; $12,384 at University of New Orleans), ROI score (8.64 vs 9.66), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($47,021 vs $47,872), and admissions selectivity (92.5% acceptance at Northwestern State University of Louisiana; 74.3% at University of New Orleans) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | University of New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.64 | 9.66 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,606 | $12,384 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $54,424 | $49,536 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,864 | $9,172 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,652 | $14,008 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $47,021 | $47,872 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.5% | 74.3% |
| Graduation rate | 43.2% ✓ | 38% |
| Retention rate | 70.9% ✓ | 66.8% |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $18,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,519 | 4,638 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1088 | 1052 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | University of New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,693 | $11,532 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $12,261 | $10,506 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,549 ✓ | $13,222 |
| Family income $75–110k | $17,777 | $16,942 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $19,077 | $17,504 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | University of New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.7% | 12% |
| Psychology, General | 5.2% | 5.9% |
| Biology, General | 3.2% | 7.8% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.1% | 7.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6% | 2.4% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 1.1% | 5.4% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 0.4% | 5.4% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.2% | 1.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of New Orleans reports the lower average net price by $1,222 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $4,888 difference over four years ($49,536 vs $54,424).
University of New Orleans reports $851 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($47,872 vs $47,021). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 70.9% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana and 66.8% at University of New Orleans. Median federal debt among completers is $25,000 vs $18,750, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Northwestern State University of Louisiana vs University of New Orleans, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of New Orleans is cheaper — average net price $12,384 per year vs $13,606 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The annual difference of $1,222 adds up to about $4,888 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of New Orleans reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $47,872 vs $47,021 at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The gap in the federal data is $851. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of New Orleans is more selective at 74.3% acceptance vs 92.5% at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.