Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best Christian colleges in Louisiana saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.
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?
- 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
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.
Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
67%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University New Orleans
Cost of Degree: $47,240Expenses: $19,800Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola University New Orleans known for?
Loyola University New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Law
- Communications
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Business
- Political Science
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.
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #21 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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: $22,194Expenses: $19,010Starting Salary: $37,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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.
- #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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: $27,868Expenses: $13,886Starting 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
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.
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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: $40,000Expenses: $20,960Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
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.
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: $19,750Expenses: $14,726Starting 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
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.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
36%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross
Cost of Degree: $16,160Expenses: $17,390Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryReligious 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.
Louisiana’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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