Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025

Badge for BEST IN LOUISIANA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges in Louisiana offer a great education that will result in a well-rounded, educated person.
  • Louisiana’s liberal arts colleges offer smaller class sizes and more opportunities for interaction with professors.
  • The smaller, intimate environment present in top liberal arts colleges in Louisiana help graduates to mature and gain career skills that can qualify them for leadership positions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana in 2025

  1. Southern University
  2. Dillard University
  3. Southeastern Louisiana University
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana
  5. Grambling State University
  6. Northwestern State University
  7. McNeese State University
  8. Centenary College of Louisiana
  9. Nicholls State University
  10. Southern University at New Orleans

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 liberal arts colleges in Louisiana saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features..

smiling college student wearing a backpack

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana

  1. #1

    Southern University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #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
    What is Southern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Based in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A&M College is a public, historically black educational institution that offers more than 55 degree and certificate programs through its six colleges.

    What we love about Southern University:

    The University nurtures a student-centered learning and teaching environment with global leadership opportunities.

    Southern University is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue careers in the fields of Science and Engineering, Nursing, or Allied Health, which are some of the University’s best programs.

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

    Have an overall high school GPA of lower than 2.0.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Dillard University

    New Orleans , LA
    #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: $22,194
    Expenses: $19,010
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dillard University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Dillard University is a private, historically black educational institution in New Orleans affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers at least 25 undergraduate programs and a Nursing graduate program.

    What we love about Dillard University:

    It is the only university in the country that offers a program focusing on African American material culture.

    Dillard University is ideal for students who:

    Seek affordable and quality post-secondary education from private schools, as 99% of undergraduate students at Dillard receive institutional grants.

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

    Prefer universities with a large academic community of more than 2,000 students.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Southeastern Louisiana University

    Hammond , LA
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools 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
    What is Southeastern Louisiana University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southeastern Louisiana University is a public educational institution offering more than 150 majors and minors and produces more than 2,000 graduates annually.

    What we love about Southeastern:

    The university is a Tier 1 institution known for its superb college career planning curriculum.

    Southeastern is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in small classes with low student-faculty ratios and in a close-knit community of engaged learners.

    Southeastern might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer large-sized campuses in rural areas.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    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
    What is Xavier University of Louisiana known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Xavier University of Louisiana is a New Orleans-based private Catholic and historically black educational institution offering more than 50 majors in the sciences and arts, as well as a few minors and certificate undergraduate programs.

    What we love about XULA:

    XULA has consistently been recognized as one of the top HBCUs in the state and across the country.

    XULA is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for universities that don’t just equip learners with competitive knowledge and skills but also nurture them to be passionate about sustaining a humane and just society.

    XULA might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable attending small-sized classes, as professors can get too invested in the progress of each student.

    Compare school
    6. two smiling college students standing together outside
  6. #5

    Grambling State University

    Grambling , LA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools 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
    What is Grambling State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Grambling State University is a comprehensive public and historically black educational institution established initially as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School in 1901. This university, with campus housing, offers at least 43 graduate and undergraduate programs.

    What we love about GSU:

    The University is one of the cultural and historic sites listed on the prestigious Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

    GSU is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue careers in the fields of Nursing, Biology, Criminal Justice, Management, and Kinesiology, which are some of GSU’s top undergraduate programs.

    GSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer attending small-sized classes in order to benefit from individualized attention and guidance from professors and faculty members.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #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
    What is Northwestern State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public, Natchitoches-based educational institution established initially as the Louisiana State Normal School in 1884. It currently offers a comprehensive range of graduate and undergraduate degrees, including those available for online learning.

    What we love about NSULA:

    It implements innovative service, teaching, and research methods to provide a responsive, student-focused academic environment dedicated to creating, acquiring, and sharing knowledge.

    NSULA is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue a career as an Educator, as the University has more than 140 years of experience as a training center for teachers.

    NSULA might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find low student-faculty ratios to be too intimidating, as professors can be intrusive to their learning experiences.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
    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
    What is McNeese State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    McNeese State University is a Lake Charles-based public institution of higher education named after early local educator John McNeese. It offers at least 60 degree programs through its graduate school and six colleges.

    What we love about McNeese:

    It has been recognized as one of the best regional universities in the South for more than 80 years.

    McNeese is ideal for students who:

    Seek a dynamic, student-focused academic community with a diverse student population.

    McNeese might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for the lowest possible average cost for in-state undergraduate tuition in public universities across Louisiana.

    Compare school
  10. #8

    Centenary College of Louisiana

    Shreveport , LA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Private 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: $40,000
    Expenses: $20,960
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Centenary College of Louisiana is a Shreveport-based private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers at least 25 undergraduate and two graduate degrees, as well as numerous academic concentrations.

    What we love about Centenary:

    The curriculum at Centenary is designed to integrate the best in liberal arts traditions and modern-day, real-world skills and knowledge.

    Centenary is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in the field of Vocal Music Education or Business Administration.

    Centenary might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer the lowest possible average undergraduate tuition cost from among the private colleges/universities across Louisiana.

    Compare school
  11. #9

    Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux , LA
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    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
    What is Nicholls State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Nicholls State University is a Thibodaux-based public institution of higher education offering at least 124 programs of study at undergraduate and graduate levels, including those available for online delivery.

    What we love about Nicholls:

    It nurtures a family-oriented campus environment and has been the only educational institution serving the Bayou Region.

    Nicholls is ideal for students who:

    Seek careers in the fields of Nursing, Business Administration, Education, Allied Health Sciences, and Biology, which are the University’s top bachelor’s degree programs.

    Nicholls might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are easily distracted from their studies when pursuing their love for sports, as the University supports 15 NCAA Division sports.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Southern University at New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education 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: $7,490
    Expenses: $17,564
    Starting Salary: $32,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

    Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black institution of higher education in the Gentilly area of New Orleans, offering more than 23 programs, including eight graduate and 17 undergraduate degrees.

    What we love about SUNO:

    Since its establishment in 1956, SUNO remains committed to providing opportunities for higher education to African American students in the Gulf Coast region.

    SUNO is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in small class sizes, as they can benefit from individualized attention from professors.

    SUNO might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer studying in small-sized campuses located in rural areas.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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
    What is Louisiana State University Shreveport known for?

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

    Louisiana State University Shreveport is a public institution of higher education offering 27 undergraduate programs and 19 graduate programs.

    What we love about LSU Shreveport:

    Around 88% of faculty members at the University hold the highest possible degree for their field of study.

    LSU Shreveport is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for high-quality education at a low cost, considering that at least 94% of first-time students at the University are receiving financial aid.

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

    Get easily distracted from their studies when club activities and national sports events abound on and off campus.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Alexandria , LA
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025

    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
    What is Louisiana State University of Alexandria known for?

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

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria is a public baccalaureate college offering more than 65 undergraduate degree programs, including three Associate degrees.

    What we love about LSUA:

    It is recognized as Louisiana’s fastest-growing public university.

    LSUA is ideal for students who:

    Want an academic community that promotes experiential learning, critical thinking, community partnerships, and civic engagement.

    LSUA might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a more diverse student population, as the University still has around 59% White, Non-Hispanic students.

    Compare school
  16. #13

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville , LA
    #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: $19,750
    Expenses: $14,726
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

    Louisiana Christian University is a private, Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated institution of higher education offering more than 70 programs of study through its four schools and a college.

    What we love about LCU:

    The University boasts of a 100% BSW advance standing, 100% Education PRAXIS passing rate, and 92% pre-professional school acceptance rate.

    LCU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a Christ-centered academic community that promotes the passion for learning, serving, and leading.

    LCU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find the low 11:1 student-faculty ratio to be too intimidating or overwhelming.

    Compare school
  17. #14

    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
    What is University of Holy Cross known for?

    University of Holy Cross’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Based in New Orleans, the University of Holy Cross is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college offering more than 50 academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.

    What we love about UHC:

    As an institution affiliated with the Marianites of Holy Cross, the University provides an educational experience that nurtures students to launch meaningful careers and live their lives with purpose.

    UHC is ideal for students who:

    Thrives in a small campus community with a low student-faculty ratio.

    UHC might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to study in a private campus far away from the distractions of a vibrant urban life.

    Compare school
Back to Top

Colleges and Universities in Louisiana

With a wide range of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Louisiana, students can choose from a number of excellent and highly respected liberal arts schools. Many of the top Louisiana liberal arts colleges are noted for their affordability as well.

This is because Louisiana offers residents low in state tuition rates for access to its public colleges. If your school search for a liberal arts schools 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 in-state tuition discount.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Other reputable liberal arts colleges in Louisiana include the University of Louisiana, Northwestern State University, and Southern University. Southern University is a highly regarded historically Black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Students attending liberal arts schools in Louisiana can earn both on-campus and online degrees in popular subjects like business management, health services administration, health sciences, and criminal justice.


What are Louisiana’s Colleges & Universities?

Louisiana’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 13 liberal arts colleges in Louisiana. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Louisiana, schools must fully accredited institutions.

smiling college student
Back to Top

Louisiana’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2023 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. Dillard University
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Xavier University of Louisiana
  4. Centenary College of Louisiana
  5. Southeastern Louisiana University
  6. Louisiana State University Shreveport
  7. McNeese State University
  8. Nicholls State University
  9. Northwestern State University
  10. Grambling State University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here