Tulane University (also known as Tulane University of Louisiana or Tulane) is a private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was set up in 1834 by seven young medical doctors as the Medical College of Louisiana. In 1847, it was merged with the University of Louisiana. Later, in 1887, the university was reorganised and renamed the Tulane University of Louisiana. It is one of the ten historical private institutions in the US.
The main Tulane campus is situated in Uptown, New Orleans, on St. Charles Avenue, immediately across from Audubon Park. It was established in the 1890s and now covers an area of more than 110 acres (0.45 km2). The campus is well-known for its substantial live oak trees and historic buildings with Richardsonian Romanesque, Elizabethan, Italian Renaissance, Mid-Century Modern, and modern architectural styles. Since 1978, it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tulane has been consistently ranked among the top universities in the US and the world by reputed international publications. The US News & World Report 2022 was placed 44th and 417th on its lists of ‘Best National Universities’ and ‘Best Global Universities’, respectively. Tulane was ranked 71st in the US by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2022.
The university’s list of alumni is an illustrious one. It comprises Marshall Scholars (23), Rhodes Scholars (18); Truman Scholars (15), Fulbright Scholars (155), governors of Louisiana (12); Chief Justice of the US (1), Surgeon General of the US (2), and several members of the US Congress, among others. Let us learn more about this university in this article.
Courses and Faculty
Tulane University offers 75 undergraduate majors and over 200 master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programmes. These courses cover fields of study such as architecture, business, computer science, engineering, health sciences, law, liberal arts, medicine, and social sciences, among others. Tulane provides these degrees through its ten constituent colleges and schools. They are:
| A. B. Freeman School of Business Newcomb-Tulane College School of Architecture School of Law School of Liberal Arts | School of Medicine School of Professional Advancement School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine School of Science and Engineering School of Social Work |
While all undergraduate students are enrolled in the Newcomb-Tulane College, the graduate programs are provided across the other schools. Tulane is also known for its research across numerous fields that are overseen by its several institutions and centers. Some of them are: the Murphy Institute, the Newcomb College Center for Research on Women, the Roger Thayer Stone Center for Latin American Studies, the Middle American Research Institute, and the Payson Center for International Development in the law school, among others.
In addition to its academic programs, Tulane also operates a medical center that:
- offers free care for uninsured patients
- conducts biomedical research
- trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dental professionals, veterinary students, social work students, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, among others.
Aptly, the institution is counted among ‘R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity’ by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This categorization is granted only to universities engaged in extensive research across disciplines and allocating significant resources to it. Tulane’s total R&D expenditure was over US$ 204 million in 2020.
Fees and Scholarships
The annual cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student is around US$ 82,790 (tuition & fees, books, room, and other miscellaneous expenses). For graduate programmes, the approximate annual cost of attendance is US$ 55,040. However, to help students afford their education, Tulane offers several scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and athletic scholarships.
In order to be eligible for most of these scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student aid programs such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. You can also use your FAFSA information to apply for many state and institutional aid programs.
In addition to scholarship opportunities, students can also avail options for fee waivers. These waivers are open to students who demonstrate significant financial need or academic excellence. Some examples include the Louisiana TOPS Scholarship Program and the Dean’s Honor Scholarship Program at Tulane University School of Medicine, among others. To know more about the detailed fee structures for different programs and the various financial aid options that can be availed, applicants can visit the university’s official website.
Careers and Placements
Tulane offers many opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in their desired field of study. There are numerous career and placement options available such as:
• Career Development Center (CDC): It provides resources and assists students in finding internships, jobs, and even the right graduate programs after completing an undergraduate degree. They also offer workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and more.
• Student Employment: Students can search for part-time jobs on-campus or off-campus through the Student Employment website. Jobs include work-study positions as well as other non-work-study jobs.
• Internships: Tulane has various internship options available through its partnerships with local businesses and organizations. The internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field of study.
• Study Abroad Programs: Tulane offers many different study-abroad programs that range from short-term trips to semester-long exchanges in countries like England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and more. This helps students gain international experience and brilliant exposure at partner institutions.
Admission Requirements at Tulane University
The admissions process at Tulane is holistic as the Admissions Committee considers all aspects of your application in order to make an informed decision. They look for students who have demonstrated strong academic ability, as well as involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
An applicant’s high school transcript is reviewed carefully by the Admissions staff; they seek grades that reflect preparation for college-level coursework. In addition, they consider your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT) as well as proof of English language proficiency.
The committee also welcomes portfolios from applicants seeking entrance into the School of Architecture or School of Art + Design; audition materials are required from applicants seeking entrance into the Department of Music. And much like this each school and department have specific requirements. Therefore, students are advised to be well-versed with the eligibility details for their choice of programmes.
In addition, the Committee seeks students with unique talents and interests that will contribute to the intellectual life of the campus community. The personal statement is also an important part of the application as it allows you to share your story with us and explain why you are interested in attending Tulane University.
Tulane University is a selective institution and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. However, one can ensure to highlight their credentials, skills, and achievements that put them in the best light and increase their chance of acceptance. We wish you the very best!