The University of New Orleans is the top ranked university in Louisiana for least debt and most ethnic diversity, according to the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

UNO graduates had the lightest average debt loads of graduates from any university, public or private, in the state. The typical total debt after graduation is calculated by finding the median cumulative amount borrowed by 2019 and 2020 graduates who took out federal loans. During that time period, 43% of first-year UNO students received federal loans.

To identify colleges and universities where students are most likely to encounter undergraduates from racial and ethnic groups different than their own, U.S. News & World Report produces a diversity index ranging from 0 to 1. The closer the number is to 1, the more diverse the student population. UNO’s diversity index number of .67 was the highest of any public or private institution in Louisiana.

“These U.S. News & World Report rankings validate what our graduates have known for years,” said UNO President John Nicklow. “The University of New Orleans offers excellent value with a quality degree that does not burden our alumni with excessive amounts of debt. And the diversity of our student body provides a more enriching environment for our students to learn and grow. We continue to work to create an even more welcoming and inclusive campus.”