Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN LOUISIANA
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Louisiana. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024

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  1. Louisiana State University
  2. University of New Orleans
  3. Louisiana Tech University
  4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  5. Southern University
  6. Southeastern Louisiana University
  7. Dillard University
  8. Grambling State University
  9. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  10. McNeese State University
  1. Louisiana State University
  2. University of New Orleans
  3. Southern University
  4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  5. Louisiana Tech University
  6. Dillard University
  7. Southeastern Louisiana University
  8. Grambling State University
  9. Northwestern State University
  10. McNeese State University
  1. Southeastern Louisiana University 99%
  2. Nicholls State University 98%
  3. Northwestern State University 98%
  4. Southern University at New Orleans 94%
  5. Louisiana State University Shreveport 89%
  6. University of Holy Cross 87%
  7. Dillard University 80%
  8. Louisiana State University 76%
  9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette 75%
  10. Louisiana Christian University 75%
  1. Grambling State University 25 to 1
  2. Louisiana State University Shreveport 24 to 1
  3. Louisiana Tech University 23 to 1
  4. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  5. McNeese State University 19 to 1
  6. Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
  7. Southern University 18 to 1
  8. University of New Orleans 18 to 1
  9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette 18 to 1
  10. Northwestern State University 17 to 1
  1. Dillard University $20,224
  2. Louisiana Christian University $19,720
  3. University of Holy Cross $15,960
  4. Louisiana State University $8,038
  5. Louisiana Tech University $6,401
  6. University of New Orleans $6,090
  7. University of Louisiana at Monroe $5,788
  8. Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
  9. Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
  10. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
  1. University of Holy Cross $13,230
  2. Louisiana State University $9,132
  3. Louisiana Christian University $8,100
  4. Southeastern Louisiana University $6,684
  5. University of Louisiana at Monroe $6,490
  6. Louisiana State University Shreveport $6,196
  7. University of New Orleans $6,090
  8. Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
  9. Northwestern State University $5,738
  10. McNeese State University $5,703
  1. University of Holy Cross
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Louisiana State University Shreveport
  4. Louisiana State University of Alexandria
  5. Southern University at New Orleans
  6. Northwestern State University
  7. Nicholls State University
  8. McNeese State University
  9. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  10. Grambling State University
  1. University of Holy Cross
  2. Louisiana Christian University
  3. Louisiana State University of Alexandria
  4. Louisiana State University Shreveport
  5. Southern University at New Orleans
  6. Nicholls State University
  7. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  8. McNeese State University
  9. Northwestern State University
  10. Grambling State University
  1. Grambling State University 42%
  2. Southern University 54%
  3. Louisiana State University of Alexandria 58%
  4. Louisiana Tech University 62%
  5. University of New Orleans 70%
  6. University of Louisiana at Monroe 70%
  7. McNeese State University 71%
  8. Louisiana Christian University 75%
  9. University of Louisiana at Lafayette 75%
  10. Louisiana State University 76%
  1. University of Holy Cross 10 to 1
  2. Louisiana Christian University 11 to 1
  3. Dillard University 13 to 1
  4. Southern University at New Orleans 13 to 1
  5. Louisiana State University of Alexandria 14 to 1
  6. Northwestern State University 17 to 1
  7. University of Louisiana at Monroe 17 to 1
  8. Nicholls State University 17 to 1
  9. Southeastern Louisiana University 18 to 1
  10. Southern University 18 to 1
  1. Southern University at New Orleans $4,483
  2. Nicholls State University $4,922
  3. Louisiana State University of Alexandria $4,950
  4. Southern University $4,973
  5. Grambling State University $5,140
  6. McNeese State University $5,147
  7. Northwestern State University $5,180
  8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,407
  9. Louisiana State University Shreveport $5,656
  10. Southeastern Louisiana University $5,777
  1. Grambling State University $5,110
  2. Southern University $5,336
  3. Louisiana Tech University $5,416
  4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,511
  5. Nicholls State University $5,686
  6. McNeese State University $5,703
  7. Northwestern State University $5,738
  8. Southern University at New Orleans $6,024
  9. University of New Orleans $6,090
  10. 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 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

Louisiana's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 17 colleges and universities in Louisiana with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Louisiana is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools 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: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University known for?

    Louisiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Southern University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2024
    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: $9,842
    Expenses: $16,136
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Grambling State University

    Grambling , LA
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Public 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: $7,683
    Expenses: $17,980
    Starting Salary: $32,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Grambling State University known for?

    Grambling State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles , LA
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees 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: $8,440
    Expenses: $16,648
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McNeese State University known for?

    McNeese State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux , LA
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nicholls State University known for?

    Nicholls State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Northwestern State University

    Natchitoches , LA
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees 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: $8,672
    Expenses: $17,039
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern State University known for?

    Northwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Southern University at New Orleans

    New Orleans , LA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
    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: $7,470
    Expenses: $15,010
    Starting Salary: $32,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern University at New Orleans known for?

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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Alexandria , LA
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    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: $7,050
    Expenses: $14,130
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University of Alexandria known for?

    Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Louisiana State University Shreveport

    Shreveport , LA

    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: $7,327
    Expenses: $16,047
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Louisiana State University Shreveport known for?

    Louisiana State University Shreveport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville , LA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    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: $19,720
    Expenses: $14,416
    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
  20. #17

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans , LA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Holy Cross

    Cost of Degree: $15,960
    Expenses: $16,936
    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 Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Louisiana State University of Alexandria
  2. Southern University at New Orleans
  3. Louisiana State University Shreveport
  4. Grambling State University
  5. McNeese State University
  6. Northwestern State University
  7. Nicholls State University
  8. Southeastern Louisiana University
  9. University of Louisiana at Monroe
  10. University of New Orleans
  11. Southern University
  12. Louisiana Tech University
  13. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  14. Louisiana State University
  15. University of Holy Cross
  16. Louisiana Christian University
  17. Dillard University
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