Best Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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
- Tulane University
- Louisiana State University
- University of New Orleans
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Louisiana Tech University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Southern University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Dillard University
- Tulane University
- Louisiana State University
- University of New Orleans
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Southern University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Tech University
- Dillard University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
- Nicholls State University 98%
- Northwestern State University 98%
- Xavier University of Louisiana 95%
- Southern University at New Orleans 94%
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
- University of Holy Cross 87%
- Dillard University 80%
- Loyola University New Orleans 78%
- Louisiana State University 76%
- Grambling State University 25 to 1
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 24 to 1
- Louisiana Tech University 23 to 1
- Louisiana State University 22 to 1
- McNeese State University 19 to 1
- Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
- Southern University 18 to 1
- University of New Orleans 18 to 1
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette 18 to 1
- Northwestern State University 17 to 1
- Tulane University $62,844
- Loyola University New Orleans $45,030
- Centenary College of Louisiana $38,820
- Xavier University of Louisiana $26,863
- Dillard University $20,224
- Louisiana Christian University $19,720
- University of Holy Cross $15,960
- Louisiana State University $8,038
- Louisiana Tech University $6,401
- University of New Orleans $6,090
- Tulane University $61,066
- Loyola University New Orleans $18,091
- Xavier University of Louisiana $14,899
- University of Holy Cross $13,230
- Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
- Louisiana State University $9,132
- Louisiana Christian University $8,100
- Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
- University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
- University of Holy Cross
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Northwestern State University
- Nicholls State University
- McNeese State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- University of Holy Cross
- Louisiana Christian University
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Nicholls State University
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Northwestern State University
- Tulane University 11%
- Grambling State University 42%
- Southern University 54%
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 58%
- Louisiana Tech University 62%
- Centenary College of Louisiana 64%
- University of New Orleans 70%
- University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
- McNeese State University 71%
- Louisiana Christian University 75%
- Tulane University 8 to 1
- Centenary College of Louisiana 8 to 1
- University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
- Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
- Dillard University 13 to 1
- Southern University at New Orleans 13 to 1
- Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
- Xavier University of Louisiana 13 to 1
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 14 to 1
- Northwestern State University 17 to 1
- Southern University at New Orleans $4,483
- Nicholls State University $4,922
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria $4,950
- Southern University $4,973
- Grambling State University $5,140
- McNeese State University $5,147
- Northwestern State University $5,180
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
- Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
- Grambling State University $5,110
- Southern University $5,336
- Louisiana Tech University $5,416
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
- Nicholls State University $5,686
- McNeese State University $5,703
- Northwestern State University $5,738
- Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
- University of New Orleans $6,090
- 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.
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?
- 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
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 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 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: $62,844Expenses: $21,046Starting Salary: $86,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tulane University known for?
Tulane University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 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 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Louisiana for 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
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: $22,924Starting Salary: $60,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana State University known for?
Louisiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $18,944Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of New Orleans known for?
University of New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Literature
- History
- Engineering
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Business
- Biology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #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: $45,030Expenses: $19,215Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools 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: $10,065Expenses: $14,907Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana Tech University known for?
Louisiana Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- History
- Mathematics
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
- #15 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #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
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
51%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Cost of Degree: $10,382Expenses: $18,412Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Louisiana at Lafayette known for?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Engineering
- Literature
- Education
- Biology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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 salaryWhat is Southern University known for?
Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Education
- Law
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #23 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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: $26,863Expenses: $14,008Starting 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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 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: $16,200Starting Salary: $42,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southeastern Louisiana University known for?
Southeastern Louisiana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
- History
- Physics
- Education
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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: $20,224Expenses: $17,500Starting Salary: $37,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #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
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 salaryWhat is Grambling State University known for?
Grambling State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- History
- Nursing
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Business
- Education
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #8 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 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: $9,082Expenses: $16,321Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Louisiana at Monroe known for?
University of Louisiana at Monroe’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Social Work
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
71%
Graduation
46%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Career Outlook for degree at McNeese State University
Cost of Degree: $8,440Expenses: $16,648Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McNeese State University known for?
McNeese State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Communications
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- History
- Education
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1034/21
Career Outlook for degree at Nicholls State University
Cost of Degree: $8,156Expenses: $16,294Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Nicholls State University known for?
Nicholls State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
- Biology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $8,672Expenses: $17,039Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwestern State University known for?
Northwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- History
- Communications
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
94%
Graduation
17%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern University at New Orleans
Cost of Degree: $7,470Expenses: $15,010Starting Salary: $32,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern University at New Orleans known for?
Southern University at New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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
$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: $38,820Expenses: $19,980Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
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 salaryWhat is Louisiana State University of Alexandria known for?
Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $16,047Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Louisiana State University Shreveport known for?
Louisiana State University Shreveport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
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: $19,720Expenses: $14,416Starting 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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
36%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross
Cost of Degree: $15,960Expenses: $16,936Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary
Louisiana’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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.