Best Online Colleges in Louisiana

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Earning a college degree can lead to more job opportunities. Discover the best online colleges in Louisiana to earn your degree.

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Updated March 11, 2024

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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.

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In this Article

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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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.

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:

2024

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.

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,132

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,132

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

35,912

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,038

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,038

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

50%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,132

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,132

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

35,912

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $326-$1,110
Out-of-State | $326-$1,100

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$6,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,142

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

28%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,416

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,147

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

11,037

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,142

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,142

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

28%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,416

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,147

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

11,037

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $400-$475
Out-of-State | $400-$475

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)

Loyola University New Orleans

New Orleans, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$41,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,249

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,249

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,570

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,698

Loyola University New Orleans

New Orleans, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,698

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,698

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,249

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,249

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,570

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450-$950
Out-of-State | $450-$950

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)

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.

Cost of College in Louisiana in 2021-2022
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

Source: NCES

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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Louisiana Requiring a College Degree
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

Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission

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.