Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Writer
Writer & Editor
Reviewer & Writer
Writer
Writer & Editor
Reviewer & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Known for its music scene, food, and history, Louisiana is also a great place to earn a college degree. Many of the state's fastest-growing jobs require a degree, which often means more job opportunities and a higher earning potential for graduates.
The best colleges in Louisiana include accredited institutions that offer online degrees. By choosing an online learning format, you can benefit from a flexible schedule and the ability to find a more affordable program.
Ready to learn more? Check out our list of the best online colleges in Louisiana.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $326-$1,110
Out-of-State | $326-$1,100
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Louisiana State University offers more than 150 online programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral options. Flexible programs start six times each year. Many programs run asynchronously and don't require any campus visits.
At LSU Online, you pay the same tuition rate no matter where you live. You also receive the same standard of education, learn from the same faculty, and have access to many of the same resources as on-campus students. You can even access online scholarships and credit via prior learning assessments.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $400-$475
Out-of-State | $400-$475
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
To accommodate more students from across the country, Louisiana Tech University introduced Tech Online in 2022. This platform offers more than 25 online programs at various levels. These online options run asynchronously and allow you to study at a pace that makes sense for you.
Tech Online provides many online services to distance learners, including academic advising and coaching, peer mentorship, and professional development. The school also offers a flat-rate online tuition, regardless of where you live, plus specialized scholarships.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450-$950
Out-of-State | $450-$950
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Loyola University New Orleans offers more than 20 online programs through Loyola Online. Designed for working students, these programs typically run asynchronously and start multiple times each year. These options also include all City College degree completion programs.
Regardless of your location, Loyola Online charges the same tuition rates. As an online student, you can access many of Loyola's support resources, including the student writing center, student success office, and career development center.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Louisiana
How much should you expect to pay for college in Louisiana? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public university in Louisiana during the 2021-22 academic year was $9,749 — about $150 more than the national average.
However, enrolling online may help make school more affordable. Online learners may be exempt from certain fees. Additionally, you can compare tuition rates between a wider variety of schools if you're not limited to local options. By choosing an accredited online college in Louisiana, you may also be eligible for federal financial aid.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-year (In-State) | $9,749 |
| Public 4-year (Out-of-State) | $23,395 |
| Private 4-year | $42,892 |
| Public 2-year (In-State) | $4,242 |
| Public 2-year (Out-of-State) | $5,445 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Louisiana
Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Louisiana require a college degree. For example, you'll need a college degree to work as a data scientist, fashion designer, or video editor. Jobs in these fields are projected to increase by 30% or more from 2020-2030, according to projections from the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
By pursuing your degree at a Louisiana online college, you can prepare for careers in growing fields that can positively impact your community.
| Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Education Level Required |
|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors | 46% | Bachelor's degree |
| Nurse Practitioners | 38% | Master's degree |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 35% | Bachelor's degree |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 35% | Bachelor's degree |
| Epidemiologists | 34% | Master's degree |
| Music Directors and Composers | 34% | Bachelor's degree |
| Producers and Directors | 33% | Bachelor's degree |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | 32% | Master's degree |
| Fashion Designers | 31% | Bachelor's degree |
| Logisticians | 29% | Bachelor's degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Louisiana
Can you go to college for free in Louisiana?
Depending on the amount of scholarships and grants you qualify for, you may be able to reduce out-of-pocket college costs to near zero. Otherwise, choosing a community college or an accredited online college can help you save money on tuition.
What is the #1 college in Louisiana?
The #1 college in Louisiana for you varies depending on your specific needs and goals. However, Tulane University — a private research university in New Orleans — is often mentioned as one of the state's best schools. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette also ranks as one of the top public schools in the state.
How many online colleges are in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to dozens of colleges that offer online coursework, including many four-year and two-year institutions. The state also has a blend of public, private, and for-profit colleges. When comparing online colleges in Louisiana, make sure to choose an accredited institution.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Louisiana?
Several Louisiana colleges admit 90% or more of applicants, according to NCES data, including Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Nicholls State University.
What is the hardest college to get into in Louisiana?
Tulane University is the hardest college to get into in Louisiana. The private institution reported an 11% admission rate for Fall 2022, according to NCES data. Out of more than 31,000 students who applied, fewer than 4,000 received an admission offer.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 28, 2024.
