Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024

Badge for BEST IN LOUISIANA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Louisiana offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024

  1. Tulane University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Law, and Medical Sciences
  2. Louisiana State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Law, Mathematics, and Earth Sciences
  3. University of New Orleans
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Literature, and History
  4. Southern University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Mathematics, and Social Work
  5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Communications, and Computer Science
  6. Louisiana Tech University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Chemistry, and History
  7. Southeastern Louisiana University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Criminal Justice, and Business
  8. Xavier University of Louisiana
    • Most Popular Degrees: Communications, Political Science, and Mathematics
  9. Grambling State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, History, and Nursing
  10. Northwestern State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, History, and Communications


There are 13 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Louisiana. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Louisiana is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024

  1. #1

    Tulane University

    New Orleans , LA
    #1 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges 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: $65,538
    Expenses: $21,908
    Starting Salary: $86,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Tulane University is a private research university founded in 1834, initially as The Medical College of Louisiana during New Orleans’ battle against cholera and yellow fever. With that being said, the institution has a long history of being at the forefront of pioneering research.

    What we love about Tulane University:

    The school offers more than 200 graduate degree programs across its nine schools with the flexibility to fit the students’ schedules.

    Tulane University is ideal for students who:

    Want to have plenty of prestigious research opportunities, considering that the school is part of an elite group of top-ranked research institutions in the country, i.e., the Association of American Universities.

    Tulane University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a less rigorous course of study.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #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

    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 four-year, land-grant research institution of higher education in Baton Rouge that offers more than 70 master’s and 50 doctoral degree programs, as well as graduate minors and certificates.

    What we love about LSU:

    It offers students a diverse environment and a supportive academic community.

    LSU is ideal for students who:

    Want to have the opportunity of being a part of the flagship university of Louisiana.

    LSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying in a graduate school located in a rural area or close to nature.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
    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 a public four-year university with excellent research activities and a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees in various fields of study.

    What we love about UNO:

    It offers Accelerated Master’s Degree options for around 30 approved programs, where undergraduate students can earn as many as 12 semester hours of graduate credit that count towards both baccalaureate and post- baccalaureate degrees.

    UNO is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for graduate schools that clearly assist students who need help in finding graduate-level scholarships and financial aid options.

    UNO might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a smaller class size or a lower student-faculty ratio for graduate programs in order to benefit from more individualized attention from professors.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Southern University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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: $9,842
    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 Baton Rouge-based four-year public university and is considered Louisiana’s largest historically black college or university (HBCU).

    What we love about Southern University:

    The school’s dedicated professors who teach the courses for the graduate and professional studies programs include distinguished researchers and Fulbright scholars.

    Southern University is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue careers in Nursing, Allied Health, and Science and Engineering, which are some of the university’s top programs.

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

    Have an undergraduate GPA lower than 2.7 or a graduate GPA lower than 3.0.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette

    Lafayette , LA
    #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 #6 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
    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

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a four-year public Carnegie R1 research university offering a variety of graduate degree programs at non-degree, certificate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

    What we love about UL Lafayette:

    It provides graduate students with the opportunities to fund their programs through teacher tuition incentive awards, assistantships, fellowships, and many other avenues.

    UL Lafayette is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking a research university with an inclusive environment that fosters scientific exploration and passion for solving real-world problems.

    UL Lafayette might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are outdoor enthusiasts looking for graduate programs in wildlife management, forestry, and other relevant fields, which may not be UL’s strong suit.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston , LA
    #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: $10,125
    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 four-year university in Ruston with a Carnegie Classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity.”

    What we love about Louisiana Tech:

    It offers almost 100 graduate programs at certificate, master’s, and doctorate- degree levels. The school also provides a large number of concentrations to choose from in their degrees.

    Louisiana Tech is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for challenging and rigorous graduate-level degree programs that provide a superior educational and research environment.

    Louisiana Tech might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are more comfortable in a homogeneous academic community where students have similar cultural backgrounds, considering that diversity is one of the university’s sources of strength.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Southeastern Louisiana University

    Hammond , LA
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
    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 four-year institution of higher education and is recognized as the third-largest public university in the state.

    What we love about Southeastern:

    The university aims to further the cultural, educational, and economic development of Southeast Louisiana.

    Southeastern is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to become student-athletes, considering that the University supports 16 NCAA Division I athletic programs that all compete in the Southland Conference.

    Southeastern might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable being in a close-knit campus community in a small-town location.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Xavier University of Louisiana

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

    Xavier University of Louisiana is a non-profit, arts-based educational institution in New Orleans and is recognized as the country’s only historically Black (HBUC) Catholic university.

    What we love about XULA:

    The University provides students with a diverse teaching and learning environment to equip them with the skills needed to assume leadership and service roles in a global society.

    XULA is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking historically Black graduate schools that provide research opportunities in the field of Health and Human Services (HHS), an area in which the University ranks 6th in terms of national funding.

    XULA might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer choosing from a wide range of graduate program options, considering that the university offers less than 10 master’s and doctorate programs.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Grambling State University

    Grambling , LA
    #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

    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 a public four-year, historically Black institution of higher education offering around 15 graduate-level academic programs at master’s, post-master’s, and doctorate-degree levels.

    What we love about GSU:

    It blends the academic strengths of a major university with the perks of a small college to create a campus environment that trains students to become innovators and thought leaders.

    GSU is ideal for students who:

    Uphold the value of academic freedom, which is the guiding principle for the university’s service, teaching, and research activities.

    GSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying in a university or close to a bustling city.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $8,864
    Expenses: $17,841
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, four-year institution of higher education mainly based in Natchitoches, with a few off-campus instruction sites and NSU partnering sites across the state.

    What we love about NSU:

    It is consistent in equipping students with the capabilities and knowledge to contribute to an inclusive global community. The institution also has a passion for the betterment of local communities and the nation.

    NSU is ideal for students who:

    Intend to pursue a career in the field of education because the university has around 140 years of experience as a training institution for teachers.

    NSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying at a university located in a suburb or urban area.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Louisiana at Monroe

    Monroe , LA
    #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

    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 at Monroe is a public four-year institution of higher education that offers around 30 graduate and professional programs at certificate, master’s, and doctorate-degree levels through its four colleges.

    What we love about ULM:

    It provides virtual tours to give prospective students information about the university and a feel of what it’s like being on the campus without having to be there physically.

    ULM is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a small, city-based university with campus housing options.

    ULM might not be the best fit for students who:

    Have a grade point average of less than 2.75 earned from their baccalaureate degree or on their last 60 hours of attempted coursework.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Holy Cross

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

    University of Holy Cross is a New Orleans- based private, non-profit Roman Catholic institution of higher education affiliated with the Marianites of Holy Cross.

    What we love about UHC:

    The university offers one of Louisiana’s most unique educational experiences as the institution was founded on the faith and dedication of the Marianite Sisters in equipping future educators who inspire others.

    UHC is ideal for students who:

    Want an academic environment that constantly pushes them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

    UHC might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a university with a more secular academic structure.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Louisiana State University Shreveport

    Shreveport , LA

    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 a public four-year educational institution offering a wide range of fully online professional degrees.

    What we love about LSU Shreveport:

    At least 88% of the faculty members at the university possess a terminal degree in their field of study, an indicator of the high quality of education offered at the institution.

    LSU Shreveport is ideal for students who:

    Seek high-quality education at affordable tuition, considering that the university provides 94% of first-time students with financial aid.

    LSU Shreveport might not be the best fit for students who:

    Cannot manage both their studies and extracurricular activities, considering that the university has more than 50 organizations and clubs complemented by a close-knit campus community.

    Compare school
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Louisiana’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. Louisiana State University
  3. Louisiana Tech University
  4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  5. Xavier University of Louisiana
  6. University of Louisiana at Monroe
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