Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025

Badge for BEST IN LOUISIANA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Here are the best colleges and universities in Louisiana. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana’s top colleges offer unique programs in music, arts, and cultural studies, deeply rooted in the state’s rich heritage, including jazz, Creole, and Cajun cultures, giving students a unique environment for creative expression.
  • With proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and extensive wetlands, Louisiana’s top colleges emphasize research and academic programs in environmental sciences, marine biology, and ecology, appealing to students interested in hands-on learning related to diverse ecosystems.
  • Known for their welcoming atmospheres, Louisiana’s top colleges foster inclusive and active campus life, with student-led events, diverse cultural clubs, and supportive networks, making them attractive to students seeking a close-knit and dynamic college experience.

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 schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Louisiana saw a fair amount of movement. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette gained the most ranking positions as the university is undergoing extensive improvements, with approximately $600 million allocated to various projects funded by state and private sources. A key initiative is the $65 million renovation of Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, which is set for completion by August 2025, enhancing the experience for students and fans alike. Additionally, a new Engineering Center of Excellence, part of a $55 million project, will provide a collaborative, student-centered space, with concurrent renovations to Madison Hall.

Plans are also underway for a new sciences classroom building and renovations to Montgomery and Billeaud halls, supporting STEM students with modernized facilities. At the New Iberia Research Center, upgrades to achieve Level 3 biosafety status will expand research capabilities, while a new laboratory school in the University Research Park, under the College of Education & Human Development, will offer cutting-edge learning experiences. These developments reflect UL Lafayette’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure, fostering academic excellence, and supporting economic growth in the region.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 21 colleges and universities in Louisiana that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Louisiana below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Louisiana.

Best Colleges in Louisiana

  1. #1

    Tulane University

    New Orleans , LA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Tulane University

    Cost of Degree: $65,538
    Expenses: $21,908
    Starting Salary: $86,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Tulane University is a private, non-profit, 4- year school. It is officially called the Tulane University of Louisiana.

    What We Love About Tulane University

    Tulane University offers one of the most flexible degree programs across the state.

    Tulane University is ideal for students who:

    Wish to join numerous student organizations.

    Tulane University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer a more affordable school.

  2. #2

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,954
    Expenses: $23,264
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana State University is a public land-grant research university founded as Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy.

    What We Love About Louisiana State University

    The university is home to renowned professors.

    Louisiana State University is ideal for students who:

    Want diverse and extensive academic programs with interdisciplinary collaborations.

    Louisiana State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a smaller and more intimate classroom setting, as LSU’s average student- to-faculty ratio is 23:1.

  3. #3

    University of New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $9,172
    Expenses: $19,398
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of New Orleans is the biggest public university in Louisiana. It is one of two doctoral research universities in the Greater New Orleans region.

    What We Love About the University of New Orleans

    The school delivers world-class research opportunities, contributing to the culture, economy, and industry of the New Orleans region.

    The University of New Orleans is ideal for students who:

    Love to explore new interests, old hobbies, and everything in between.

    The University of New Orleans might not be a good fit for students who:

    Lack of focus and determination to succeed because UNO is a very challenging school.

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Loyola University New Orleans is a private university that provides Jesuit education.

    What We Love About Loyola University New Orleans

    Students get support from the Loyola faculty and staff and the entire Jesuit community.

    Loyola University New Orleans is ideal for students who:

    Want a school that welcomes students of different backgrounds.

    Loyola University New Orleans might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want cheaper higher education costs.

  5. #5

    Southern University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    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: $9,842
    Expenses: $16,136
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Southern University and A&M College is a public land-grant, historically black university. It is the flagship institution of the Southern University System.

    What We Love About Southern University

    The school has plenty of major options, most of which are top programs in the state.

    Southern University is ideal for students who:

    Seek independence and great education quality.

    Southern University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer less challenging academic programs.

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

    Cost of Degree: $10,418
    Expenses: $18,758
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has the largest enrollment among the University of Louisiana System’s nine different campuses.

    What We Love About the University of Louisiana Lafayette

    The sense of community at UL is evident in the happy students and supportive staff.

    The University of Louisiana Lafayette is ideal for students who:

    Want a school with plenty of activities and organizations.

    University of Louisiana Lafayette might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a larger university.

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1184/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $10,125
    Expenses: $14,640
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana Tech University is a public research university with its main campus in Ruston.

    What We Love About Louisiana Tech University

    The school’s teaching quality, research, public service, and workforce development have a long history and reputation of being outstanding.

    Louisiana Tech University is ideal for students who:

    Struggle with college life because the school is a small college where one can easily navigate.

    Louisiana Tech University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer a lenient university.

  8. #8

    Dillard University

    New Orleans , LA
    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: $22,194
    Expenses: $19,010
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Dillard University is a historically black university affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ.

    What We Love About Dillard University

    The school is considered an excellent educational center in the South.

    Dillard University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a smaller university.

    Dillard University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Have a hard time balancing their academic and social life.

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeastern Louisiana University

    Cost of Degree: $8,373
    Expenses: $17,464
    Starting Salary: $42,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Southeastern Louisiana University is a state funded institution established in 1925. It is the third largest university in the state of Louisiana.

    What We Love About Southeastern Louisiana University

    The school has a lot of organizations and clubs.

    Southeastern Louisiana University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enjoy other extracurricular activities in school.

    Southeastern Louisiana University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not open to Greek life as the school is well known for it.

  10. Other Rankings

    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: $27,868
    Expenses: $13,886
    Starting Salary: $64,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Xavier University of Louisiana is the sole Catholic HBCU founded by a saint.

    What We Love About Xavier University of Louisiana

    The school offers numerous resources to help students, including tutoring centers and study centers.

    Xavier University of Louisiana is ideal for students who:

    Want a diverse student body.

    Xavier University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Opt for a larger university as the school is relatively small.

  11. Other Rankings

    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: $7,683
    Expenses: $17,980
    Starting Salary: $32,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Grambling State University is well known for its excellent HBCU education.

    What We Love About Grambling State University

    The school pushes the study and preservation of African American culture, history, and art.

    Grambling State University is ideal for students who:

    Want a school that offers a variety of student clubs, associations, and organizations.

    Grambling State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a bigger and livelier campus.

  12. #12

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,864
    Expenses: $17,841
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwestern State University in Natchitoches also holds general campuses in Leesville/Fort Johnson and Alexandria.

    What We Love About Northwestern State University

    The school has a beautiful campus in a small town.

    Northwestern State University is good for students who:

    Love to belong to extracurricular groups or Greek life.

    Northwestern State University might not be the best option for students who:

    Don’t want to get involved with school activities other than academics.

  13. #13

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    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: $8,460
    Expenses: $17,820
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    McNeese State University in Lake Charles ranks one of the finest regional universities in the south.

    What We Love About McNeese State University

    McNeese University is recognized as having one of the schools with the best ROIs for tuition.

    McNeese State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to study business, finance, law, and medicine as the school has a great reputation for it.

    McNeese State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a larger university with a variety of extracurricular activities.

  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1202/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisiana at Monroe

    Cost of Degree: $9,190
    Expenses: $17,458
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Louisiana Monroe is a public university located in Monroe. It is part of the University of Louisiana System.

    What We Love About the University of Louisiana Monroe

    The campus features the picturesque Bayou DeSiard running right through it.

    The University of Louisiana Monroe is good for students who:

    Want high-demand experiential and educational opportunities.

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

    Want to attend a larger school with plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities.

  15. 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: $40,000
    Expenses: $20,960
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Centenary College of Louisiana is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

    What We Love About Centenary College of Louisiana

    Students experience a strong community spirit.

    Centenary College of Louisiana is good for students who:

    Want rigorous and engaging academic coursework.

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

    Prefer to go to a more affordable private school.

  16. #16

    Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux , LA
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,173
    Expenses: $18,234
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Nicholls State University is a public university located in Thibodaux. It is part of the University of Louisiana System.

    What We Love About Nicholls State University

    The school offers different activities, sports and clubs.

    Nicholls State University is ideal for students who:

    Want a quiet campus with a good community inside and outside the school.

    Nicholls State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying at a larger university.

  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern University at New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $7,490
    Expenses: $17,564
    Starting Salary: $32,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black university. A Thurgood Marshall College Fund member, it is also part of the Southern University System.

    What We Love About Southern University at New Orleans

    The school hosts a variety of activities for its student population.

    Southern University at New Orleans is good for students who:

    Want to participate in Greek life.

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

    Prefer a more quaint and quiet campus with fewer extracurricular activities.

  18. 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: $7,327
    Expenses: $17,228
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana State University Shreveport is another part of the Louisiana State University System. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Biology, and Business.

    What We Love About Louisiana State University Shreveport

    The school is a small institution, with less than 1,700 undergraduate students, making community rich.

    Louisiana State University Shreveport is good for students who:

    Prefer a small campus.

    Louisiana State University Shreveport might not be a good fit for students who:

    Cannot keep up with the school’s high academic standards.

  19. 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: $7,050
    Expenses: $14,130
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria, a unit of the LSU System, operates under the auspices of the Louisiana Board of Regents.

    What We Love About LSU Alexandria

    The school has diverse academic programs featuring interdisciplinary collaboration.

    Louisiana State University is good for students who:

    Are into sports, clubs, and Greek life.

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

    Prefer smaller classes than a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

  20. 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: $19,750
    Expenses: $14,726
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana Christian University is a private Baptist university and is affiliated with the Louisiana Baptist Convention.

    What We Love About Louisiana Christian University

    The school has small classes, empathetic advising, and individualized instruction.

    Louisiana Christian University is good for students who:

    Want a small school in a small town.

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

    Would not want to be a part of a more conservative school.

  21. #21

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans , LA

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $16,160
    Expenses: $17,390
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of the Holy Cross is a private Catholic college in New Orleans, Louisiana, offering over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.

    What We Love About the University of Holy Cross

    The school provides quality education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence.

    The University of Holy Cross is good for students who:

    Want a small college atmosphere.

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

    Are not comfortable with a small-town vibe.

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Louisiana’s Best 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.

  1. Tulane University
  2. Loyola University New Orleans
  3. Louisiana Tech University
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana
  5. Louisiana State University
  6. Centenary College of Louisiana
  7. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  8. McNeese State University
  9. Nicholls State University
  10. University of Louisiana at Monroe
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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Colleges in Louisiana

Sydney asks, “What efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusion on campuses across Louisiana?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The University of Louisiana System have a UL System Diversity and Inclusion Task Force which helps recruit and retain underrepresented groups. Most colleges in Louisiana also have offices of diversity and inclusion designed to provide diversity training for students and staff as well as deliver aid to students who need it. Many colleges also have student support services and various student advocacy groups on campus.

Cameron asks, “How do colleges in Louisiana ensure that distance learning programs maintain the same level of quality and engagement as on-campus offerings?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: All of the colleges in our ranking are regionally accredited, meaning that their online programs will have to adhere to the same standards as their in-person programs. Online programs also use advanced learning management systems to help students easily navigate their coursework and assignments, helping provide quality education to students. Additionally, in recent years many professors have been better trained and equipped to teach in online learning spaces.

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