Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Miami vs Tulane University of Louisiana
- Miami Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 19
- Tulane Louisiana Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Miami offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Tulane University of Louisiana achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $39,949 compared to University of Miami's $37,244. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Miami's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Miami
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,328 ten years after enrollment, 19% more than Tulane University of Louisiana
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,244, roughly $2,705 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
Tulane Louisiana
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Miami graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (24% of degrees); Tulane Louisiana in Business & Marketing (30%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of Miami over Tulane University of Louisiana. Median earnings of $75,328 ten years after enrollment vs $63,268.
Pick University of Miami over Tulane University of Louisiana. Net price $37,244 vs $39,949.
Pick Tulane University of Louisiana over University of Miami. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Miami and Tulane University of Louisiana are close on paper, but University of Miami wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Tulane University of Louisiana is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while University of Miami takes 19%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,448.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Tulane University of Louisiana sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Miami comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,244, about $2,705 a year below Tulane University of Louisiana's $39,949. Graduates of University of Miami also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,820 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Miami leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Miami graduates report median earnings of $75,328, compared with $63,268 at Tulane University of Louisiana. That is a 19% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Miami has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 19% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Tulane University of Louisiana graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Miami to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. University of Miami concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, while Tulane University of Louisiana leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Miami's enrollment of 12,913 far exceeds Tulane University of Louisiana's 7,767.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $17,500 at University of Miami.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Tulane Louisiana holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% of admitted students enroll, versus 26% at Miami — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Tulane Louisiana (58.2% Early Decision admit rate vs 44.3%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL · Private nonprofit
Eighty-four percent of students graduate from the University of Miami, a significant achievement that reflects its supportive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 19%, this school attracts motivated and competitive students looking for a solid educational experience in Coral Gables, Florida.
Data from Opportunity Insights indicates that while specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s graduates earn an average of $75,328 ten years post-graduation. This strong earning potential suggests that a degree from the University of Miami can lead to a favorable return on investment, helping students secure stable careers after they leave campus.
Attending the University of Miami comes with a net price of $37,244, while median debt sits at $17,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue majors in Business, Health Professions, Biology, Communications, or Social Sciences. The combination of rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life makes it an appealing choice for students seeking both personal and professional growth.
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Tulane University attracts motivated and ambitious students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. This school is particularly well-suited for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Health Professions. The vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans adds a unique backdrop to the academic experience, allowing students to connect their classroom learning to real-world applications in a culturally rich environment.
When it comes to life after graduation, Tulane graduates can expect to earn an average of $63,268 within ten years of completing their degree. This earning potential reflects the solid foundation students receive, especially in fields that are in high demand. Affordability is a consideration here, too, as the net price after aid stands at $39,949, making it accessible for many students. While only 10% of students receive Pell Grants, this indicates that a significant number of students are navigating the costs with other forms of financial support.
Looking at the practical side, the median debt for a Tulane graduate is $20,500, which is manageable compared to the earnings potential. Students who thrive here typically have a strong academic background and a clear sense of purpose regarding their career paths. This focus on professional readiness, coupled with the supportive community, helps students make the most of their time at Tulane and set themselves up for success after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Miami is featured on the Best MBA Programs for International Business ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 24% of Miami's student body and 30% of Tulane Louisiana's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Miami) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Tulane Louisiana).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Miami is strongest in Health Professions, while Tulane University of Louisiana concentrates in Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Miami
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Miami or Tulane University of Louisiana?
Tulane University of Louisiana is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 19% at University of Miami.
Which is more affordable, University of Miami or Tulane University of Louisiana?
University of Miami is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,244 after aid versus $39,949 at Tulane University of Louisiana.
Do University of Miami or Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn more?
University of Miami graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,328 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,268 at Tulane University of Louisiana.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Miami or Tulane University of Louisiana?
Tulane University of Louisiana has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Should you choose University of Miami or Tulane University of Louisiana?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Miami if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Tulane University of Louisiana if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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