Tulane University Scholarships 2025–2026 | Costs & Aid

Tulane University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Automatic merit ranges for all admitted students
  • Full-tuition Dean’s Honor, Paul Tulane, and Community Service Fellowships
  • Full-ride Stamps Scholarship details
  • Key deadlines and test policy for 2025–26

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~14%
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1410–1500
  • Middle 50% ACT: 31–34
  • Average HS GPA: 3.8+

Source: Tulane University Common Data Set / Class Profile. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

Tulane at a Glance

🏆 Stamps Scholarship (Full Ride) — covers tuition, housing, meals, fees, and enrichment funds for up to four years; see Flagship (Competitive) for details.
Average Net Price
$43,939
After grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2022–23)
Automatic Merit
Up to $32,000 per year
Awarded automatically at admission
Top Competitive Awards
Stamps (Full Ride) • Dean’s Honor • Paul Tulane • Community Service
Additional steps required; priority deadline Dec 5
Typical Qualifiers
3.9+ GPA • 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT
Holistic review; strong essays and leadership matter
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores if submitted
Key Deadlines
EA: Nov 15 • DHS/Paul Tulane: Dec 5 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Separate app required for select full-tuition awards
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Stamps (Full Ride) • DHS, Paul Tulane, Community Service (Full Tuition)
Highly competitive; application due Dec 5
Residency & Waivers
Private Research University (New Orleans, LA)
All U.S. and international students considered
– The Stamps Scholarship covers full cost of attendance for four years.
– The Dean’s Honor, Paul Tulane, and Community Service Fellowships each cover full tuition.
Last verified: October 24, 2025

Tulane University blends Southern charm with Ivy-level selectivity—and it rewards top students accordingly. The university’s Stamps Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, while the Dean’s Honor, Paul Tulane, and Community Service Fellowships each provide full tuition for four years.

All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships worth up to $32,000 per year, and competitive awards are due by December 5. With careful planning and strong academics, many families can make Tulane’s private education surprisingly affordable.

FAQ

Does Tulane offer full-ride scholarships? Yes. The Stamps Scholarship covers full tuition, housing, meals, fees, and enrichment funds for four years.

What full-tuition awards exist? The Dean’s Honor Scholarship, Paul Tulane Award, and Community Service Fellowship each cover full tuition for four years.

Are merit scholarships automatic? Yes. Many partial-tuition awards are automatic at admission (no separate application). Select full-tuition programs require additional steps by December 5.

What’s the average net price? About $43,939 after grants and scholarships (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2022–23).

Sources:
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/merit-scholarships
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid
https://admission.tulane.edu/apply/instructions/standardized-tests
https://admission.tulane.edu/apply/deadlines-forms
https://admission.tulane.edu/apply/getting-into-tulane/new-class-profile
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?160755-Tulane-University-of-Louisiana=
https://news.tulane.edu/news/scholarship-program-provides-life-changing-opportunities

💰 Cost of Attendance at Tulane University

Figures below reflect the estimated 2025–2026 academic year costs for full-time undergraduates enrolled in 12–18 credits per semester. Tulane charges the same rate for all students regardless of residency.

Expense In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $71,998 $71,998
Housing & Meals $19,630 $19,630
Total (Before Aid) $91,628 $91,628

Note: The table above includes only direct costs billed by Tulane (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and the required meal plan). Indirect expenses—such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs—are not included because they vary by student and are not paid directly to the university.

Average Net Price: $43,939 (2022–2023, NCES/IPEDS). This represents what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants—no loans included. Actual amounts vary based on income, academic record, and financial aid eligibility.
Reciprocity & Regional Programs: Tulane is a private university and does not participate in public tuition exchange programs such as WUE or MSEP. Louisiana residents may combine TOPS state aid with Tulane scholarships and grants, but there is no out-of-state discount program.

Cost of Attendance FAQ

Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Tulane is a private university, so all undergraduates—regardless of residency—pay the same tuition and fees.

What does “net price” actually mean?
It’s the average amount families paid after subtracting scholarships and grants from the full cost of attendance. Tulane’s most recent federal net price was $50,631.

Does Tulane require the CSS Profile?
Yes. To be considered for institutional need-based aid, students must submit both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA by Tulane’s priority deadline.

Can Louisiana residents use state aid?
Yes. Eligible residents may apply Louisiana’s TOPS scholarships toward Tulane tuition.

Sources:
https://studentaccounts.tulane.edu/content/undergraduate-tuition-fees
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/financial-aid
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/net-price-calculator
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?160755-Tulane-University-of-Louisiana=
https://mylosfa.la.gov/programs/tops/

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Tulane automatically considers every applicant for partial merit scholarships when they apply through the Common App. Awards can be substantial, but the exact amount depends on GPA, test scores (if submitted), rigor, and overall strength of the application.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Admission-Based Merit Scholarship Up to $32,000/year All undergraduate applicants are considered through the Common App. Factors: GPA, rigor, test scores (optional), and holistic review. No Yes — typically 4 years; maintain 2.7+ GPA and full-time enrollment. Most recipients have strong GPA (A– range or higher), AP/IB/honors coursework, extracurriculars, and polished personal statement. Exact cutoffs not published. Jan. 15 (final RD); Early Action/Decision by Nov. 1 for priority

Note: GPA/test ranges above are holistic. Tulane does not publish fixed merit grids, so awards are based on a full review of your file.

Also worth noting: Tulane sponsors National Merit Scholarships. Finalists who name Tulane as their first-choice school receive at least $2,000/year, and these can be combined with merit awards.

Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No — all students are automatically considered when they apply for admission. The Common App plus FAFSA and, if required, the CSS Profile are all you need.

Does Tulane superscore test results?
Yes, Tulane uses the highest subscores across multiple SAT/ACT sittings if you submit them.

Can these stack with other aid?
Partial merit can usually be combined with need-based aid. National Merit scholarships stack, but flagship-level awards (such as Stamps or Dean’s Honor) replace lesser tuition awards.

Sources:
Tulane Merit Scholarships – https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/merit-scholarships
Tulane Financial Aid – https://financialaid.tulane.edu/types/scholarships
Tulane National Merit – https://financialaid.tulane.edu/scholarships/national-merit

🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships

These are Tulane’s most prestigious, competitive merit scholarships. They go beyond automatic awards and typically cover full tuition or even the full cost of attendance. Only a small number of students are selected each year, and most must submit supplements or participate in interviews.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Stamps Scholarship Full cost of attendance + enrichment fund All applicants considered; semifinalists invited to submit supplements; ~5 awards each year No (supplements for semifinalists via Green Wave Portal) Yes — 4 years if GPA/standing maintained National-caliber students with exceptional academics, leadership, and service; finalists often interview Jan. 5 (semifinalist supplements/invitation)
Dean’s Honor Scholarship (DHS) Full tuition Exceptional academics; all applicants considered, optional creative supplement No (optional supplement upload; priority Dec. 5) Yes — 4 years if GPA/standing maintained Students with unweighted GPA 3.7+, high rigor, extra-curriculars; many have 33+ ACT / 1500+ SAT* Dec. 5 (priority for supplement)
Community Service Fellowship Cohort; select fellows may receive full tuition (Sotomayor Public Service Scholarship) Applicants with sustained, high-impact service and leadership Yes — service résumé and supplement via Green Wave Portal Yes — if remain active in service/fellowship Students with outstanding service record, leadership, and commitment to public good Dec. 5 (service supplement)
Louisiana Excellence Award Full tuition (Louisiana residents) Louisiana high school graduates with strong academics No Yes — 4 years if GPA/standing maintained Top Louisiana applicants with outstanding records Jan. 15 (final RD deadline)
Paul Tulane Award Full tuition All applicants considered; exceptional academics and holistic achievement No (review part of admission; supplement encouraged) Yes — 4 years if GPA/standing maintained Roughly 60 awarded; holistic review—top academics, rigor, impact, and creativity Dec. 5 (priority for supplement)

*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on recipient profiles; Tulane does not publish strict cutoffs.

Note: Tulane is a Tulane Stamps Scholarship partner and a QuestBridge National College Match partner. QuestBridge Finalists matched with Tulane receive a full cost-of-attendance package — effectively a full-ride.

What makes these “flagship” scholarships different?
They are highly competitive, typically covering full tuition or full cost of attendance. Unlike automatic awards, they often require interviews, service résumés, or creative supplements, and very few are awarded each year.

How many students win?
Very few. About five Stamps Scholars are named annually, approximately 60 each for Dean’s Honor and Paul Tulane, and a small number for Community Service and Louisiana Excellence Awards.

Do I need to submit test scores?
No, Tulane is test-optional. However, most flagship recipients historically have top ACT/SAT scores, high GPAs, and rigorous coursework.

Do these replace other scholarships?
Yes. Flagship awards like Stamps, DHS, Paul Tulane, or a QuestBridge Match generally replace partial merit. They do not stack with other full-tuition awards.

Sources:
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/merit-scholarships
https://financialaid.tulane.edu/types/scholarships
https://stampsscholars.org/our-schools/tulane-university/
https://www.questbridge.org/college-partners/tulane-university

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These aren’t the headline “flagship” awards, but they can meaningfully reduce costs — especially when combined with admission-based merit or need-based aid.

Scholarship / Program Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Cowen Scholars Program Varies (leadership scholarship + cohort programming) Students who show leadership, resilience, and service aligned with Scott Cowen’s values Yes — separate application/nomination required Yes — as long as academic and program participation standards are met Students with strong service records, leadership experience, and community engagement
Louisiana Promise (No Loan Assistance Scholarship) Covers full demonstrated need without loans Louisiana residents graduating from a LA high school; family AGI under $100,000 No — considered automatically with admission and FAFSA/CSS Yes — for 4 years, if income criteria remain met and FAFSA filed each year Louisiana families with incomes below $100k who submit required aid forms
National Merit Scholarship (Tulane Sponsor Award) At least $2,000/year National Merit Finalists who name Tulane as their first-choice school No — awarded automatically by Tulane once Finalist designation is confirmed Yes — 4 years Finalists recognized by NMSC; stacks on top of other Tulane merit aid
Tulane University Marching Band Award Typically $1,000–$5,000/year Incoming freshmen selected by audition to join the Tulane Marching Band Yes — audition required Yes — renewable with continued participation in the band Students with strong musical skills who commit to ongoing band membership
Artistic / Portfolio Scholarships ~$1,000–$10,000/year Architecture, studio art, creative and performing arts majors who submit portfolios/auditions Yes — audition or portfolio submission Yes — typically with continued participation or standing in the program Students with faculty-reviewed artistic or performance talent
Army ROTC Scholarship (+ Tulane R&B support) Covers tuition + stipend + books; local Tulane/Loyola/Dillard consortium covers room & board Selected Army ROTC cadets through national board Yes — ROTC national application Yes — with continued academic and fitness standards Cadets who commit to commissioning and meet ROTC standards
Navy ROTC + Tulane Cooperative R&B Scholarship NROTC covers full tuition, fees, stipend, books; Tulane adds free room & board (~$14,000/year value) Selected Navy/Marine Option NROTC midshipmen who affiliate with Tulane Yes — NROTC national application Yes — with continued academic and service standards Midshipmen committed to commissioning with strong academics and fitness

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA/test ranges are based on Tulane’s published details where available. Where no exact figure was provided (e.g., Cowen Scholars), ranges or descriptions reflect available official information and may vary year to year. Always confirm with Tulane’s Financial Aid or program office.

  • Departmental scholarships (e.g., School of Science and Engineering endowed awards — amounts vary)
  • Athletic scholarships (NCAA Division I, awarded by Tulane Athletics)
  • Support programs like TU Thrive (resources for first-gen and limited-income students, not a direct scholarship)

Can ROTC benefits stack with Tulane scholarships?
Yes. ROTC tuition scholarships typically pair with Tulane’s separate room-and-board support for ROTC cadets/midshipmen. Always confirm the stacking details in your award terms.

How do I apply for ROTC funding?
Apply through the respective national ROTC scholarship portal (Navy/Marine or Army). If selected, you’ll affiliate with the Tulane unit and receive local guidance on benefits and housing/meal support.

Do artistic awards stack with admission-based merit?
Often, yes. Many talent awards can sit on top of partial admission-based merit; amounts and renewal rules vary by department, so read the offer letter carefully.

Is there a QuestBridge option at Tulane?
Yes. Tulane is a QuestBridge National College Match partner. Finalists who match to Tulane receive a full cost-of-attendance aid package (effectively a full-ride).


Sources:
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/merit-scholarships
https://financialaid.tulane.edu/types/scholarships
https://firstyear.tulane.edu/programs/scholar-societies
https://nrotc.tulane.edu/scholarships
https://armyrotc.tulane.edu/scholarships

🎖️ Honors College

Tulane doesn’t have a standalone Honors College, but it offers the First-Year Honors Scholars Program through Newcomb-Tulane College. This program is invite-only at the time of admission for students showing high academic promise and curiosity. Admitted Honors Scholars can later opt into the Honors Scholar Society for a deeper cohort experience. There are no exclusive scholarships tied directly to Honors—most top scholarship winners (Stamps, DHS, etc.) are also in Honors, but the Honors designation itself does not come with extra funding.

What a Typical Tulane Honors Student Looks Like:
Often carries a rigorous high school curriculum, strong leadership or service record, and a GPA in the A– range or higher. Many successful candidates also submit top test scores (ACT 33+ / SAT 1500+), though Tulane remains test-optional.

Perks for Honors Scholars:

  • Two linked fall courses (4.5 credits) with other Honors Scholars
  • Small-group seminars and faculty mentoring
  • Priority access to campus lectures and cultural events
  • Connection to research and fellowship opportunities later in undergrad

Is admission automatic?
No. Honors is by invitation at the time of admission; selected students are notified with their acceptance letter.

Does Honors add time to a degree?
No — the program is built into the standard first-year schedule. The two Honors-linked courses count toward the required credit load.

Are there exclusive scholarships for Honors?
No. The program itself does not confer extra scholarships; most scholarship recipients are also in Honors, but selection for Honors is about academics and engagement, not funding.

When do students apply or opt in?
After admission, Honors Scholars can opt into the Honors Scholar Society (application window April 1–15 for cohort placement and course preferences).


Sources:
https://firstyear.tulane.edu/programs/honors-scholars
https://firstyear.tulane.edu/programs/scholar-societies
https://admission.tulane.edu/tuition-aid/merit-scholarships

⭐ College Specialty

Tulane is more than just a well-regarded private university in New Orleans — it’s a nationally recognized R1 research institution and one of the few schools where community service is built into the core curriculum. Families looking for standout academic opportunities will find Tulane’s programs consistently ranked among the best in the country, especially in health sciences and public service.

Signature Strength: Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is the oldest in the United States and regularly ranked among the top public health schools nationally. It is especially known for global health and disaster response research.

  • Law School: Tulane Law is consistently recognized as a top program in environmental law and maritime/admiralty law (U.S. News, 2024).
  • Biomedical Engineering: Tulane’s program is nationally noted for research opportunities connected to its School of Medicine and New Orleans’ health district.
  • Environmental Studies & Coastal Research: Leveraging Louisiana’s unique ecosystem, Tulane has national recognition for coastal restoration and environmental science research.
  • Business: The Freeman School of Business is widely respected in the South for entrepreneurship and energy-related programs.

Final Thoughts

For families considering Tulane, the sticker price can look intimidating — but the reality is much more nuanced. Between automatic merit, flagship full-tuition awards, hidden gems like ROTC and artistic scholarships, and programs like Louisiana Promise, there are real ways to bring the cost down. Tulane’s strengths in public health, research, and service also mean that students graduate with more than just a degree: they leave with a resume full of experiences that matter. If your student is a strong fit academically and personally, Tulane can be both an affordable and transformative choice.

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