Best Colleges in Louisiana 2024

BEST IN LOUISIANA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

10 Best Colleges in Louisiana

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  1. Tulane University
  2. Louisiana State University
  3. University of New Orleans
  4. Loyola University New Orleans
  5. Southern University
  6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  7. Louisiana Tech University
  8. Dillard University
  9. Southeastern Louisiana University
  10. Xavier University of Louisiana
  1. Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
  2. Nicholls State University 97%
  3. Northwestern State University 96%
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana 95%
  5. Louisiana State University Shreveport 91%
  6. University of New Orleans 81%
  7. Southern University at New Orleans 79%
  8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette 78%
  9. Loyola University New Orleans 78%
  10. Louisiana Christian University 76%
  1. Grambling State University 30 to 1
  2. Louisiana State University Shreveport 28 to 1
  3. Louisiana Tech University 23 to 1
  4. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  5. Southern University 22 to 1
  6. McNeese State University 21 to 1
  7. Southeastern Louisiana University 20 to 1
  8. University of New Orleans 20 to 1
  9. Northwestern State University 19 to 1
  10. Nicholls State University 19 to 1
  1. Tulane University $60,814
  2. Loyola University New Orleans $43,498
  3. Centenary College of Louisiana $38,060
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana $26,398
  5. Dillard University $19,284
  6. Louisiana Christian University $17,950
  7. University of Holy Cross $15,280
  8. Louisiana State University $8,038
  9. Louisiana Tech University $6,401
  10. University of New Orleans $6,090
  1. Tulane University $59,000
  2. Loyola University New Orleans $17,249
  3. University of Holy Cross $12,690
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana $10,670
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
  6. Louisiana State University $9,132
  7. Louisiana Christian University $7,828
  8. Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
  9. University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
  10. Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
  1. University of Holy Cross
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Louisiana State University of Alexandria
  4. Louisiana State University Shreveport
  5. Southern University at New Orleans
  6. Nicholls State University
  7. Centenary College of Louisiana
  8. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  9. McNeese State University
  10. Northwestern State University
  1. Tulane University 10%
  2. Dillard University 55%
  3. Louisiana State University of Alexandria 58%
  4. Southern University 59%
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana 63%
  6. Louisiana Tech University 66%
  7. McNeese State University 69%
  8. University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
  9. Louisiana State University 71%
  10. Grambling State University 72%
  1. Tulane University 8 to 1
  2. Centenary College of Louisiana 9 to 1
  3. University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
  4. Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
  5. Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
  6. Xavier University of Louisiana 13 to 1
  7. Dillard University 14 to 1
  8. Louisiana State University of Alexandria 16 to 1
  9. Southern University at New Orleans 17 to 1
  10. University of Louisiana at Monroe 18 to 1
  1. Southern University at New Orleans $4,483
  2. Nicholls State University $4,922
  3. Southern University $4,973
  4. Louisiana State University of Alexandria $4,984
  5. Grambling State University $5,140
  6. McNeese State University $5,147
  7. Northwestern State University $5,180
  8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
  9. Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
  10. Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
  1. Grambling State University $5,110
  2. Southern University $5,336
  3. Louisiana Tech University $5,416
  4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
  5. Nicholls State University $5,686
  6. McNeese State University $5,703
  7. Northwestern State University $5,738
  8. Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
  9. University of New Orleans $6,090
  10. Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196

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.

Other reputable public schools in Louisiana include the University of Louisiana, Northwestern State University, and Southern University and A&M College. Southern University is a highly regarded historically black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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?

Louisiana’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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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.

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Best Colleges in Louisiana 2023

  2. #2

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #13 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 Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,958
    Expenses: $21,878
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Southern University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    946/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $9,842
    Expenses: $14,641
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Xavier University of Louisiana

    New Orleans , LA
    #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #23 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Xavier University of Louisiana

    Cost of Degree: $26,398
    Expenses: $13,792
    Starting Salary: $64,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Grambling State University

    Grambling , LA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/17

    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
    What is Grambling State University known for?

    Grambling State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

    Career Outlook for degree at McNeese State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,380
    Expenses: $15,834
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McNeese State University known for?

    McNeese State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux , LA
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Nicholls State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,946
    Expenses: $16,070
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nicholls State University known for?

    Nicholls State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1054/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,672
    Expenses: $16,419
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern State University known for?

    Northwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Southern University at New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern University at New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $7,059
    Expenses: $14,570
    Starting Salary: $32,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern University at New Orleans known for?

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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Centenary College of Louisiana

    Shreveport , LA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Centenary College of Louisiana

    Cost of Degree: $38,060
    Expenses: $19,440
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Alexandria , LA
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Cost of Degree: $6,974
    Expenses: $14,052
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University of Alexandria known for?

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

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Louisiana State University Shreveport

    Shreveport , LA

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana State University Shreveport

    Cost of Degree: $7,327
    Expenses: $14,373
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University Shreveport known for?

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

    Compare school
  23. #20

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville , LA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Louisiana Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $17,950
    Expenses: $10,590
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans , LA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $16,000
    Expenses: $15,582
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

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

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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