The best universities in Louisiana don’t just offer excellent education but also give a memorable student experience. Louisiana has a rich culture with space for diversity. French, African, American, and French-Canadian cultures influence Louisiana’s multiculturalism. This diverse mix of people joins in the exciting mardi gras held in New Orleans every year.
A college journey is about filling it with plenty of opportunities and campus experiences, from community outreach to fun activities. You’ll want to know the best colleges in Louisiana and their college rankings. As you begin your school search, look at our top 10 universities in Louisiana and how Louisiana universities ranked in the US News & World Report.
What Are the Best Universities in Louisiana?
The best universities in Louisiana include Tulane University of Louisiana, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Louisiana Tech University, Loyola University New Orleans, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
The best universities in Louisiana have accredited colleges with high graduation rates. Other top universities in Louisiana include Xavier University of Louisiana, Nicholls State University, McNeese State University, University Of New Orleans, and Southeastern Louisiana University.
How Many Universities Are in Louisiana?
Louisiana has approximately 66 universities and colleges. This number comprises public institutions, nonprofit private colleges, and for-profit private institutions. The state has much to offer those looking to study for a four-year degree in Louisiana.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Louisiana?
The biggest universities in Louisiana are Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University of Louisiana, and Louisiana Tech University.
Largest Louisiana Universities by Enrollment
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | 34,285
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 16,450
- Southeastern Louisiana University | 14,426
- Tulane University of Louisiana | 13,927
- Louisiana Tech University | 11,126
Louisiana University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Louisiana?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans | 86% |
| 2 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Baton Rouge | 69% |
| 3 | Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans | 62% |
| 4 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston | 59% |
| 5 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette | 50% |
| 6 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans | 50% |
| 7 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux | 50% |
| 8 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles | 42% |
| 9 | University Of New Orleans | New Orleans | 39% |
| 10 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond | 38% |
How We Defined Louisiana University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Louisiana universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Louisiana universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Louisiana, Explained
Each university in Louisiana offers an exceptional college experience and program for students. Besides a college education, students get to be part of student organizations and a supportive community. Below we list the top 10 school rankings, including acceptance rates, the college size, and graduation rates.
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Louisiana University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Louisiana include transcripts, an application fee, and SAT or ACT scores. Some universities might require other documents, such as a recommendation letter from your teacher, administrator, advisor, or counselor.
The requirements listed below are common in the universities mentioned in this guide. Always check with the admissions office to ensure that you submit all the required documents and abide by the correct guidelines.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Louisiana
- High school diploma
- Official transcripts
- Application form
- Application fee
- SAT or ACT scores
How to Apply to Louisiana Universities
The most common way to apply to Louisiana universities is to submit an application form. Application forms ask for personal information like your address and telephone number. Often you need to supply proof of residency.
This is followed by paying the application fee and submitting the documents to the school. The order of admission process might look different for individual universities, but the most common are listed below.
Louisiana Universities Admissions Process
- Look for the online application form on the school’s website.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the required documents.
- Submit proof of your immunizations.
- Wait for the results from the admissions office.
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Why Study in Louisiana?
You should study in Louisiana because the state offers many educational opportunities. It has a rich and diverse culture with several job opportunities for students. Online, undergraduate, and graduate students will benefit from living within the state.
Educational Opportunities
The best universities in Louisiana offer various courses to help you succeed in your future career. You’ll find courses in technology, engineering, finance, management, marketing, health, and manufacturing. The most popular degrees in Louisiana include business, nursing, biology, and accounting, the most popular being petroleum engineering.
Art and Culture
A rich diversity of cultures reside in Louisiana, and we can learn so much from people with different backgrounds. There is more to learning than earning a degree. Louisiana is well-known for its music and culture. It boasts the first movie theater and is famously known as the birthplace of jazz.
Job Opportunities
Louisiana is a developing state, and there are plenty of job vacancies relevant to your degree. The state also has many startups that need competent and resourceful individuals. Demonstrate your skills and get your school’s career services to help you with your resume and prepare for interviews.
More Louisiana University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Louisiana?
Below is a list of Louisiana University Rankings based on different categories. These public and private universities provide tremendous graduate and undergraduate education. Working professionals will find many distance education online degrees.
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Top Louisiana Universities by Major
Most students would want to study at the top Louisiana Universities that offer great quality education taught by experts. Below are the top majors students are looking for and the top universities offering them.
Tuition Costs for Louisiana Universities
The tuition costs for Louisiana universities are an average of $9,571 for public universities, according to NCES. This does not include room and board. Private universities cost an average of $39,482 for tuition only. In-state fees are more affordable than out-of-state fees, and online programs often cost less than in-person programs.
Most Affordable Universities in Louisiana
- Southeastern Louisiana University | Tuition: $722/3 Credits. Students must pay additional fees, including mandatory fees, ID validation, and textbook rental.
- Grambling State University | Tuition: $783/Credit. The fees are more expensive for non-resident students. Other fees include a chemistry lab fee, social work lab fee, and a fee for late registration.
- University of Holy Cross | Tuition: $540/Credit. Besides the tuition fee, students must also pay for administrative support, academic support, and technology support.
- University of New Orleans | Tuition: $247/Credit. Students must pay other fees like academic excellence, campus enhancement, administrative, and building use fees. Total fees add up to about $520 per credit.
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Tuition: $1,234/Credit. This price includes most fees, but students may need to pay other mandatory fees. Tuition fees vary for resident, non-resident, and international students.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Louisiana
There are a few financial aid options for the best universities in Louisiana. These include federal grants, public loans, private loans, and scholarships. College tuition is often challenging for most students. The good news is that there are various ways to pay through financial aid options.
Financial Aid for Louisiana Universities: A Summary
- Federal Grants. A federal grant is given to students through the state government, college, private, or non-profit organization for a four-year education. Students must submit a FAFSA application when applying to the school.
- Federal Student Loans. A public student loan is granted to students with a proven financial need that aligns with the federal regulations. Most loans charge interest, so check the interest fee for a few options.
- Private Student Loans. You can get a private student loan through a bank, credit union, or a state-based organization. This loan can be used for whatever expenses you have, including tuition, books, transportation, and other living expenses.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are often geared toward a particular group of people, like women, military families, or specific background. You can find out about scholarships through the school’s financial aid office or online. Look online for free resources, but make sure they are legitimate.
Louisiana University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Louisiana Universities?
- US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled or accepted at the school
- Have proven a financial need
- Shows academic progress
- Have registered for classes on time
Private Louisiana Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Louisiana Christian University. Louisiana Christian University offers disability assistance, a federal work-study program, federal financial aid, and state of Louisiana financial aid.
- Xavier University of Louisiana. The school offers the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, and XU Emergency Grant.
- Dillard University. Dillard University gives State grants, Federal Pell Grants, work-study programs, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
Universities in Louisiana That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Louisiana State University. The university provides merit-based scholarships, study abroad scholarships, legacy scholarships, major-specific scholarships, federal grants, and federal loans.
- University of New Orleans. If they qualify, first-year students can get the Homer Hitt Scholarship, Privateer First Year Scholarship, and Residence Hall Scholarship.
- Louisiana State University Eunice. The university offers scholarships to out-of-state students after they submit all requirements.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Louisiana State Universities
- Fill out and complete the university’s application form.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.
- Submit all the necessary documents.
- Complete the verification through the FAFSA website.
- Wait for the results.
Demographics of Universities in Louisiana
The demographics of universities in Louisiana include white, Black, Hispanic, Asian, American-Indian, Pacific Islander, and individuals of two or more races, according to NCES. The state has a diverse population due to the founding influence of French, American, African, and French-Canadian cultures.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Louisiana
- White: 55%
- Black: 32%
- Hispanic: 6%
- Asian: 3%
- Pacific Islander: 0.6%
- American Indian: 0.7%
- Two or More Races: 3%
Louisiana Employment Outlook for University Students
The unemployment rate in Louisiana was 4.1 percent in April 2022, according to BLS. It is the lowest rate since October of 2021. This is a good sign that more people have been employed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of trade, transportation, and utility jobs increased by 6,000 between November 2021 and April 2022. Education and health services jobs increased by 0.4% between November 2021 and April 2022.
5 In-Demand Louisiana Jobs
The five in-demand Louisiana jobs are web developers, software developers, home health aides, physical therapists, and business analysts. As Louisiana’s economy grows, we see an increase in the demand for these jobs listed below.
Is a University in Louisiana Right for You?
Yes, a university in Louisiana is right for you as there are many educational opportunities in a rich, diverse environment. Louisiana schools offer a variety of degree programs that could fit your career goals. Louisiana universities are well-known for programs in nursing, business administration, and computer science.
If you’re unsure which career path to take, you could try short online courses to get a feel of what you can learn in your career. If you are interested in entering the tech sector, you could also consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp and mastering in-demand technical skills in just a few months.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Louisiana FAQ
The university in Louisiana that’s hard to get into is the Tulane University of Louisiana, which only has an 11 percent acceptance rate. This means that they carefully assess the students coming to the university and have specific standards and requirements students must comply with before being admitted.
The best universities in Louisiana are accredited and run excellent bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. An accredited institution has met the required academic standards. The curriculum is approved and continuously updated.
Yes, there are public colleges in Louisiana. Some of these public colleges are Baton Rouge Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, and Nunez Community College. Public colleges allow many growth opportunities, academically, socially, and personally. The tuition rate might be lower in these public colleges, but you can expect them to deliver a high level of education.
Yes, universities in Louisiana do offer doctoral programs. One of these universities is Louisiana State University. It has over 50 doctoral programs for students. They include accounting, chemistry, communication studies, and finance. A doctoral degree requires a student to complete specific hours of work.
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