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

Louisiana College Guide – What You Need to Know

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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.

louisiana_map_university

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*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Louisiana

Business and Management are popular subject areas with Finance as a leading field of study. Business Marketing is also in high demand in Louisiana. The energy and petroleum sector produce much of the energy activity, and also drive the finance sector. Health Professions show growth during the consistent expansion of healthcare services to an aging population. High tech research and technological innovation create new jobs and careers in the natural sciences. The demand for teaching remains strong.

Top Business and Management Careers and Salaries

CEO is the top decision-maker for an organization and the person responsible for the overall performance. The CEO can manage by delegating authority but is ultimately accountable for achieving organizational goals.

Accountants track the income and expenses of an organization and make official records and reports using generally accepted principles. Accountants support management, budget, and planning functions with detailed and accurate financial information.

Operations Managers have responsibility and authority to keep the day-to-day operations of an organization in order. They have broad responsibly including supervision, spending, and personnel matters.

Financial Analysts oversee the assets of an organization or business and provide information and advice on the best use and positioning of investments, securities, banking, and other financial actions.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Chief Executives 790 $155,300
General and Operations Managers 29,260 $65,900
Accountants and Auditors 11,980 $57,400
Financial Analysts 3,020 $61,500

Best Louisiana Schools for Business and Management

  • Tulane University
  • Louisiana State University – E.J. Ourso College of Business
  • Loyola University - New Orleans
  • Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
  • Louisiana Tech University

Top Humanities Occupations Careers and Salaries

Education Administrators at the Postsecondary level manage college or university schools, departments, laboratories, or other major divisions of an educational institution. They sometimes use titles like Provost, President, Vice-President, Chancellor, Dean, or Assistant Dean.

Medical and Health Services Managers must combine management and organizational knowledge with the information, policy, regulatory, and technical demands of modern medical care.

Human Resources Specialists provide personnel development and training for a company or organization. They play critical roles in recruiting, retaining, developing, and training the organization’s employee workforce.

Art Directors manage the visual presentation of art, commercial work or other types of art or performance to ensure that the impact on the audience meets the expectations of the sponsors.

Producers and Directors are the persons that make the financial arrangements for an artistic undertaking and the person that manages the arts or performances.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Education Administrators, Postsecondary 2,180 $60,800
Medical and Health Services Managers 4,990 $69,400
Human Resources Specialists 4,030 $51,500
Art Directors 110 $68,400
Producers and Directors 1,300 $72,200

Best Louisiana Schools for Humanities occupations

  • Tulane University
  • Louisiana State University
  • Loyola University New Orleans
  • University of Holy Cross
  • Xavier University of Louisiana

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

Family and General Practitioners are medical doctors that provide services to the public of a general nature and not specialized. Often called family practice, this type of medical practice is the most common and most frequently used. A GP is often the first doctor consulted by a patient, and the GP may refer the patient to specialists when needed.

Physician Assistants are highly-trained medical professionals that can diagnose and treat patients much in the same way as a general practitioner. PAs often work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. In rural settings, they may be the primary care providers for a community.

Respiratory Therapists provide treatment and rehabilitation services for patients with pulmonary impairment such a lung diseases or injury. They can help maximize the remaining function or retrain patients after lung transplantation.

Speech-Language Pathologists are highly trained medical professionals that manage conditions of speech and swallowing. They are experts in the physiology of communications including speech, language, voice, and social communications.

Registered Nurses provide direct care, and they coordinate the care delivered by LPNs and Nurse Assistants. They advise patients and families about health and treatment. They also help educate the public on diseases and prevention.

Healthcare administrators help with strategic planning, preparing budgets, risk management, and marketing to keep the facilities operations running smoothly. There are many skills that are necessary to become a successful healthcare administrator.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Family and General Practitioners 860 $191,800
Physician Assistants 1,180 $97,900
Respiratory Therapists 2,470 $56,700
Speech-Language Pathologists 1,260 $62,200
Registered Nurses 40,870 $65,500

Best Louisiana Schools for Health Professions

  • University of Louisiana – Lafayette
  • Tulane University
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
  • Our Lady of the Lake College
  • Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Top Natural sciences Careers and Salaries

Biochemists and Biophysicists study the chemical and physical properties of living things including cell development, heredity, diseases. They help find cures for diseases and new medicines.

Microbiologists work on life forms at the tiniest scales to determine their role in the human ecosystem. The work includes disease-bearing microbes.

Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties in various stages, conditions, and environments. Their work contributes to many areas including food, energy, and sustainable practices for agriculture.

Environmental Scientists research and study the earth, waters, and atmosphere to determine the impact of human activity and the optimal steps to create sustainable patterns for food, drinking water, and clean air.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Biochemists and Biophysicists 31,360 $62,200
Microbiologists 18,270 $54,600
Chemists 640 $56,800
Environmental Scientists 1,080 $52,000

Best Louisiana Schools for Natural Sciences

  • Tulane University
  • Louisiana State University
  • Loyola University New Orleans
  • University of Holy Cross
  • Xavier University of Louisiana
Want to See All the Louisiana Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Louisiana

Title Growth % Average Salary Jobs in 2024
Software Engineer 58.8% $72,270 1,540
Software Developer 54.6% $74,000 1,840
Home Health Aide 33.4% $19,820 15,470
Operations Analyst 30.8% $47,830 1,360
Business Analyst 30.3% $71,510 2,750
Web Developer 27.9% $52,620 1,100
Personal Care Assistant 25.8% $18,580 41,330
Physical Therapist 25.7% $84,210 3,470

Best Associate Degrees in Louisiana

Best Associate Degrees in Louisiana
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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
$34,200
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
$27,200
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
$31,900
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
$26,800
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
$27,200
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
$27,600
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Louisiana

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Louisiana
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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

Best Master's Degrees in Louisiana
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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.

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.