Delgado Community College

What Is It Known For?

Delgado Community College began in 1921 as the Delgado Central Trades School, opening its doors to 1,300 young men on a 57-acre campus next to New Orleans City Park. This educational institution was made possible through the generous bequest of Isaac Delgado, who left his estate to the City of New Orleans in 1909 to establish a manual trade school.

From these beginnings, Delgado has grown into a major educational institution in Louisiana, now serving 12,000 students annually across seven locations. The college provides associate degrees and workforce programs, with many credits transferring smoothly to four-year universities at a lower cost. Through its inclusive campus culture, Delgado continues to support student achievement across its comprehensive academic offerings.

Degrees & Certifications

Delgado Community College provides over 100 degree programs and technical certificates, all designed to prepare students for high-demand careers.

Programs include:

  • Accounting
  • Cosmetology
  • Civil and Construction Applied Engineering Technology
  • Precision Machining
  • Medical Coding
  • Surgical Technology
  • And Many More!

Class Schedules

Delgado Community College accommodates students through five flexible learning formats: traditional face-to-face classes, fully online courses, virtual sessions, and two hybrid options blending in-person and remote learning. The Adult Education program runs six days a week, with classes scheduled throughout mornings, afternoons, and evenings to fit varying schedules.

Several programs, such as Veterinary Assistant and Registered Nursing, include hands-on clinical externships where students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Is It a Good School?

Yes. Delgado Community College is a reputable institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Acceptance Rate

As an open-admissions community college, Delgado Community College has an acceptance rate of 100%, providing access to higher education for all qualified students.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

The average annual cost for Louisiana public and private four-year colleges is around $13,063. In comparison, Delgado’s annual tuition is much more affordable, costing approximately $4,078. However, keep in mind that additional fees may apply to some courses.

For a more accurate estimate of costs, prospective students can use the school’s net price calculator.

Programs & Courses

Healthcare

  • Certified Nurse Aide

Skilled Trades

  • Advanced Manufacturing

Technology

  • IT Certification

Campus Locations

New Orleans 615 City Park Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, Delgado Community College has a mixed reputation. While many students praise the academic quality and the campus environment, there are consistent, widespread complaints about administrative departments, particularly financial aid and advising.

Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars

Common Praises

Quality of Education: Many reviewers, including former students, credit the college for providing an excellent education and a smooth path to transferring to a four-year university. Students note that classes are challenging and the academic curriculum is strong.

Effective and Caring Instructors: While not universally true, many students praise specific professors as being “awesome,” “great,” and “understanding,” particularly in programs like music and audio engineering. These instructors are credited with caring about students’ success and providing a supportive learning environment.

Campus Environment: The main campus is often described as “nice,” “organized,” and a “great home” for students, with a welcoming atmosphere. It offers a gym, plenty of study spaces, and a variety of classes.

Common Criticisms

Major Administrative Incompetence: This is the most significant and consistent complaint. Students report that the financial aid, admissions, and advising departments are a “JOKE” and a “nightmare.” Common issues include staff being unhelpful, rude, difficult to reach by phone, providing contradictory information, and losing important documents.

Frustrating Registration and Website: Students frequently mention difficulty with the school’s website, describing it as “WORST WEBSITE EVER” and “so NOT user friendly.” This, combined with administrative issues, makes it a stressful and discouraging experience to register for classes or get a problem resolved.

Lack of Student Support: Reviewers, including one who was an online student, express frustration at having to drive to campus to resolve issues that should be handled remotely. There are also specific accusations of unprofessional and hostile behavior from some instructors, including deliberately targeting students.

Momentum

The reviews show a consistent pattern of high praise for the academic quality and faculty, contrasted with severe frustration with administrative services, a trend that continues in recent feedback. Information from other sources, including Niche and Unigo, confirms that the main points of praise and criticism are widely held. While the college has a 100% acceptance rate, its graduation rate is lower than the national average, a data point that may be related to the administrative hurdles that many students report experiencing.