Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024

Badge for BEST IN LOUISIANA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Louisiana.

Best Private Colleges in Louisiana

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  1. Tulane University
  2. Loyola University New Orleans
  3. Xavier University of Louisiana
  4. Dillard University
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana
  6. Louisiana Christian University
  7. University of Holy Cross
  1. Tulane University
  2. Loyola University New Orleans
  3. Dillard University
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana
  6. Louisiana Christian University
  7. University of Holy Cross
  1. Xavier University of Louisiana 95%
  2. University of Holy Cross 87%
  3. Dillard University 80%
  4. Loyola University New Orleans 78%
  5. Louisiana Christian University 75%
  6. Centenary College of Louisiana 64%
  7. Tulane University 11%
  1. Xavier University of Louisiana 13 to 1
  2. Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
  3. Dillard University 13 to 1
  4. Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
  5. University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
  6. Tulane University 8 to 1
  7. Centenary College of Louisiana 8 to 1
  1. Tulane University $62,844
  2. Loyola University New Orleans $45,030
  3. Centenary College of Louisiana $38,820
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana $26,863
  5. Dillard University $20,224
  6. Louisiana Christian University $19,720
  7. University of Holy Cross $15,960
  1. Tulane University $61,066
  2. Loyola University New Orleans $18,091
  3. Xavier University of Louisiana $14,899
  4. University of Holy Cross $13,230
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
  6. Louisiana Christian University $8,100
  1. University of Holy Cross
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Centenary College of Louisiana
  4. Dillard University
  5. Xavier University of Louisiana
  6. Loyola University New Orleans
  7. Tulane University
  1. University of Holy Cross
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Centenary College of Louisiana
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana
  5. Dillard University
  6. Loyola University New Orleans
  7. Tulane University
  1. Tulane University 11%
  2. Centenary College of Louisiana 64%
  3. Louisiana Christian University 75%
  4. Loyola University New Orleans 78%
  5. Dillard University 80%
  6. University of Holy Cross 87%
  7. Xavier University of Louisiana 95%
  1. Tulane University 8 to 1
  2. Centenary College of Louisiana 8 to 1
  3. University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
  4. Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
  5. Xavier University of Louisiana 13 to 1
  6. Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
  7. Dillard University 13 to 1
  1. University of Holy Cross $15,960
  2. Louisiana Christian University $19,720
  3. Dillard University $20,224
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana $26,863
  5. Centenary College of Louisiana $38,820
  6. Loyola University New Orleans $45,030
  7. Tulane University $62,844
  1. Louisiana Christian University $8,100
  2. Centenary College of Louisiana $9,135
  3. University of Holy Cross $13,230
  4. Xavier University of Louisiana $14,899
  5. Loyola University New Orleans $18,091
  6. Tulane University $61,066

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 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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Louisiana's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 private universities in Louisiana. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Louisiana, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Louisiana

  1. #1

    Tulane University

    New Orleans , LA
    #1 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    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
    What is Tulane University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University New Orleans

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola University New Orleans known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    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 Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025

    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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025

    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

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Centenary College of Louisiana

    Shreveport , LA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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: $40,000
    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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville , LA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans , LA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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:

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

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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. Dillard University
  3. Loyola University New Orleans
  4. Louisiana Christian University
  5. Xavier University of Louisiana
  6. Centenary College of Louisiana
  7. University of Holy Cross

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

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