Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN LOUISIANA
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Earning an associate degree is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools in Louisiana offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in a wide variety of disciplines.

  • Students who earn their online associate degree in their state of residence are typically eligible for in-state discount rates. If you are a resident of Louisiana, finding an online associate degree here at home will typically be the most affordable way to begin your higher education.

Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Louisiana in 2025

  1. Louisiana State University
  2. Northwestern State University
    +2
  3. McNeese State University
    –1
  4. Herzing University
    +1
  5. Nicholls State University
    –2

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 online associate degree programs in Louisiana shuffled considerably. Northwestern State University gained the most ranking positions as the university is implementing several enhancements to enrich the student experience. Notably, the construction of Robert Alost Hall, a 72,000-square-foot multi-story classroom and administrative building, is progressing on schedule, with completion expected in spring 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will feature multi-purpose classrooms, teaching labs, simulation clinics, administrative offices, and student collaboration spaces, providing a modern learning environment.

Additionally, NSU is expanding its athletic facilities with the development of the David and Sherry Morgan Sports Performance Center, enhancing resources for student-athletes. These developments demonstrate NSU’s commitment to providing advanced educational and athletic facilities, appealing to prospective and current students seeking a comprehensive university experience.

Featured Programs

Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana

  1. #1

    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: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Louisiana State University is a Baton Rouge-based public institution of higher education with eight campuses across the state. Through LSU Online, the university offers fully online associate degrees in general studies, criminal justice, fire/emergency services, humanities, science, and social sciences.

    What we love about LSU:

    Online programs at LSU have six start dates a year, providing students the flexibility to balance their education and life.

    LSU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for online programs delivered by experienced faculty members who provide the same teaching quality as on-campus classes.

    LSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are seeking online associate degree programs in the fields of STEM, health sciences, business or finance.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #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: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public postsecondary educational institution in Natchitoches offering an online associate of general studies program through its ENSU Global Campus platform.

    What we love about NSULA:

    It is a student-oriented and responsive university dedicated to improving the region, state, and nation.

    NSULA is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to become educators through an associate in general studies program, as the university has 140 years of experience in training teachers.

    NSULA might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are seeking A=associate degree programs with a more hands-on or trade-oriented curriculum.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #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: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    McNeese State University in Lake Charles offers a few fully online academic programs, including an online associate in general studies program with concentrations in applied and natural sciences, arts and humanities, and behavioral sciences.

    What we love about McNeese State University:

    It is consistently recognized as one of the best schools in the state and across the country, including being ranked the No.2 Best Online College in Louisiana.

    McNeese State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enroll in a university known for providing the best return on investment for tuition and recognized for high average starting salaries for graduates.

    McNeese State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for online associate degree programs that are technical or career- specific.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Herzing University

    #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Ohio #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama
    Other Rankings

    Herzing University - New Orleans in Metairie is a private, non-profit postsecondary educational institution with several campuses across various states. It offers a few associate degree programs through the Herzing University Online platform.

    What we love about Herzing University:

    Employers trust the high quality of graduates from Herzing, thanks to the university’s personalized approach to education.

    Herzing University is ideal for students who:

    Are considering careers in the healthcare industry, as the university offers grant opportunities that students may be eligible for.

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

    Prefer to pursue an associate degree in general studies to gain a broad knowledge base and diverse skill set.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux , LA
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #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: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Nicholls State University is a Thibodaux-based public institution of higher education that has been the only university serving the Bayou Region since it was founded. It offers online programs for associate of science in safety technology and associate of petroleum services, both of which have accreditation from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.

    What we love about Nicholls State University:

    It is a family-oriented campus and has been consistently designated as a military- friendly school.

    Nicholls State University is ideal for students who:

    Value civic engagement, integrity, responsibility, and excellence, which are some of the university’s core values in promoting citizenship.

    Nicholls State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a career in general studies, education, health sciences, business, or finance.

    Compare school

Louisiana is just one of many states offering excellent online associate’s degrees. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in North Carolina, Maryland, Illinois, and more!

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