Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2026

Badge for BEST IN LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The six Christian colleges in our ranking have small student bodies and more opportunity to interact with faculty.
  • Attending a Christian college in Louisiana allows students to learn about and practice their faith while receiving an excellent education.
  • Students studying at a Christian college in Louisiana are still eligible for financial aid as long as the school is regionally accredited.

Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana in 2026

  1. Loyola University New Orleans
  2. Dillard University
  3. Xavier University of Louisiana
  4. Centenary College of Louisiana
  5. Louisiana Christian University
  6. University of Holy Cross

Colleges and Universities in Louisiana

Are you looking for a college education that combines academic excellence with a strong Christian foundation? Students in Louisiana can choose from numerous excellent and highly respected undergraduate and graduate programs at the best Christian schools in the state. Many of the top Louisiana schools are noted for their affordability as well.

Louisiana is also home to eight religious institutions, including Catholic, Methodist, and Baptist schools. Six of those schools made our ranking for the best Christian schools in the state.

If you are looking for a college experience that can merge academia with your faith and spiritual growth, the best Christian schools in Louisiana can fit the bill.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Louisiana’s Colleges & Universities?

Louisiana’s Best Overall

The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 6 Christian institutions in Louisiana. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.

group of college students reading the Bible together
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Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana

  1. #1

    Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $59,326
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola University New Orleans known for?

    Loyola University New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Religious Affiliation: Jesuit

    Loyola University New Orleans was established in 1904 originally as Loyola College and was chartered in 1912 as a university. This highly respected Louisiana college is a private Jesuit institution and currently offers more than 60 academic programs, from certificates to postgraduate levels, in both on-campus and online learning formats.

    What we love about Loyola University New Orleans:

    With its Jesuit approach to education, the University fosters an academic community that provides holistic support to the student’s personal and professional growth.

    Loyola University New Orleans is ideal for students who:

    Are comfortable learning in a small class size and getting individualized attention from faculty members.

    Loyola University New Orleans might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are Christians who have a strong affiliation with a Protestant denomination or hold significantly different theological or doctrinal views from Jesuit values or Roman Catholicism.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Dillard University

    New Orleans , LA
    #8 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #21 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Dillard University

    Cost of Degree: $22,194
    Expenses: $19,010
    Starting Salary: $43,728
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dillard University known for?

    Dillard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Religious Affiliation: Methodist and Church of Christ

    Established in 1930, Dillard University is a private, historically Black higher-education institution (HBCU) affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. It offers at least 20 undergraduate programs, a few certificate programs, and a nursing graduate- degree program.

    What we love about Dillard University:

    The University is recognized as the first HBCU in Louisiana.

    Dillard University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer an academic community that fosters critical thinking and integrity.

    Dillard University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for more options on Undergraduate and Graduate programs.

    Compare school
    3. college students doing a Bible study
  4. #3

    Xavier University of Louisiana

    New Orleans , LA
    #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1031/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Xavier University of Louisiana

    Cost of Degree: $27,868
    Expenses: $13,886
    Starting Salary: $59,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Xavier University of Louisiana known for?

    Xavier University of Louisiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Religious Affiliation: Catholic

    Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is a private institution that was established in 1915 originally as a high school by St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a Catholic religious order committed to the education of African Americans and Native Americans. Today, the University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of arts and sciences, and pharmacy.

    What we love about Xavier University of Louisiana:

    XULA remains the only historically black (HBCU) Catholic university in the country.

    Xavier University of Louisiana is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking an academic community that aims to promote a more humane andjust society.

    Xavier University of Louisiana might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might find small class sizes, mentoring relationships, and high-impact learning experiences too challenging or uncomfortable.

    Compare school
  5. #4

    Centenary College of Louisiana

    Shreveport , LA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Centenary College of Louisiana

    Cost of Degree: $40,000
    Expenses: $20,960
    Starting Salary: $59,034
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Centenary College of Louisiana known for?

    Centenary College of Louisiana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Religious Affiliation: Methodist

    Established in 1825, the United Methodist Church-affiliated Centenary College of Louisiana is the state’s oldest college. It’s also considered the oldest chartered liberal arts college situated in the west of the Mississippi River. It currently offers around 25 majors as well as some concentrations, pre-professional and graduate programs.

    What we love about Centenary College of Louisiana:

    Centenary has partnered with other universities for graduate studies, including Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Northwestern State University Nursing, and LSU Law.

    Centenary College of Louisiana is ideal for students who:

    Have an outstanding academic background, considering that the institution is a selective college.

    Centenary College of Louisiana might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not highly committed to achieving their personal and professional goals.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville , LA
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $19,750
    Expenses: $14,726
    Starting Salary: $49,573
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana Christian University known for?

    Louisiana Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Religious Affiliation: Baptist

    Louisiana Christian University is a private, coeducational university established in 1906. It is considered the only four- year Baptist institution in the state. It currently offers more than 70 programs of study at both undergraduate and graduate levels in both on-campus and online learning formats. The university also offers dual enrollment options on some courses for high school students, including those who are homeschooled.

    What we love about Louisiana Christian University:

    LCU is recognized as Louisiana’s second most diverse campus, and at least 96% of students receive some form of financial aid.

    Louisiana Christian University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer an academic community that will strengthen and fully incorporate their Christian faith in their lives and careers.

    Louisiana Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t feel comfortable in a class size of 10 or smaller.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans , LA
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $16,160
    Expenses: $17,390
    Starting Salary: $53,531
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Holy Cross known for?

    University of Holy Cross’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Religious Affiliation: Catholic

    Founded in 1916, the University of Holy Cross is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts institution affiliated with the Marianites of Holy Cross. It currently offers more than 70 programs at undergraduate, graduate and certification levels in online and on-campus learning formats.

    What we love about the University of Holy Cross:

    The University provides students with one of the state’s most distinctive educational experiences, rooted in the steadfast faith of the Marianite Sisters and its dedication to preparing future educators to inspire others through teaching.

    The University of Holy Cross is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a small class size with a faith-based academic atmosphere.

    The University of Holy Cross might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a laid-back approach to achieving their personal, academic and career goals.

    Compare school
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Louisiana’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
four college students studying the Bible together

Student Submitted Questions about Attending a Christian College in Louisiana

Will I receive the same quality of education in a Christian college that I would receive at a traditional secular four-year school?

Each of the colleges in this ranking are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SACSCOC is an institutional accreditor, which ensures that students receive a quality higher education.

Can I apply for financial aid when I attend a Christian college in Louisiana?

Yes, as long as the college is accredited through the SACSCOC, regardless of its religious affiliation, students can apply to receive financial aid. For more information on how to apply, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Can I attend a Christian college in Louisiana even if I am not a Christian?

There are many religiously-affiliate colleges that accept students who do not profess any faith. However, it is always a good idea to contact the admissions department at the college to discuss.

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.

Dillard University Loyola University New Orleans Louisiana Christian University Xavier University of Louisiana Centenary College of Louisiana
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