Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Jan 29, 2024

Key Takeaways

An online MBA program in Louisiana can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
There are a number of public universities in Louisiana that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
A number of the online MBA degree programs in Louisiana can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

Tulane University
Louisiana State University
University of New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans
Southern University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Louisiana Tech University
Southeastern Louisiana University
McNeese State University
University of Louisiana at Monroe

Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
Loyola University New Orleans 78%
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%
Louisiana Tech University 62%
Southern University 54%
Tulane University 11%

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
University of Louisiana at Monroe 17 to 1
Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
Tulane University 8 to 1

Tulane University $62,844
Loyola University New Orleans $45,030
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
University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
McNeese State University $5,147
Southern University $4,973

Tulane University $61,066
Loyola University New Orleans $18,091
Louisiana State University $9,132
Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
University of New Orleans $6,090
McNeese State University $5,703
University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
Louisiana Tech University $5,416
Southern University $5,336

Tulane University
Southern University
University of New Orleans
Southeastern Louisiana University
McNeese State University
University of Louisiana at Monroe
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Loyola University New Orleans
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana State University

University of Louisiana at Monroe
McNeese State University
Southeastern Louisiana University
Louisiana Tech University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Southern University
Loyola University New Orleans
University of New Orleans
Louisiana State University
Tulane University

Tulane University 11%
Southern University 54%
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%
Loyola University New Orleans 78%
Southeastern Louisiana University 99%

Tulane University 8 to 1
Loyola University New Orleans 13 to 1
University of Louisiana at Monroe 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
Louisiana State University 22 to 1
Louisiana Tech University 23 to 1

Southern University $4,973
McNeese State University $5,147
University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
University of Louisiana at Monroe $5,788
University of New Orleans $6,090
Louisiana Tech University $6,401
Louisiana State University $8,038
Loyola University New Orleans $45,030
Tulane University $62,844

Southern University $5,336
Louisiana Tech University $5,416
University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
McNeese State University $5,703
University of New Orleans $6,090
University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
Louisiana State University $9,132
Loyola University New Orleans $18,091
Tulane University $61,066

Table of Contents

People had to sacrifice many things to pursue an advanced degree before technology was integrated into the classroom. Technological advancements allow working professionals to pursue a master’s degree in an online program format without leaving their jobs or sacrificing other obligations.

Louisiana has several reputable business schools, including Louisiana Tech’s College of Business, which ranks highly in U.S. News & World Report rankings. In-state and out-of-state students can look forward to a more affordable online education in Louisiana.

Online MBA programs in Louisiana provide students with an excellent opportunity to participate in online coursework. Prospective online MBA students no longer have to worry about an online program’s quality. Each program on this list is offered by an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-approved business school.

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 residents 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 in state 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 Louisiana.

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.

What are Louisiana’s Colleges & Universities?

Louisiana’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in Louisiana?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

young business professionals standing outside an office building

Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Louisiana (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $8,395
Avg. Expenses*: $18,040
Avg. Starting Salary*: $66,213
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $73,692
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
Job Growth: 6.72%
Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

An MBA is a great degree to obtain in today’s world. It can set you up for a career in marketing, finance, tech, nonprofit organizations, and many other rewarding jobs. Many people who earn an MBA go on to become top executives, managers, and directors. However, an MBA is incredibly versatile and there are people in virtually every field with this degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those holding a master’s in business administration make a median of $100,090 a year. While many people earn this highly sought after degree, jobs continue to increase similar to all other occupations. There are around 311,600 job openings for top executives each year.

young business professional standing in an office building

Best Online MBA Concentrations in Louisiana

Although the best MBA concentration depends on your personal interests and goals, it’s helpful to consider pursuing a focus that leads to employment in Louisiana’s top industries. This decision increases your chances of accelerating the return on investment of your online MBA degree.

According to Louisiana Economic Development, the state’s top industries include Manufacturing, Aerospace, Agribusiness, Energy, and Entertainment. Pursuing an MBA in these fields will lead to more job opportunities and higher job security.

Here are the best MBA concentrations for Louisiana’s key industries:

Manufacturing

Operations Management: This concentration focuses on supply chain management, quality control, and manufacturing process optimization, all essential in the manufacturing industry.
Lean Six Sigma: Lean Six Sigma is helpful in the manufacturing industry because it helps businesses increase productivity and decrease waste.
Supply Chain Management: Manufacturing relies heavily on its supply chains, and this emphasis will provide you with the knowledge and abilities to control intricate supply chains.

Aerospace

Aerospace Management: The particular opportunities and problems faced by the aerospace sector, including technology, legislation, and project management, are the subject of this specialized MBA concentration.
Technology Management: Given the high-tech nature of the aerospace industry, persons interested in innovation and product development may find a concentration in technology management useful.

Agribusiness

Agribusiness Management: This specialty covers food production, distribution, and sustainability while integrating traditional business skills with a focus on the agriculture sector and food industries.
Sustainability: A concentration in sustainability can assist you in addressing social and environmental challenges in the agricultural industry, which places an increasing emphasis on sustainable methods.

Energy

Energy Management: This concentration covers the management of energy resources, renewable energy technologies, and energy policy, which are critical in the evolving energy sector.
Finance and Investment: A finance or investment emphasis can be helpful for those interested in energy finance and project development due to the capital-intensive nature of the energy business.

Entertainment

Media and Entertainment Management: This concentration focuses on the unique dynamics of the entertainment industry, including media production, distribution, and marketing.
Marketing and Brand Management: In the intensely competitive entertainment industry, having a solid grasp of marketing and branding is essential.

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Gabe asks, “What is an online MBA?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: MBAs are versatile degrees, offering various specializations. As one of the most popular advanced degree programs worldwide, MBAs help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge. MBA degrees are excellent options for anyone needing business fundamentals covered while having the chance to study more in a selected concentration.

Jacob asks, “Do online MBA programs in Louisiana require the GMAT?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes—elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT, or don’t.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application, and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, therefore we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have – test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

Libby asks, “How long does it take to get an MBA in Louisiana?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer:Program length of traditional and online MBA programs vary based on specialization, required credit hours, transfer credits, and pacing. However, the typically 30-credit hour online MBA degree can be earned in about 2 years. 60-credit MBA programs may take up to four years.

Casie asks, “What are the courses in an online MBA program like?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility.

This means students watch lectures and read when they can, and likely join web forums for class discussions. While online MBA courses can be “self-paced”, there usually are still mid-term and end of term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

Holly asks, “What can you do with an online MBA in Louisiana?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

Meaghan asks, “What is your “best advice on choosing the right program?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Reflect on what subjects you enjoy and excel in. Look into schools that have programs that you would see your goals aligning with.

Assess your financial obligations. Research what financial aid is available to you and come up with a plan to ensure you will be able to pay your tuition and cost of living.

Seek advice. Talking to school counselors or doing your research online can ensure you go to a school that aligns with your hopes. It will also help you make the most of your time at whichever university you end up going to.

Understand your long term goals. Think about where you want to see yourself in 10 years. Do you want to have completed advanced degrees? What career field do you see yourself being a part of? Look into schools that have a track record of helping students achieve goals similar to yours.

Want to explore some of the other online MBA programs in states near you? Some of the best online MBA degrees are in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. An online education can make it easy for students in a neighboring state to complete a degree.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build 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 is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And 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 or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new 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 institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. 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 which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students 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.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, 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. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 resume 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.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will 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 require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, 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 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.

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.

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

Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Key Takeaways

Louisiana's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Louisiana

What are Louisiana’s Colleges & Universities?

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Best Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Louisiana State University

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Louisiana Tech University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Loyola University New Orleans

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Louisiana at Monroe

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at McNeese State University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southeastern Louisiana University

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of New Orleans

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southern University

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Tulane University

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Best Online MBA Concentrations in Louisiana

Manufacturing

Aerospace

Agribusiness

Energy

Entertainment

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Louisiana

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students