Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024

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Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Louisiana

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  1. Louisiana State University
  2. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  3. McNeese State University
  4. Nicholls State University
  5. Northwestern State University
  6. Herzing University
  1. Louisiana State University
  2. Northwestern State University
  3. McNeese State University
  4. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  5. Herzing University
  6. Nicholls State University
  1. Nicholls State University 98%
  2. Northwestern State University 98%
  3. Louisiana State University 76%
  4. McNeese State University 71%
  5. University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
  1. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  2. McNeese State University 19 to 1
  3. Northwestern State University 17 to 1
  4. University of Louisiana at Monroe 17 to 1
  5. Nicholls State University 17 to 1
  1. Louisiana State University $8,038
  2. University of Louisiana at Monroe $5,788
  3. Northwestern State University $5,180
  4. McNeese State University $5,147
  5. Nicholls State University $4,922
  1. Louisiana State University $9,132
  2. University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
  3. Northwestern State University $5,738
  4. McNeese State University $5,703
  5. Nicholls State University $5,686
  1. Herzing University
  2. Northwestern State University
  3. Nicholls State University
  4. McNeese State University
  5. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  6. Louisiana State University
  1. Nicholls State University
  2. Herzing University
  3. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  4. McNeese State University
  5. Northwestern State University
  6. Louisiana State University
  1. University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
  2. McNeese State University 71%
  3. Louisiana State University 76%
  4. Northwestern State University 98%
  5. Nicholls State University 98%
  1. Northwestern State University 17 to 1
  2. University of Louisiana at Monroe 17 to 1
  3. Nicholls State University 17 to 1
  4. McNeese State University 19 to 1
  5. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  1. Nicholls State University $4,922
  2. McNeese State University $5,147
  3. Northwestern State University $5,180
  4. University of Louisiana at Monroe $5,788
  5. Louisiana State University $8,038
  1. Nicholls State University $5,686
  2. McNeese State University $5,703
  3. Northwestern State University $5,738
  4. University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
  5. Louisiana State University $9,132

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.

Featured Programs

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 low 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 an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be earned at state community colleges, vocational schools, and most accredited colleges and universities.

What will I study with an associate degree?

The associate degree provides an introductory level college education. You will usually take an array of liberal arts or humanities courses along with introductory level courses in a specific subject area. Most associate degree programs are available to both on campus students and online students.

Why get an associate degree?

There are several good reasons to get an associate degree. An associate degree is an affordable and accessible way to get a college education while improving your earning potential. The associate degree is popular both among students looking for entry-level work in their field, and for those who are already working.

The online degree is particularly popular at the associate level because so many students must balance work responsibilities and studies. Online courses and complete online programs make it possible for students to earn associate credits and degrees without disrupting daily work responsibilities.

The associate is also a far more affordable and accessible alternative to earning a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree takes about half as long to earn as a bachelor’s degree. Associate students need 60 credits to graduate, versus the 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. And many state community colleges offer low tuition rates.

Can I get a job with an associate degree?

You can get an entry-level job in your field with an associate degree. Many students will use the associate degree as a way to get relevant job training before entering the job market. In fact, many associates will pursue entry level work in their field while earning a bachelor’s degree through online education.

Should I get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree?

You may want to get an associate degree first to save money, or improve your admission chances, before getting a bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is a popular stepping stone for students who will seek a bachelor’s degree. When you earn an associate degree from an accredited state community college, you can usually transfer your credits toward your bachelor’s degree program.

Can I get an online degree at the associate level?

You can definitely get an online degree at the associate level. A growing number of online colleges offer high-quality associate-level online courses and complete online programs. Online students will typically take the same courses and curricula as on campus students.

Are associate degrees from online colleges respected?

Online degrees at the associate level are respected as long as these online degrees come from accredited community colleges or two-year schools. Regional accreditation is important when it comes to online colleges. If you plan to go into a bachelor’s degree program at a regionally accredited school, you must earn your online degree from a regionally accredited associate degree program.

If you need more answers to frequently asked questions about online degrees, we can help.

Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Louisiana
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Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2023

  1. #1

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    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: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Humanities
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Science
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. 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: $9,082
    Expenses: $16,321
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    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: $8,440
    Expenses: $16,648
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  4. 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: $8,156
    Expenses: $16,294
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Safety Technology
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Petroleum Services
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. 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: $8,672
    Expenses: $17,039
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Associate Degrees

    Associate of General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Online Associate Degrees at Herzing University - New Orleans

    Associate of General Studies in Pre-Nursing
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Nursing
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Nursing (LPN to Associate of Nursing)
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Business Management
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Dental Assisting
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Medical Assisting
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Medical Coding
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Medical Office Administration
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Occupational Therapy Assistant
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Physical Therapist Assistant
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Radiologic Technology
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Surgical Technology
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Legal Assisting/Paralegal
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Software Development
    • Required Credits: 60-66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

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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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound 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.

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