Freshmen Admission Requirements

Dillard University admits applicants who possess high standards of scholarship, serious and realistic educational goals, potential for service and leadership, and the personal characteristics of honesty, loyalty and self-respect. The university does not make any distinction as to religion, race, or gender in the admission of its students.

Application fee of $36.00 (Fee Waivers are accepted)

*NACAC, College Board, Financial Hardship Letter, Free/Reduced Lunch Letter are accepted application fee waivers

Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

18 ACT composite score or 960 SAT (math and evidence based reading and writing)

*If a first year applicant does not meet the above mentioned requirements, they must also submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement (3-5 paragraph essay outlining your future aspirations) for further consideration.

1.  
2. *Submit an online application here. Apply Online

**STUDENTS SHOULD ONLY COMPLETE ONE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION PER INTERESTED SEMESETER**

We accept the following application types:

Bleu Pride (EAB) Application

Common Application

Common Black College Application

Online Web Application

Paper Application (Collected from College Fairs/High School Visits Only)

If you are not yet ready to complete an application for admission, please be sure to join our mailing list for more information and event updates. 

The completed application should be returned to the admissions office before June 1 for Fall semester enrollment of that calendar year, or December 1 for Spring semester enrollment in the following calendar year. Under certain circumstances, later applications will be considered. An application fee should accompany the application for admission.

First-Year Students (entering directly from high school or enrolling in college for the first time)

Applicants for admission must submit official school transcripts from an accredited secondary school. The Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming will calculate grades earned in academic and elective courses.

A preliminary high school transcript for evaluation should be submitted to the Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming for evaluation prior to the end of the senior year in high school. A final high school transcript should be sent prior to enrollment indicating satisfactory completion (graduation date reflected) of the following recommended coursework:

English: 4 Units

Mathematics: 3 Units (to include Algebra I, II, and Geometry)

Natural Sciences: 3 Units (including laboratory components)

Social Studies: 3 Units

Academic Electives: 6 Units (World Language desired but not required)

All first-year students under the age of 23 are also required to submit results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) program examination. Applicants must also submit results of the SAT or ACT writing component.

GED Applicants

Those students with a General Education Diploma (GED) must submit test scores. A minimum score of 450 is required.

Advanced Placement Credit

The results of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examination subject areas must be submitted to the Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming prior to enrollment for course credit consideration.

Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Credit

Applicants who have participated in “concurrent/dual enrollment” programs while in high school may transfer credit hours to Dillard. A grade of “C” or above is acceptable for transfer consideration. An official transcript from the college or university must be sent to the Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Programming prior to enrollment for course credit consideration. Developmental courses are non-transferrable for course credit, but are counted for course placement. 

Transfer-Profile

Dillard University

New Orleans, Louisiana

• Private4 year
• 1,307Full + Part time Students
• 1:14Faculty to Student Ratio
• 7%Transfer Student Ratio
• $20.2KAvg. Financial Aid

Since 1869, Dillard University has been committed to providing students with a quality four-year liberal arts education. Dillard is a fully accredited private, historically black university. In 2007, U.S. News & World Reports ranked Dillard among the nation’s Top 10 HCBUs, based on comprehensive undergraduate studies. Dillard also was ranked 17th in the U.S. News “America’s Best Colleges 2007” list of Comprehensive Colleges – Bachelor’s (South). The cornerstone of New Orleans’ Gentilly Community, the university is set on a beautiful and serene 55-acre campus, replete with signature live oak trees and a mixture of historic buildings and modern facilities. Our current student body hails from 27 states and six foreign countries.Will my credits transfer?Request More Information

Overview

Total Faculty	63
Full-Time Undergraduate	1,222
Part-Time Undergraduate	85
Transfer Students	91
Programs	46
Equivalencies	945 outgoing

Financial Information

In-State Tuition	$14,770
Out-of-State Tuition	$14,770
Books and Supplies	$1,200
Federal Loans: Undergrads receiving aid	89%
Federal Loans: Average amount received	$10,261
Scholarships & Grants: Undergrads receiving aid	95%
Scholarships & Grants: Average amount received	$9,909

Scholarships and Financial Aid:Financial aid is any source of funds available to assist students pay for the costs of a college education. If you think you will need assistance, you are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Transfer Application Requirements

Official Transcripts:The submission of official transcripts from all institutions of collegiate rank that you have attended is required. If fewer than 24 semester hours is completed, you are must to submit your official high school transcript or GED scores.SAT Scores:You may be required to submit official SAT/ACT test scores.Letters of Recommendation:Dillard requires the submission of personal/academic recommendations.Application Fee:There is a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Transfer Credit Policy

Minimum Grade:A grade of “C” or above is acceptable for transfer consideration.Credits (Min/Max):Dillard accepts no more that sixty (60) semester hours of transfer credit. Students must complete at least three-fourths of the courses required in their fields of concentration at Dillard.

Dillard University: 2020 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Dillard University. We suggest you read until the end… Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Dillard University, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Dillard University statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Dillard University on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Dillard University

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT DILLARD UNIVERSITY?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Dillard University or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School

What GPA do you need to get into Dillard University?

Dillard University’s average GPA is 2.99. Dillard University does require GPA. Dillard University is currently selective. However, be aware that oftentimes schools in this GPA range are increasing their selectivity in hope of increasing “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Dillard University application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 2.99 to 3.14 this year – to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.14 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Dillard University may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it… That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year – they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Dillard University’s campus. These Dillard University admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

What is Dillard University’s acceptance rate?

Last year Dillard University’s acceptance rate was 47.61. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

	2016	2017	2018
Acceptance Rate	39.0 %	41.0 %	47.61 %

As you can see, Dillard University is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Dillard University – it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT DILLARD UNIVERSITY?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Dillard University or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School

Does Dillard University Require Test Scores?

Dillard University requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Dillard University’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Dillard University SAT Requirements

Dillard University’s average SAT score is 935 – this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed – it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Dillard University is getting more or less competitive.

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
Math	410	520	465
Reading	410	530	470
2019 Total	820	1050	935
2018 Total	–	–	–
2017 Total	–	–	–

Dillard University’s average SAT score is 935. To be a competitive applicant for Dillard University your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 820, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Dillard University a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1050.EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

Dillard University ACT Requirements

Dillard University’s average ACT score is 46. To be a competitive applicant for Dillard University your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 50, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Dillard University a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 43.

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
Math	16	–	16
Reading	16	22	19
Writing	18	21	19
2019 Total	50	43	46
2018 Total	–	–	–
2017 Total	–	–	–

EXPLORE 15,000 STUDENT VIDEOS ON CAMPUSREEL

Dillard University Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Dillard University from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

Recommendations	Status
School Rank	Recommended
GPA	Required
School Record	Neither required nor recommended

How to get into Dillard University

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Dillard University. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Dillard University, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Dillard University admission standards.

1. Score at least a 935 on the SAT or 46 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 2.99.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Dillard University’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Dillard University values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. New Orleans has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Dillard University wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school – they want students who will give back to the local community and broader New Orleans area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Dillard University needs to see past your test scores and grades – they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores – your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Dillard University something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Dillard University app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Dillard University’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause – submit your app a few days early.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES AT DILLARD UNIVERSITY?Your SAT ScoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an SAT scoreYour ACT ScoreSelect a scoreCheck this box if you are not submitting an ACT scoreYour GPA*on a 4.0 scale

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at Dillard University or any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.Calculate Your College Options

*or select a school above for a specific calculation

Need chances at another college?Select a School