Best Colleges in Louisiana for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Louisiana College Guide – What You Need to Know

Get Matched With Louisiana Programs

The State of Louisiana has some of the leading schools in the nation. The flagship school is Louisiana State University and Tulane University is a regional leader in healthcare and medical education. The state has land-grant schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and many leading private schools. There are also famous faith-based schools like Holy Cross and Xavier.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Louisiana?

Louisiana school’s define majors in the ways they deem most appropriate. There is often significant overlap between many fields of study. Based on the numbers of degrees conferred, there is some consistency between popular majors and the demand for college graduates from business, industry, and public service. In the Louisiana economy, business and healthcare are among the current economic drivers of growth. The below-listed items reflect the choice of majors as indicated by degrees conferred.

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree?


The national data confirms that, at every level, income rises with educational attainment. A bachelor's degree yields a $1 million lifetime earnings advantage over a high school graduate. Further study for certifications, advanced degrees, and professional degrees have the same general effect. These educational advances raise annual salary.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

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Best Associate Degrees in Louisiana


Some of the best associate degrees may even provide a better academic foundation than some four-year bachelor's degrees. Though that is not always the case, some associate degree programs in Louisiana provide an excellent education. A two-year degree is an affordable and effective way to prepare for a profession or a four-year degree from the best colleges in the state.

SOWELA Technical Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
4,058
Graduation Rate
45%
Net Price
$9,637
Grads Salary
$36,200
Blue Cliff College-Alexandria
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
438
Graduation Rate
54%
Net Price
$19,982
Grads Salary
$30,400
Fletcher Technical Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,304
Graduation Rate
35%
Net Price
$8,863
Grads Salary
$28,100
Baton Rouge Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
8,116
Graduation Rate
27%
Net Price
$9,433
Grads Salary
$30,800
Bossier Parish Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
6,460
Graduation Rate
20%
Net Price
$7,871
Grads Salary
$30,700
South Louisiana Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
6,698
Graduation Rate
28%
Net Price
$8,791
Grads Salary
$29,100
Louisiana State University-Eunice
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,989
Graduation Rate
14%
Net Price
$9,496
Grads Salary
$34,600
Remington College-Shreveport
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
336
Graduation Rate
51%
Net Price
$20,819
Grads Salary
$26,500
Northshore Technical Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
4,674
Graduation Rate
25%
Net Price
$9,835
Grads Salary
$28,800
River Parishes Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
3,232
Graduation Rate
18%
Net Price
$8,630
Grads Salary
$35,400
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Louisiana


Check below to find the best bachelor's degree programs in the state of Louisiana. A full four-year undergraduate degree can start your career off on the right footing and provide a foundation for a graduate degree later. This list will provide you with excellent options throughout the state of Louisiana, and programs that are respected nationwide. Furthermore, Louisiana bachelor's degree graduates find that entrance to a master’s degree program is a snap.

Louisiana State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
31,756
Graduation Rate
70%
Net Price
$20,352
Grads Salary
$75,000
Louisiana Tech University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,126
Graduation Rate
61%
Net Price
$11,630
Grads Salary
$66,700
Xavier University of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,325
Graduation Rate
50%
Net Price
$19,066
Grads Salary
$76,700
McNeese State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,295
Graduation Rate
44%
Net Price
$9,721
Grads Salary
$69,000
Loyola University New Orleans
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,367
Graduation Rate
59%
Net Price
$22,596
Grads Salary
$70,000
Centenary College of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
574
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$17,409
Grads Salary
$66,700
University of Louisiana at Monroe
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,673
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$10,134
Grads Salary
$59,800
Tulane University of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
12,923
Graduation Rate
86%
Net Price
$47,413
Grads Salary
$71,000
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
16,450
Graduation Rate
51%
Net Price
$12,706
Grads Salary
$64,000
University of New Orleans
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,231
Graduation Rate
41%
Net Price
$11,256
Grads Salary
$66,700
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Louisiana


The key to long-term success in many professions is a graduate degree, which are available from a number of excellent Louisiana educational institutions. The types of graduate programs are masters, doctorate and a master of business administration in Louisiana. Some of the best master’s degrees are in fields such as business, computer science, cyber security, and healthcare, but of course every student will need the right program for them. Louisiana students may also consider a doctoral degree program in the state, which will raise their status beyond all expectations.

Louisiana State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
31,756
Graduation Rate
70%
Net Price
$20,352
Grads Salary
$75,000
Louisiana Tech University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,126
Graduation Rate
61%
Net Price
$11,630
Grads Salary
$66,700
Xavier University of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,325
Graduation Rate
50%
Net Price
$19,066
Grads Salary
$76,700
McNeese State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
7,295
Graduation Rate
44%
Net Price
$9,721
Grads Salary
$69,000
Loyola University New Orleans
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,367
Graduation Rate
59%
Net Price
$22,596
Grads Salary
$70,000
Centenary College of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
574
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$17,409
Grads Salary
$66,700
University of Louisiana at Monroe
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,673
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$10,134
Grads Salary
$59,800
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
16,450
Graduation Rate
51%
Net Price
$12,706
Grads Salary
$64,000
Tulane University of Louisiana
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
12,923
Graduation Rate
86%
Net Price
$47,413
Grads Salary
$71,000
University of New Orleans
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,231
Graduation Rate
41%
Net Price
$11,256
Grads Salary
$66,700
Full Ranking Report

Cost of Louisiana College Education & Salaries


The in-state rates take into account the support of residents and their families through special and general taxes. Some states fund education through lottery sales or other specific funds for higher education. Out-of-state families do not carry these costs and schools pass on the true costs of education to them. Out-of-state rates in Louisiana are more than double the in-state rates. Private schools charge a flat rate for all students and private schools are consistently more expensive than public school rates.

When analyzing the costs of education, students should look into miscellaneous categories of fees and expenses. Many schools advise that there are other costs not included in their estimates of housing on campus or off campus. Using phrases like ‘other expenses’, schools alert students to commonly incurred additional costs. In some cities it is for transportation, in other locations there may be optional fees that are hard to ignore like scarce parking or indoor parking structures in the winter months.

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College Cost Analysis - Louisiana vs. National


Average Louisiana Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $9,358

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $22,208

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Louisiana is above the national average in grants received. It is essentially at the national average for dollars per recipient.

Financial Aid Arkansas Nationally
Received Federal Grants 41% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,258 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.

* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Scholarships & Grants


Louisiana students can take some comfort in the full range of college choices within the Louisiana University system. Students in nearly every part of the state have convenient access to a public college or university campus. The public schools offer in-state tuition rates that are close to the national average and about 60% lower than the out-of-state charges. Many students look for scholarships to help cover the costs of higher education. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance can provide information on scholarships and loan forgiveness programs.

Louisiana students can help pay for higher education with federal grants (Pell and Stafford). The State of Louisiana also offers a need-based grant similar to the federal Pell Grant. Like scholarships, grants do not require repayment and can reduce student need at the critical time of enrollment and college entry. Louisiana offers a range of merit-based awards and competitive scholarships. Students with high GPAs and standardized test scores can compete for major awards such as full tuition awards for four or more years.

Seven Best Scholarships for Louisiana


The below-listed scholarship programs offer a sampling of available funds. Many of those programs have multiple opportunities that students can access with single applications.

LBF_logo

LBF

Louisiana Bar Foundation Kids’ Chance Scholarship

https://www.raisingthebar.org/programs-and-projects/kids-chance-scholarship-program
Amount: $500-$3,000
Deadline: February 20
The Louisiana Bar Association Foundation provides the Kids’ Chance Scholarship each year to contribute between $500 to $3,000 towards student’s college tuition and fees. The funds go to children and dependents of Louisiana residents that experienced catastrophic work-related injuries. Applications require demonstrated financial need and disability reports.

Eligible recipients must be Louisiana residents between the ages of 16 to 25 years of age and in pursuit of their first bachelor’s degree. Recipients must maintain a “C” average at an accredited in-state school. Recipients should apply for all available state and federal aid to increase the impact of the Bar Foundation funds.

SWCSF

Stephen W. Cavanaugh Scholarship Fund

https://www.brafscholarships.org/
Amount: $1,000 (per semester, up to 8 semesters)
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility requirements include attendance at a Louisiana College or community college with a major in insurance or a related field. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA each funded semester. The program seeks to reward students that demonstrate leadership and character. Related major fields of study include including finance, business, actuarial science, and risk management.

The Baton Rouge Area Scholarship Foundation uses a universal pre-screen for 19 active scholarships. Applicants can prescreen for all available aid. The application screening page link is on the scholarship landing page at:
https://www.iphiview.com/braf/GrantsScholarships/Scholarships/StartApplication/tabid/220/Default.aspx

RSWS

Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship

http://www.osfa.la.gov/rockefeller.html
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: July 1
The Rockefeller Wildlife scholarship program is a competitive award for Louisiana residents that have lived in Louisiana for at least 12 months prior to application. The program selects about 30 undergraduates each year. The program awards both undergraduate and graduate scholarships each year. The value of the undergraduate award has a maximum of $12,000 that can cover four years of undergraduate study and up to two further years of graduate study.

Applicants must pursue a degree in forestry, wildlife, or marine science at a Louisiana public college or university. The initial approval requires full-time enrollment at a participating college, at least 60 hours of college credit with a 2.5 GPA, and a declared major in forestry or an approved field. The scholarship is renewable up to three undergraduate years and two graduate years at $3,000 per grad school year. Students must complete FAFSA, LOFSA and the Rockefeller application form by July 1, 2019.

LSU_logo

MDS

LSU Stamps Scholarship

https://www.lsu.edu/financialaid/types_of_scholarships/entering_freshman_scholarships/
Amount: Full tuition in state or out-of-state up to $49,000
Deadline: July 1
Application link: https://www.commonapp.org/
Louisiana State University is the flagship institution for the state. LSU participates in the Stamps Program. This prestigious award pays full tuition for the award winners. Applicants must complete the detailed high school curriculum, achieve a weighted 3.5 GPA, score 33 on the ACT or 1490 on the SAT. Award winners must exhibit leadership and initiative. A universal application also enrolls the applicant for consideration for the President’s Future Leaders in Research Program for an extra $1,550, the Flagship Scholars Award, a Tiger Nation Scholarship, and the Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

LOSFA

LA GO Grant

http://www.osfa.la.gov/go_grant.html
Amount: $300-$3,000
Deadline: FAFSA or July 1
The LA GO grant is a needs-based program that adds state funds to students remaining needs after receipt of a Pell Grant. The aid must be calculated. The student’s school will determine any remaining need and apply the GO grant to the balance up to a maximum of $3,000.

Eligible students must be Louisiana residents, file a FAFSA, and receive a Pell Grant. The student must demonstrate remaining need and prove enrollment at an eligible Louisiana school, college, or university.

PFTF_logo

PFTF

Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarships

http://www.pftaylorfoundation.org/education/scholarships/
Amount: $500-$2,500 (per semester)
Deadline: July 1, December 1
This scholarship is for high school graduates and enrolled incoming first-year college students. Students must request an e-mailed application and return it in time for either the fall or spring semesters in which they intend to enroll. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted as full-time students at a Louisiana college or university. The must have an ACT score of 19 or better, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and have graduated from a Louisiana high school. Students must provide a letter of acceptance to college, a financial statement indicating a need, and a parental consent form. The formal requirements are detailed, and students should examine them carefully, including letters of recommendation and character references.

TOPS_logo

TOPS

The TOPS Opportunity Scholarships

http://www.osfa.la.gov/tops_Opportunity.html
Amount: Statutory Formula for Each School
Deadline: July 1
The TOPS Opportunity award requires US citizenship and residence in Louisiana. The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students or TOPS program provides scholarship funds from the state of Louisiana to students that attend participating Louisiana public schools. The scholarship awards based on need and in the amounts set by the legislature each year. Students qualify by submitting the FAFSA, competing 19 core units while in high school, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.50 on a four-point scale. Students must meet the ACT or SAT minimum eligible score.

The Tops program has higher paying levels for students with higher levels of academic achievement as shown by completion of the Tops curriculum, GPA, and test scores. The Tops Honors and TOPS performance levels pay higher amounts per semester hour than the basic opportunity scholarship.

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