Best Colleges in Louisiana

Tulane University features a world-class faculty and high-quality degree programs that draw students from all 50 states and nearly 60 countries around the globe. Undergraduate students can major in fields such as Asian studies, engineering, and philosophy, while graduate students receive advanced instruction in subjects such as finance, law, and public health. Students at Tulane can also earn their degrees at a distance, including through the fully online master of social work program. Community service lies at the heart of both Tulane's mission and its educational philosophy. Originally founded to train medical professionals fighting yellow fever and cholera in New Orleans, students at the university continue to log roughly 780,000 hours of civic service and volunteerism each year. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and submit results from either the ACT or SAT. To qualify for guaranteed admission, you must be a Louisiana resident, maintain a high school GPA of at least 3.6, and score 31 or higher on the ACT (or 1450 or higher on the SAT).

Loyola University New Orleans is a private institution that operates as part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The school offers comprehensive academic programs to over 5,000 students, including online learning options facilitated by Blackboard. Undergraduate students can enroll in remote bachelor's programs, such as mass communication, computer information systems, psychology, and ministry and theology. Alternatively, they may design their own major through the interdisciplinary studies track. Graduate candidates can earn online master's degrees in fields like criminology/criminal justice, pastoral studies, and music education. Loyola also delivers business administration credentials that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Furthermore, the university provides an array of graduate nursing programs. Experienced nurses can even pursue a dual-degree track, earning their MBA and MSN concurrently to prepare for clinical management positions across healthcare settings. Applicants usually need to furnish standardized test scores. Graduate candidates may ask for a GMAT/GRE exemption if they possess relevant work experience. The university bases its tuition prices on program type.

The University of New Orleans is a public research institution that serves approximately 8,000 students each year. In addition to affordable campus-based academics, the school offers online certificates and degrees powered by Moodle. Working professionals may advance their careers and develop specialized skills by earning certificates related to software product management and Agile application development. The university offers remote bachelor's programs in fields like philosophy and interdisciplinary studies. Students can also earn an urban studies degree and focus their training on transportation or urban planning. At the graduate level, UNO offers remote credentials in engineering management, romance languages, and English. Learners may earn a master of fine arts in creative writing through a low-residency track that requires occasional visits to campus for readings and workshops. Graduate applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify for unconditional admission. All distance learners pay in-state tuition rates, and they can apply for a variety of awards, like the merit-based Homer Hitt Scholarship.

Southeastern Louisiana University offers more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations in diverse fields such as athletic training, family and consumer sciences, industrial technology, and occupational health and safety. Fully online programs also give learners the option to explore subjects such as criminal justice and nursing, while also taking advantage of the same tutoring and academic support services provided to on-campus learners. In addition to earning satisfactory scores on either the ACT or SAT, freshman applicants must maintain a high school GPA of at least 2.35. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, maintain a college GPA of 2.5 or above, and take either the GRE or GMAT, depending on their program. Priority scholarships offered by the university can substantially reduce the overall cost of your education. For example, incoming students with ACT scores of 30 and above pay no tuition or fees and receive a $3,000 annual housing and meal award. The Senator Ben Nevers Scholarship provides up to $6,000 per year to transfer students with a strong record of academic achievement.

Founded in 1967 as a junior college, Louisiana State University in Shreveport now provides over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution enrolls about 5,800 students, many of whom pursue remote education through Moodle. Distance learners can earn bachelor's degrees in general studies, marketing, management, and finance. They may also enroll in a business administration program, choosing a generalist track or an international business concentration. LSUS delivers online graduate programs centered on business and education. The school's master of business administration program offers nine concentration options, such as data analytics and hospitality/casino management. The university also provides health and public administration degrees. Experienced educators may earn specialized endorsements in urban education, reading and literacy, and English as a second language. Additionally, they can prepare for careers as principals and instructional trainers by obtaining a master's degree in educational leadership. To enroll as a first-year student, applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Graduate candidates must display at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA. The LSUS Foundation funds private scholarships, including awards for prospective and licensed teachers.

Located in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana was the first postsecondary school in the state to offer nursing and business degrees. The institution continues this tradition by providing a remote RN-to-BSN program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Online students can also earn bachelor's degrees in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, and unified public safety administration. The majority of NSU's online offerings target graduate students. Learners may earn master's degrees in areas like homeland security and radiologic science. Students can also pursue a master of arts in teaching with pathways to alternative state certification; MAT candidates pick from seven concentration options. Additionally, the university delivers two remote doctoral programs in nursing and adult learning and development. The latter option prepares community college educators to strengthen the workforce development programs at their schools. NSU requires all applicants to furnish standardized test scores. Graduate candidates typically need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Per-credit tuition rates for full-time students are significantly less than they are for part-time learners.

With a flagship campus in Thibodaux, Nicholls State University serves over 6,000 students as part of the UL System. Learners can access online academic programs through Moodle, with associate-level options in safety technology and petroleum services. Nicholls delivers remote bachelor's degrees in history, health sciences, sociology, and business administration. Candidates can also obtain a bachelor of arts in psychology that is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. This pre-counseling track prepares students to support children and families across the lifespan. Nicholls offers one online graduate degree -- a master of curriculum and instruction that holds specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This program explores research-based strategies for developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. To enroll, applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and an active teaching license. The university waives GRE requirements for full-time teachers. Financial aid opportunities include private awards, such as the Burt Excellence in Education Scholarship.

Established in 1956, Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black institution that receives aid from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The school serves about 2,700 students and offers online academics through Moodle. Learners may incorporate individual asynchronous classes into their traditional curriculum for a hybrid learning experience. SUNO also offers three fully remote degree options. Tuition prices are based on residence. The university facilitates the state-funded Go Grant and a variety of institutional scholarships. Undergraduate students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in general studies, which enables them to customize their curriculum by choosing electives and concentrations. Alternatively, learners may enroll in a criminal justice program. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and adequate ACT/SAT scores. SUNO also offers a 36-credit, fully remote master's program in museum studies, in which students develop skills in exhibition design and collections management. They gain hands-on experience by completing internships and round out the program with a research-focused thesis or applied project.

Louisiana College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Louisiana Baptist Convention. In addition to programs in Christian studies and pastoral ministry, the college offers roughly 70 bachelor's and master's degrees in business, education, the natural sciences, and nursing. The school does not currently host any fully online programs. The college is committed to supporting the spiritual growth of its learners; as a result, all full-time students at LC must regularly attend chapel services. Additional student services include tutoring and academic advising; writing consultations; career and mental health counseling; and support specifically designed for students with disabilities, veterans, and international students. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and take the ACT or SAT. To qualify for guaranteed admission as a freshman, you must maintain a high school GPA of at least 2.0 and receive a composite score of at least 20 on the ACT (or 1030 on the SAT).

Located in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A&M College is the flagship institution of the SU System and the largest historically black school in Louisiana. Over 7,000 students attend SU, many of whom complete distance education through Moodle. Online offerings include associate degrees in business management and health information technology. Distance learners can earn bachelor's credentials in interdisciplinary studies, designing a curriculum that aligns with their interests and goals. The university also offers four-year programs for psychology and criminal justice. Criminal justice professionals can extend their education by obtaining an executive master's degree that focuses on challenges related to law enforcement, corrections systems, and the courts. Additional graduate programs include public administration and business administration. The MBA track maintains specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Candidates pick from concentrations like international business, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. To enroll in a graduate program, applicants need a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA. They must also furnish GRE/GMAT scores, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement.

Louisiana Tech University is a public research institution located in Ruston. The school enrolls more than 12,000 students in comprehensive academic programs, many of which may be completed entirely online through asynchronous classes powered by Moodle. Undergraduate students can pursue a remote bachelor of health informatics and information management, which holds specialized accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management. This 120-credit degree helps students develop the IT and interpersonal communication skills needed to create links between patients, clinicians, and administrators. At the graduate level, remote programs covers fields like history, business administration, and English. Candidates may also obtain a master's degree in engineering, choosing an industrial engineering or technology management concentration. Louisiana Tech also delivers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate certificates that prepare working professionals to advance in their careers. The university bases its tuition rates on residency status and program level.

Roughly 90% of the 1,300 students pursuing degrees at Dillard University are African-American, along with 65% of the university's faculty members. Although Dillard is both a historically black institution and an affiliate of the United Methodist Church, it admits students of all races and creeds. The university offers undergraduate degrees in fields such as physics, film, social work, and financial economics. While Dillard partners with the University of New Orleans to jointly provide a master's program in urban studies and public policy, it does not offer any graduate programs of its own. Online and hybrid courses are also not available at the university. Dillard's "Finish in 4" program helps students graduate with a bachelor's in just four years. The program features extensive orientation and first-year experiences, dedicated academic and financial aid advising, and an optional second-year experience that focuses on the development of 21st century skills. Admission to Dillard requires a high school GPA of at least 2.5 and a composite ACT score of at least 18. Applicants who do not meet these standards may instead submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement for conditional consideration.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette serves more than 19,000 students each year, making it the largest member institution of the nine-campus UL System. The school offers affordable online programs through Moodle. Undergraduate learners can earn a remote bachelor's degree in general studies, which allows them to customize their curriculum to match individual interests and goals. Additional undergraduate offerings include business management, health promotion and wellness, and health services administration. UL Lafayette also offers a 12-month RN-to-BSN track that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Online graduate students can pick from seven programs in topics such as computer science, business administration, and systems technology. Experienced educators may pursue master's credentials leading to instructional specialist or educational leadership endorsement. The university also offers a remote doctor of nursing practice. First-time students must submit ACT/SAT scores. Graduate admission requirements differ by program but typically include a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Founded in 1860 as a seminary and military academy, Louisiana State University is the flagship institution for the state and serves over 30,000 students. In addition to a transfer-focused associate degree in general studies, online undergraduates can earn bachelor's credentials in 10 areas, such as world religions, accounting, construction management, and medical imaging. LSU also offers a remote bachelor of mass communication, which allows candidates to focus their degree plans on public relations or political communication. The university delivers distance education through Moodle. The graduate catalog at LSU contains 11 online master's degrees. These offerings include social work, civil engineering, business administration, and kinesiology/sport management. Students may also enroll in a master of environmental sciences program, completing a multidisciplinary curriculum that helps them understand the relationships between social and natural systems. Additionally, LSU delivers a master's program in construction management that is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA, while prospective graduate students must possess at least a 3.0 GPA. Depending on their program, candidates with relevant career experience may ask for standardized testing exemption.

Students at the University of Holy Cross benefit from small class sizes, a faith-based atmosphere, and personal attention from the university's faculty and staff. Undergraduate students can pursue degrees in topics such as accounting, food science, history, and theology. Holy Cross also offers graduate programs in management and counseling, along with a diverse selection of fully online degrees and certificates. At the university's career center, students can receive feedback on their resume, participate in mock interviews, and explore possible professions through assessments, job shadowing, and internship opportunities. Both online and on-campus students can also take advantage of free tutoring, academic advising, and mental health counseling services. To enter a bachelor's program at Holy Cross, you must have a high school diploma or GED. The university provides guaranteed admission to applicants with a high school GPA above 2.5 and an ACT score of 20 or higher. Holy Cross provides limited scholarship funding to students on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria enrolls about 3,300 students across many career-focused undergraduate programs, including associate of arts and associate of science tracks. These interdisciplinary programs prepare candidates for advanced academics and entry-level administrative occupations. The school delivers remote learning through the Desire2Learn platform LSUA offers nine online bachelor's programs, including an RN-to-BSN track that candidates can complete in 14 months. Additional options include medical laboratory science, psychology, criminal justice, and business administration. The university also provides a bachelor's degree in disaster science and emergency management. This 120-credit program helps candidates develop the leadership skills needed to respond to natural and anthropogenic disasters. Online students can also enroll in a bachelor's program for long-term care management; this degree prepares them to facilitate evidence-based services for vulnerable populations. LSUA offers nine start dates each year. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and adequate ACT/SAT scores. The university provides affordable tuition prices to all students, regardless of residency status.

Founded in 1825, Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. The college boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, giving students extraordinary access to the expertise and guidance of their professors. While Centenary does not currently offer any online programs, on-campus students can major in subjects such as biochemistry, economics, geology, and music. Undergraduate students can also construct their own major by working with a faculty advisor to develop a unique course of study and a capstone project proposal that integrates their coursework. Additionally, the college's Trek program provides a range of experiential learning opportunities. For example, students may participate in internships, design their own research project, compete in entrepreneurship and innovation competitions, or volunteer in their community. Admission to an undergraduate program requires a high school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT scores, and an essay. The college also strongly recommends that applicants submit a letter of recommendation and schedule an interview with an admissions counselor.