Tuition and Fees at Dillard University

The costs to operate the University have increased significantly. We also have to take into consideration that the inflation rate in the U.S. is about 7%; and the turbulence in the stock market has resulted in smaller returns on our endowment investments, despite careful board and administrative oversight. Therefore, the investments needed to deliver on our commitment to improve our facilities and make other campus enhancements call for additional funding.

Since January, the University adjusted some of its spending to address the tougher fiscal environment; and we’re continuing to monitor and make adjustments. In fact, we used a new budgeting process called zero-based budgeting to build the 2023-2024 budget. It’s a process centered around being efficient and effective, and it required a detailed review of the University’s finances for every unit for the last five years, justifying each expenditure. The budget then is being further reviewed to ensure it aligns with our strategic objectives. Therefore, the administration and board of trustees felt that part of that strategy was to set the new tuition and fee schedule.

While tuition is valuable revenue for the University, it’s not our only source of income. In fact it equates to less than 50% of our operations. 

We have a successful team in our Division of Institutional Advancement (fundraising/development) that has ensured that Dillard maintains funds from the government, alumni, foundations and private donors to keep our doors open. We also earn revenue from the Office of Auxiliary Services which includes event sponsorship, Sodexo and residential life/room fees. Annually, our endowment generates a return in investment that is used toward scholarships and operational expenses. See the University pie chart below.

Your message states that Dillard’s tuition is lower than peer institutions’. What’s their tuition?

When we performed market research on the value of the Dillard experience in 2021, students and alumni very loudly and clearly told us that Dillard’s family-like environment helped them build the social capital to take advantage of career opportunities. More tangibly, your investment helps the University hire and keep dedicated faculty and staff, and it helps us gather resources to improve facilities (which we know is a slow process but it is one that is in motion).

As we mentioned in our message, we’re focused on delivering experiences such as study abroad, research, career development and internships, expanding health and wellness services, and resources for services such as financial literacy and wealth management advising. Keep in mind that any organization’s biggest expense is its people. We want to invest competitively in our staff and faculty and remain a supportive community. We will work together to ensure that students have the opportunity to earn their degrees from Louisiana’s oldest HBCU.

Yes, we encourage it! This is another advantage of being at Dillard. We’re in a community where students have enough access to the administration to offer feedback about how the University runs. We welcome students’ feedback and vision on the Dillard that you would like to see.