Head-to-head comparison
Tulane University vs. Villanova University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Tulane or Villanova harder to get into?
Tulane is harder to get into than Villanova. Tulane's 14.0% acceptance rate is lower than Villanova's 27.0%.
Which is cheaper, Tulane or Villanova?
Tulane costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Tulane's average net price is $39,949 vs $43,756 at Villanova.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Villanova graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $63,268 at Tulane and $100,423 at Villanova.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Tulane | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 14.0% | 27.0% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1400–1520 | 1395–1510 |
| ACT mid-50% | 31–34 | 32–34 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,004 | $84,793 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $39,949 | $43,756 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,767 | 6,938 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 86.1% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $63,268 | $100,423 |
| Setting | New Orleans, Louisiana | Villanova, PA |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Tulane is meaningfully harder to get into. A 13.0-percentage-point gap between 14.0% (Tulane) and 27.0% (Villanova) reflects real selectivity differences. Villanova is the more realistic target for a balanced college list.
Villanova graduates earn $37,155 more on average at the 10-year mark. This usually reflects major distribution more than school quality — schools that concentrate in CS, engineering, and finance pull higher medians than schools with more humanities and social science graduates. Tulane grads' earnings within the same major category are typically comparable.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Tulane is in New Orleans, Louisiana; Villanova is in Villanova, PA. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Villanova's graduation rate is meaningfully higher (91.9% vs 86.1% 6-year completion). Graduation gaps at this level usually reflect support-system differences, financial aid adequacy, or degree-flexibility — worth verifying with each school's first-year retention and major-change policies.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Tulane is 62.0% women, 4.9% international, and 5.6% Asian-American. Villanova is 53.8% women, 1.8% international, and 6.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Tulane | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 62.0% | 53.8% |
| International | 4.9% | 1.8% |
| White | 64.3% | 67.7% |
| Asian | 5.6% | 6.7% |
| Hispanic | 11.3% | 11.3% |
| Black | 7.3% | 6.5% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Tulane vs. Villanova?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Tulane if
- Net price matters: Tulane costs $3,807 less per year on average
- its public service graduation requirement
Pick Villanova if
- Your odds are realistic at Villanova (slightly easier admit)
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($100,423 vs $63,268)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- Augustinian Catholic tradition
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Tulane University
14.0% accept · New Orleans, Louisiana
Full profile
Villanova University
27.0% accept · Villanova, PA
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.