Tulane University: A Legacy of Education and Research in New Orleans

Tulane University of Louisiana, a private research university in New Orleans, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and commitment to higher education. From its humble beginnings as a medical college in 1834 to its current status as a nationally ranked institution, Tulane has evolved into a multifaceted center for learning, research, and community engagement.

A Foundation Rooted in History

The university's story began with the Medical College of Louisiana, established in 1834 in response to the pressing health concerns of the time, including outbreaks of smallpox, yellow fever, and cholera. This marked the second medical school in the South and the 15th in the United States. In 1847, the state legislature transformed the institution into the University of Louisiana, a public university, adding a law department to its academic offerings. The university established its first academic department in 1851.

The American Civil War brought a temporary halt to the university's operations from 1861 to 1865. Upon reopening, financial difficulties arose due to an extended agricultural depression in the South. A turning point came with the donation of real estate by Paul Tulane, a prosperous businessman, leading to the establishment of a Tulane Educational Fund (TEF). The TEF board chose to support the existing University of Louisiana, and in 1884, it was renamed Tulane University in honor of its benefactor.

Growth and Expansion

Under the leadership of William Preston Johnston, who became the first president of Tulane in 1884, the university embarked on a path of significant growth. The graduate division was established in 1885, later becoming the Graduate School. Gifts from Josephine Louise Newcomb led to the creation of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College in 1886, the first coordinate college for women in the United States. This pioneering institution served as a model for others, such as Pembroke College and Barnard College.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed further expansion. The College of Technology, which would later become the School of Engineering, was formed in 1894, the same year the university moved to its present-day uptown campus on historic St. Charles Avenue. A four-year professional curriculum in architecture was established in 1907, eventually evolving into the Tulane School of Architecture. The Schools of Dentistry and Pharmacy were established temporarily from 1908, with Dentistry ending in 1928, and Pharmacy six years later. The College of Commerce, the first business school in the South, was founded in 1914. The independent Graduate School was established in 1925, followed by the School of Social Work in 1927, also the first in the southern United States. Tulane played a key role in promoting the arts in New Orleans and the South by establishing the Newcomb School of Art, led by William Woodward, which led to the renowned Newcomb Pottery. University College was established in 1942 as Tulane's division of continuing education. By 1950, the School of Architecture had grown out of Engineering into an independent school. In 1958, the university was elected to the Association of American Universities, an organization consisting of 62 of the leading research universities in North America. The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine again became independent from the School of Medicine in 1967. It was established in 1912. Tulane's School of Tropical Medicine also remains the only one of its kind in the country.

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A Commitment to Research and Public Service

Tulane University has long been recognized for its commitment to research. It is classified as an R1 institution, signifying very high research activity. The university's research endeavors span a wide range of fields, from medicine and public health to engineering and the humanities.

In addition to its academic and research pursuits, Tulane is deeply involved in public service. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the university made a course credit involving service learning a requirement for an undergraduate degree, solidifying its commitment to the New Orleans community. In 2006 Tulane became the first Carnegie ranked "high research activity" institution to have an undergraduate public service graduation requirement.

Campus and Location

Tulane's primary campus is located in Uptown New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue, directly opposite Audubon Park, and extends north to South Claiborne Avenue through Freret and Willow Street. The campus is known colloquially as the Uptown or St. Charles campus. It was established in the 1890s and occupies more than 110 acres (0.45 km2) of land. The campus is known both for its large live oak trees as well as its architecturally historic buildings. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The campus architecture consists of several styles, including Richardsonian Romanesque, Elizabethan, Italian Renaissance, Mid-Century Modern, and contemporary styles. The front campus buildings use Indiana White Limestone or orange brick for exteriors, while the middle campus buildings are mostly adorned in red St. Joe brick, the staple of Newcomb College Campus buildings. Loyola University is directly adjacent to Tulane, on the downriver side. Audubon Place, where the President of Tulane resides, is on the upriver side. The centerpiece of the Gibson Quad is the first academic building built on campus, Gibson Hall, in 1894. Facing historic St. Charles Avenue, Gibson Hall physically defines both the outer edge of the campus and the quadrangle behind it. Constructed for the School of Medicine, Andry and Bendernagel’s Richardson Memorial Building (1908), of brick with limestone cladding, now houses the School of Architecture. The middle of the campus, between Feret and Willow Streets, and bisected by McAlister Place and Newcomb Place, serves as the center of campus activities. The Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is located on Freret Street. The facilities for the Freeman School of Business line McAlister Place and sit next to the Tulane University Law School. The center of campus is also home to the historic Newcomb College Campus, which sits between Newcomb Place and Broadway. The back of campus, between Willow Street and South Claiborne, is home to two residence halls (Aron Residences and Décou-Labat Residences), Reily Recreation Center, and Turchin Stadium, and in January 2013, ground was broken on Tulane's Yulman Stadium between Reily Recreation Center and Turchin Stadium.

The Tulane University Health Sciences campus is located in the downtown New Orleans Central Business District between the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Canal Street in 18 mid/high-rise buildings, which house the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the main campus of the Tulane Medical Center. In addition to medical and public health education, the Health Sciences campus is the central location for biomedical research. Outside of New Orleans, the Tulane National Primate Research Center in Covington, Louisiana is one of eight such centers funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Governance and Academics

Tulane University, as a private institution, has been governed since 1884 by the Board of Tulane (also known as the Board of Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund) that was established in 1882. The board comprises more than 30 regular members (plus several members emeriti) and the university president. Tulane is organized into 10 schools centered around liberal arts, sciences, and specialized professions. All undergraduate students are enrolled in the Newcomb-Tulane College. The graduate programs are governed by the individual schools.

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Schools and Colleges

Tulane is organized into numerous schools and colleges, each with its own distinct focus and academic offerings:

Newcomb-Tulane College: Oversees the undergraduate experience for all students.
School of Architecture: Offers programs in architecture, design, and historic preservation.
A.B. Freeman School of Business: A leading business school offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various business disciplines.
School of Law: Established in 1847, is the 12th oldest law school in the United States.
School of Liberal Arts: Encompasses a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines.
School of Science and Engineering: Focuses on scientific research and education in engineering, science, and mathematics.
School of Medicine: One of the nation's oldest and most respected medical schools.
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine: A leading institution for public health research and education.
School of Social Work: Dedicated to preparing students for careers in social work and community service.
University College: Offers continuing education and professional development programs.

Rankings and Recognition

Tulane University consistently receives high rankings from various publications. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Tulane University of Louisiana is ranked No. #69 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #14 in Lowest Acceptance Rates.

A Vibrant Student Life

Tulane offers a vibrant and engaging student life, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. The Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life (LBC) serves as a central hub for student activities and events.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

Tulane has continued to invest in its campus and facilities in recent years. The newest dorm buildings, Lake and River Residence Halls, were completed in 2023 following the demolition of Phelps Hall and Irby Hall. In 2019, a new student space located in the middle of the uptown campus, The Malkin Sacks Commons, was opened by President Mike Fitts. The Commons is the central dining area on campus.

Economic Impact

Tulane University has a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. It employs thousands of people and attracts students, faculty, and visitors from around the world, contributing to the local economy.

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