Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Louisiana provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana
- Louisiana State University
- University of New Orleans
- Louisiana Tech University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Southern University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Grambling State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Nicholls State University
- Louisiana State University
- University of New Orleans
- Southern University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Tech University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Grambling State University
- Northwestern State University
- McNeese State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
- Nicholls State University 98%
- Northwestern State University 98%
- Southern University at New Orleans 94%
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
- Louisiana State University 76%
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette 75%
- McNeese State University 71%
- University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
- University of New Orleans 70%
- 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
- Southern University 18 to 1
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette 18 to 1
- University of New Orleans 18 to 1
- Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
- Nicholls State University 17 to 1
- Louisiana State University $8,038
- Louisiana Tech University $6,401
- University of New Orleans $6,090
- University of Louisiana at Monroe $5,788
- Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
- Northwestern State University $5,180
- McNeese State University $5,147
- Grambling State University $5,140
- Louisiana State University $9,132
- Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
- University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
- Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
- University of New Orleans $6,090
- Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
- Northwestern State University $5,738
- McNeese State University $5,703
- Nicholls State University $5,686
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Northwestern State University
- Nicholls State University
- McNeese State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Grambling State University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Southern University
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Nicholls State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- McNeese State University
- Northwestern State University
- Grambling State University
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana Tech University
- Grambling State University 42%
- Southern University 54%
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 58%
- Louisiana Tech University 62%
- University of New Orleans 70%
- University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
- McNeese State University 71%
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette 75%
- Louisiana State University 76%
- Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
- Southern University at New Orleans 13 to 1
- Louisiana State University of Alexandria 14 to 1
- Nicholls State University 17 to 1
- University of Louisiana at Monroe 17 to 1
- Northwestern State University 17 to 1
- Southern University 18 to 1
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette 18 to 1
- University of New Orleans 18 to 1
- Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
- McNeese State University 19 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 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?
- 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
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.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 14 public universities in Louisiana. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Louisiana, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2023
- #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Louisiana for 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2024
- #3 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #8 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
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: $23,264Starting 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 #3 Best Grad Schools 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: $9,172Expenses: $19,398Starting 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 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: $10,125Expenses: $14,640Starting 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 #5 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
- #24 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #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
- #8 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
51%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Cost of Degree: $10,418Expenses: $18,758Starting 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 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2025
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable 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: $8,373Expenses: $17,464Starting Salary: $42,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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: $7,683Expenses: $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 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana
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: $9,190Expenses: $17,458Starting 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
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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: $8,460Expenses: $17,820Starting 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
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #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: $8,173Expenses: $18,234Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Online Colleges 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: $8,864Expenses: $17,841Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
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: $7,490Expenses: $17,564Starting Salary: $32,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:
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: $17,228Starting Salary: $41,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:
Louisiana’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
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.
- Louisiana Tech University
- University of New Orleans
- Louisiana State University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Louisiana State University Shreveport
- McNeese State University
- Nicholls State University
- Northwestern State University
- Grambling State University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.