Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Louisiana offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana
- Southern University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Dillard University
- Grambling State University
- McNeese State University
- Nicholls State University
- Northwestern State University
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Southern University
- Dillard University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Grambling State University
- Northwestern State University
- McNeese State University
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Nicholls State University
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
- Nicholls State University 98%
- Northwestern State University 98%
- Xavier University of Louisiana 95%
- Southern University at New Orleans 94%
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
- University of Holy Cross 87%
- Dillard University 80%
- Louisiana Christian University 75%
- McNeese State University 71%
- Grambling State University 25 to 1
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 24 to 1
- McNeese State University 19 to 1
- Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
- Southern University 18 to 1
- Northwestern State University 17 to 1
- Nicholls State University 17 to 1
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 14 to 1
- Dillard University 13 to 1
- Southern University at New Orleans 13 to 1
- Centenary College of Louisiana $38,820
- Xavier University of Louisiana $26,863
- Dillard University $20,224
- Louisiana Christian University $19,720
- University of Holy Cross $15,960
- Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
- Northwestern State University $5,180
- McNeese State University $5,147
- Grambling State University $5,140
- Xavier University of Louisiana $14,899
- University of Holy Cross $13,230
- Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
- Louisiana Christian University $8,100
- Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
- Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
- Northwestern State University $5,738
- McNeese State University $5,703
- Nicholls State University $5,686
- University of Holy Cross
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Northwestern State University
- Nicholls State University
- McNeese State University
- Grambling State University
- University of Holy Cross
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Nicholls State University
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- McNeese State University
- Northwestern State University
- Grambling State University
- Grambling State University 42%
- Southern University 54%
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 58%
- Centenary College of Louisiana 64%
- McNeese State University 71%
- Louisiana Christian University 75%
- Dillard University 80%
- University of Holy Cross 87%
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
- Southern University at New Orleans 94%
- Centenary College of Louisiana 8 to 1
- University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
- Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
- Dillard University 13 to 1
- Southern University at New Orleans 13 to 1
- Xavier University of Louisiana 13 to 1
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 14 to 1
- Northwestern State University 17 to 1
- Nicholls State University 17 to 1
- Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
- Southern University at New Orleans $4,483
- Nicholls State University $4,922
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria $4,950
- Southern University $4,973
- Grambling State University $5,140
- McNeese State University $5,147
- Northwestern State University $5,180
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
- Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
- University of Holy Cross $15,960
- Grambling State University $5,110
- Southern University $5,336
- Nicholls State University $5,686
- McNeese State University $5,703
- Northwestern State University $5,738
- Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
- Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
- Louisiana Christian University $8,100
- Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
Colleges and Universities in Louisiana
With a wide range of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Louisiana, students can choose from numerous excellent and highly respected undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of the top Louisiana schools are noted for their affordability as well.
This is because Louisiana offers low residents low in state tuition rates for access to its 26 public colleges. If your school search includes public colleges in Louisiana, you’ll have a number of great options. The cost to attend a public college in Louisiana typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000.
Out of state students will typically pay more. However, Louisiana residents who attend public online schools will be eligible for the instate tuition discount.
With just shy of 27,000 students, the Louisiana State University system is the largest public school system in the state. With an annual tuition rate of $12,000, LSU provides a full spectrum of both traditional and online degree programs in areas like engineering, education, theater, and landscape architecture.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Students attending public universities in Louisiana can earn both on-campus and online degrees in popular subjects like business management, health services administration, health sciences, and criminal justice.
Louisiana is also noted for an extensive technical college system, where students can pursue a wide range of on-campus and online degree programs. Likewise, the average tuition for a year at one of Louisiana’s seven community colleges is $4,000.
For students looking to merge their faith with their education, Louisiana is also home to eight religious institutions, including Catholic, Methodist, and Baptist schools. Prospective students can also attend one of 10 private colleges, including Tulane University and Louisiana Culinary Institute.
Tulane University’s tuition rate is $55,000. Based in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, Tulane is best known for its medical and law schools. Attorneys in Louisiana who have debt from law school may be eligible to receive $5,000 annually through the Loan Repayment Assistance-based financial aid program from the Bar Foundation.
Jazz, beignets, and Mardi Gras - the culture, food, and music of Louisiana make it an irresistible place to indulge. This L-shaped state is nicknamed The Pelican State, but the American alligator is also known to roam its lands. Wildlife aside, Louisiana is home to 36 higher education institutions that award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through an array of traditional and online schools.
Louisiana offers a variety of higher education experiences, serving a full range of budgetary needs and career goals. Find out more about earning your degree from one of Louisiana’s colleges or universities.
What are Louisiana’s Colleges & Universities?
- 7 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 13 Graduate Schools
- 14 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 6 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 9 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 17 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 8 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Louisiana’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 13 liberal arts colleges in Louisiana. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Louisiana, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2023
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
30%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
910/17
Career Outlook for degree at Southern University
Cost of Degree: $9,842Expenses: $16,136Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern University known for?
Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Education
- Law
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
51%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Xavier University of Louisiana
Cost of Degree: $26,863Expenses: $14,008Starting Salary: $64,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Xavier University of Louisiana known for?
Xavier University of Louisiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- History
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
44%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern Louisiana University
Cost of Degree: $8,373Expenses: $16,200Starting Salary: $42,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southeastern Louisiana University known for?
Southeastern Louisiana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
- History
- Physics
- Education
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #22 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
48%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1082/22
Career Outlook for degree at Dillard University
Cost of Degree: $20,224Expenses: $17,500Starting Salary: $37,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dillard University known for?
Dillard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Physics
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
42%
Graduation
37%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
915/17
Career Outlook for degree at Grambling State University
Cost of Degree: $7,683Expenses: $17,980Starting Salary: $32,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grambling State University known for?
Grambling State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- History
- Nursing
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Business
- Education
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
46%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Career Outlook for degree at McNeese State University
Cost of Degree: $8,440Expenses: $16,648Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McNeese State University known for?
McNeese State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Communications
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- History
- Education
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1034/21
Career Outlook for degree at Nicholls State University
Cost of Degree: $8,156Expenses: $16,294Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Nicholls State University known for?
Nicholls State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
- Biology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024 #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern State University
Cost of Degree: $8,672Expenses: $17,039Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwestern State University known for?
Northwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- History
- Communications
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
17%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern University at New Orleans
Cost of Degree: $7,470Expenses: $15,010Starting Salary: $32,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern University at New Orleans known for?
Southern University at New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
60%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/24
Career Outlook for degree at Centenary College of Louisiana
Cost of Degree: $38,820Expenses: $19,980Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centenary College of Louisiana known for?
Centenary College of Louisiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
31%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/19
Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Cost of Degree: $7,050Expenses: $14,130Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana State University of Alexandria known for?
Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
33%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/21
Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University Shreveport
Cost of Degree: $7,327Expenses: $16,047Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana State University Shreveport known for?
Louisiana State University Shreveport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
36%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/20
Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana Christian University
Cost of Degree: $19,720Expenses: $14,416Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana Christian University known for?
Louisiana Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Law
- Psychology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
36%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross
Cost of Degree: $15,960Expenses: $16,936Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary
Louisiana’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.