Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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.
10 Best 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 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 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $65,538Expenses: $21,908Starting Salary: $86,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryTulane 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.
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Louisiana for 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #3 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #8 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
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: $11,954Expenses: $23,264Starting Salary: $60,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLouisiana 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.
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
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: $9,172Expenses: $19,398Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
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 salaryLoyola 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.
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Public 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 salarySouthern 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.
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
- #24 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #4 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #8 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
51%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Cost of Degree: $10,418Expenses: $18,758Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $10,125Expenses: $14,640Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLouisiana 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 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 Small 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 salaryDillard 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.
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools 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: $17,464Starting Salary: $42,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySoutheastern 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.
- #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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: $27,868Expenses: $13,886Starting Salary: $64,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryXavier 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.
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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: $7,683Expenses: $17,980Starting Salary: $32,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryGrambling 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.
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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: $8,864Expenses: $17,841Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryNorthwestern 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.
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025
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: $8,460Expenses: $17,820Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMcNeese 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.
- #7 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #8 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
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: $9,190Expenses: $17,458Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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 salaryCentenary 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.
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
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: $8,173Expenses: $18,234Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryNicholls 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.
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
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: $7,490Expenses: $17,564Starting Salary: $32,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySouthern 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.
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: $17,228Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLouisiana 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.
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 salaryLouisiana 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.
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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 salaryLouisiana 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.
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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 salaryUniversity 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.
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.
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.