#47 Overall

Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business

New Orleans, LA · 2 years · Official Site

Acceptance Rate42%
Avg. GMAT680
Avg. GPA3.25
Class Size90
Avg. Salary$128,000
Employment88%
Annual Tuition
$57,720
Program Length
2 years

Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle

“New Orleans charm meets energy industry substance. The Gulf Coast connection is the real draw.”

Program Overview

Tulane Freeman sits in New Orleans, which gives it direct access to the Gulf Coast energy industry. The school's energy finance concentration is its defining academic program, connecting students to oil and gas companies, energy traders, and the growing renewables sector along the Gulf. The 90-person class is small, and the Tulane experience is shaped as much by New Orleans' unique culture as by the curriculum.

Freeman also offers strong programs in entrepreneurship and general finance. The school's Burkenroad Reports program, where students write equity research on small and mid-cap companies, is one of the most respected student-run investment research programs in the country.

Culture & Community

Freeman's culture is shaped by New Orleans: social, warm, and culturally rich. Students describe the MBA experience as uniquely fun, with a social scene that no other program can match. The 90-person class bonds quickly, and the city's food, music, and festival culture create memories that last well beyond graduation.

Academics & Curriculum

Energy finance is the academic highlight, with courses on energy trading, project finance, and upstream/downstream economics. The Burkenroad Reports program provides hands-on equity research experience that's impressive on a resume. Entrepreneurship courses benefit from New Orleans' growing startup ecosystem.

Career Outcomes

Freeman's employment report shows 25% of graduates entering energy, 25% finance, 20% consulting, and 10% entrepreneurship. Shell, Chevron, Entergy, and Gulf Coast energy companies are primary recruiters. Median base salary is $128,000 with total first-year compensation around $150,000. Energy roles in Houston and the Gulf Coast are the school's strongest pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Energy professionals and finance candidates targeting the Gulf Coast energy corridor will find Freeman's connections directly valuable. If the New Orleans lifestyle appeals to you and your career goals align with energy or entrepreneurship, Freeman offers a unique combination that no other MBA program replicates.

What to Watch Out For

New Orleans is a wonderful city but a small business market. Recruiting requires travel to Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta for most industries. The $57,720 tuition is high for a school ranked #47, which strains the ROI unless energy or Gulf Coast careers are your specific target. Brand recognition outside energy circles and the Southeast is limited.

Known For

EnergyFinanceEntrepreneurship

Best For

EnergyFinanceEntrepreneurship

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Tulane Freeman?

Tulane Freeman's acceptance rate is approximately 42% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 90 full-time MBA students.

Is Tulane Freeman good for energy careers?

Freeman is one of the top 5 MBA programs for energy careers, alongside Rice Jones, Texas McCombs, and schools in the Gulf Coast corridor. Energy finance, trading, and project finance courses connect students to the region's energy ecosystem.

What is the average salary after Tulane Freeman?

Freeman graduates earn a median base salary of $128,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $150,000. Energy and finance roles drive the strongest placement.

Compare Tulane Freeman