Tulane University (TU)

Tulane University’s core curriculum blends disciplines in a way that feels both expansive and grounded, offering students access to “endless resources, from career advising to school-sanctioned excursions to the city.” That support network is palpable; as one student shares, “There are so many support systems I honestly feel like it’s impossible to fail sometimes.” First-years take part in TIDES (Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminar), where all students complete at least two service-learning experiences, designed to offer “alternative learning methods and get us involved with the greater New Orleans community.” Study abroad is a priority for many—about a third of students participate—and “the programs are well-structured, accessible, and integrated into almost every major.” Tulane is responsive to its students, as it “emphasizes student feedback and adapts to those critiques,” with support from “a great group of academic advisors and career counselors as well who help with anything you need.” Many courses incorporate experiential learning, such as “working with local businesses and non-profits, case studies and real-world applications, research opportunities, [and] presentations,” while professors “[make] a strong effort to connect us with people in the real world and bring interesting guest speakers.” As another student notes, “They do an amazing job working to support students, pushing them academically while encouraging and guiding them through challenging content or work.” By combining challenging academics with real-world opportunities, Tulane fosters students who are prepared and ready to make an impact on the world.

The collaborative environment at Tulane “allows the students to feel comfortable branching out, trying new things, and fostering positive relationships.” Students are inclusive and welcoming, and “everyone goes above and beyond to make plans and include whoever wants to come.” Students aren’t afraid to make their voices heard: Tulane students “speak out about what they are passionate about and believe in” and “love collaborating to turn many small ideas into a great one.” While the school may be predominantly white, it is “geographically diverse, bringing together people from every corner of the country and many different backgrounds,” creating a community connected through shared experiences and mutual support. As one student explains, “Everyone loves this school so much, and I think a large part of that love comes from such an uplifting and positive community of both students and faculty alike.”

Tulane students are eager to learn, but they also want “to have fun while we do it.” With the city itself serving as an extension of campus, students note that “the exposure to New Orleans culture, from the music and food to the parades and energy, is amazing and really shapes the college experience here.” Warm weather and green campus spaces make it easy to spend time in the open air, whether “studying outside in the outdoors classrooms or [enjoying] recreational activities.” Early in the week, students “attend campus events (comedy shows, movie nights, dorm bonding activities, sports games, trivia nights)” with the social scene shifting toward exploring music venues and bars as the weekend approaches. Community events “such as festivals surrounding the campus,” are popular pastimes, alongside “trying new restaurants and coffee shops,” while trips to the waterfront or “Audubon Park every Friday for a picnic with many other students” offer relaxed ways to connect. The Big Easy is undeniably a draw, but Tulane students “are very involved on campus” and strike a “balance between having fun and academic rigor.” Classes may be challenging, yet one student emphasizes, “I don’t think this prevents people from partying, going to athletic events, involving themselves in clubs or Greek life, or engaging with the New Orleans community.”

Given Tulane’s prime New Orleans location, it’s no wonder students say they have “great access to jobs, internships, and service opportunities.” Undergrads also benefit from the fact that each of the university’s schools (Liberal Arts, Architecture, Public Health, etc.) maintains its own career services office, which leads to more targeted advice and recruiting, as well as industry-specific workshops. All of the career service offices offer one-on-one advising and assistance with résumés and cover letters and preparing for upcoming job interviews. Additionally, students can attend a number of outstanding events like the NTC Career Chats Series (which brings industry experts to campus for illuminating talks), Tulane Takeovers (networking events in cities with a significant number of students and alums), and the annual Fall and Spring Career Fairs, where students can speak with potential employers. According to PayScale.com, 51 percent of Tulane alums report that they derive a high level of meaning from their careers, and graduates earn a median starting salary of $67,500.