Dillard University

Dillard University formed in 1930 through the merger of Straight College, founded in 1869, and New Orleans University, established in 1873, carrying forward a legacy of educating Black students in the Deep South. Students who thrive here often seek close-knit support, embrace cultural immersion, and pursue leadership roles amid a tight community of about 1,250 undergraduates. The campus sits on 55 acres in the Gentilly neighborhood, where you'll feel the pulse of New Orleans' jazz heritage and Creole traditions just blocks away. That urban energy brings excitement but also distractions from the city's lively streets. Small size means personalized advising yet fewer major options compared to larger schools.