US University · Ranked #44
Tulane University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Tulane University is a highly selective university that admits roughly 11% of applicants. Set in New Orleans, Louisiana and ranked #44 nationally in our dataset, Tulane attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Tulane is a prestigious research university in New Orleans, known for its public health program, community engagement, and vibrant cultural setting in the Big Easy.
This guide breaks down Tulane's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Tulane University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 11%
- SAT range
- 1340–1490
- Average GPA
- 3.8
- In-state
- $63,178
- Out-of-state
- $63,178
- Enrollment
- 8,834
- Type
- Private
- Location
- New Orleans, Louisiana
How hard is it to get into Tulane University?
An acceptance rate of 11% places Tulane firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Tulane as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Tulane typically score between 1340 and 1490 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1340 and a quarter above 1490. A score at or above 1490 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.8 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1415 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.8. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1340) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Tulane Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 15
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
Tulane offers both an Early Decision deadline (Nov 1) and an Early Action deadline (Nov 15), with Regular Decision closing on Jan 15. Early Decision is a binding commitment: if admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications, so only apply ED if Tulane is unambiguously your first choice and the cost is workable without comparing aid offers. Early Action (Nov 15) is non-binding — it signals strong interest and gets you an earlier answer while leaving you free to compare options in the spring.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at Tulane University
- Public Health — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Architecture — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Latin American Studies — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Environmental Science — an applied, increasingly in-demand field at this institution.
Tulane is particularly known for Public Health, Business, Architecture, Latin American Studies, and Environmental Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Tulane University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Tulane charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,178 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Tulane University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Tulane University?
- Tulane University has an acceptance rate of 11%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Tulane as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Tulane University?
- Admitted students at Tulane University typically score between 1340 and 1490 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1490 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1340 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Tulane University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Tulane University is approximately 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.8 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Tulane University?
- Tulane University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Early Action is Nov 15 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Tulane University a public or private university?
- Tulane University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Tulane University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Tulane charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,178 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.