According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than half of all college students in Louisiana took some classes online in 2021, and over 20 percent took classes exclusively online. Online classes are easier to balance with work and personal obligations, so it’s easy to see why so many students in Louisiana are opting for online college.
If you already live in Louisiana and choose an online degree program in-state, you get all the benefits of online classes with the geographical benefits of living near campus. And, online college in-state means you are eligible for in-state tuition and scholarships.
This guide covers the best accredited online colleges in Louisiana and gives insider tips to make the college application process easier. After reading this, you should be ready to apply to programs that suit your career goals, schedule, and preferred learning style.
Top Online Colleges in Louisiana for 2023
Louisiana colleges offer students some great online programs, and it’s important to take time to find the best one for you. This ranking of the top online colleges in Louisiana for 2023 can help you start your search. Colleges on this list are the best in terms of affordability, financial aid opportunities, and low student-to-teacher ratios. They also have a variety of online degrees to choose from along with excellent student support services.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Baton Rouge, LouisianaPublic $$
Louisiana State University strives to offer students a one-of-a-kind online learning experience by leading the charge toward innovations in distance learning. Programs are designed to help students accelerate their career goals with accessible, flexible, and affordable online certificate and degree programs. LSU online students receive affordable flat-rate tuition nationwide with the same expert instructors who teach on campus. They receive the same diploma as on-campus students with dedicated service through concierge-style support during the application process and as a student. LSU is among the 1% of elite universities with many top-ranked programs for students to choose from. LSU offers online programs at every level of study including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, certificates, professional certifications, and more. Admissions requirements vary from program to program.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Science in Construction Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $814 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: American Council for Construction Education (Program); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (School)
Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $291 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master of Library and Information Science
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $485 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: American Library Association (Program); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (School)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Monroe, LouisianaPublic $$
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers more than 30 online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. The university is committed to providing a quality academic experience to online and on-campus students. ULM students who learn online earn the same degree as on-campus students from an accredited and respected institution of higher learning. ULM understands that online learners have different needs and is committed to providing a support system for ULM students who are learning online with support from the technology department and all faculty and administrators. Admissions requirements vary from program to program.
Program Highlights:
RN to BSN Online Program
- Credits: 30
- Length: As few as 14 months
- Cost: $8,750.10 total tuition
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (Program); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (School)
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Online
- Credits: 36
- Length: As few as 15 months
- Cost: $11,340 total tuition
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master in Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: As few as 12 months
- Cost: $500 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Natchitoches, LouisianaPublic $$
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a wide variety of online degrees including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, certifications, and more. Most distance courses involve a combination of online lectures, reading course content, and referring to textbooks. Additional activities may include online class meetings via WebEx, writing term papers, writing essays, and responding to questions posed on discussion boards. NSU has a legacy in long-time experiential learning and student teaching and a commitment to expanding and enhancing hands-on experiences across academic programs. Support available to students includes advisors, tutoring, and a variety of technological and academic resources. Admissions requirements vary from program to program, but all students will need to complete an application and pay a fee to apply and submit immunization forms and transcripts.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in English
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $475 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $475 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Bachelor of Science in Unified Public Safety Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $375 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Ruston, LouisianaPublic $$
Louisiana Tech University is committed to the idea that distance learning can happen anytime and anywhere. Its online programs allow students to make their own schedule while keeping their job and tending to other obligations while still pursuing a degree or certificate. The school’s Tech Online allows students to enroll in its programs that are nationally ranked and deliver an outstanding return on educational investment. The university offers a special flat tuition rate for online programs. Online courses are highly interactive, using content and media that most effectively promote learning and teaching. The university offers bachelor’s degrees, undergraduate certificates, master’s degrees, and graduate certificates. Admissions vary by program but generally include a complete application, transcripts, test scores, references, GPA information, and transcripts.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $475 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
History (MA)
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $475 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Engineering and Technology Management (MS)
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $475 per credit hour up to 9 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Lafayette, LouisianaPublic $$
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers 100% online and hybrid bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, in addition to online graduate certificates, to complement your education and experience. The university offers affordable flat-rate tuition for all online students, in addition to opportunities for financial aid. Programs are designed to provide the flexibility needed to maintain students’ current job and personal commitments, with support from application and admission to graduation. Courses are taught by university faculty who have been certified to teach online. Students receive 24/7 technical support, access to an online library and research services, and UL Lafayette Office of Career Services. Admissions vary by program, but they generally include a complete application, proof of previous degrees, test scores, GPA information, and transcripts.
Program Highlights:
M.S. in Informatics Online
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $480 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Master of Science in Nursing
- Credits: 40-45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $480 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Health Promotion & Wellness, B.S. in Kinesiology
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $380 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Lake Charles, LouisianaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Thibodaux, LouisianaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Hammond, LouisianaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
New Orleans, LouisianaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Alexandria, LouisianaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Pineville, LouisianaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Shreveport, LouisianaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
28/1
-
New Orleans, LouisianaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Baton Rouge, LouisianaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
New Orleans, LouisianaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Metairie, LouisianaPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
New Orleans, LouisianaPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Eunice, LouisianaPublic $
Louisiana State University Eunice offers five online associate degrees for its most popular programs. With over 3,000 students and an open admissions policy, courses are abundant and immediately available. While LSUE is a two-year university, it has partnerships with multiple universities and colleges for 2+2 programs that allow for easy transfer and 4-year degree completion. LSUE’s online courses have smaller class sizes than its in-person courses to give a more personalized experience with professors as well as customized assistance and tutoring.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Humanities
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $213/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate in Fire Emergency Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $213/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate in Social Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $213/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Bossier City, LouisianaPublic $
Bossier Parish Community College offers several online degrees and certificates through OnDemand, BPCC’s learning management system. With free training to learn how to use it, this program allows students to begin their training anytime without having to schedule around an academic calendar. Students have access to financial aid, veteran educational services, academic advising, career services, and disability services. BPCC also offers student life services designed to enrich the student experience culturally, socially, intellectually, and emotionally through events and activities.
Program Highlights:
Healthcare Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cyber Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
24/1
-
Monroe, LouisianaPublic $
The Knights online community at Louisiana Delta Community College uses Canvas for viewing course material and contacting professors. Courses are taught through recorded lectures, teleconferences, webinars, online readings, assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, and proctored tests. Most courses are asynchronous, so you won’t have to log in at specific times, but there are deadlines for quizzes and assignments. Online students also have access to academic advising and career coaching.
Program Highlights:
Criminal Justice
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Information Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Biological Sciences
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
24/1
-
Lake Charles, LouisianaPublic $
Sowela Technical Community College offers two online associate degrees: Culinary Arts and Business Administration. Since courses can be completed in seven weeks and are designed for working adults with busy schedules, both programs can take as little as 20 months if attended full-time. The Culinary Arts program requires video recordings of dishes created to submit them for grading. Online students have access to student services that include the library, academic advising, veterans benefits, IT help, and career services.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Culinary Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $134/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Baton Rouge, LouisianaPublic $
Baton Rouge Community College uses Canvas for its online courses and programs. Two instructional videos are available to help first-time users learn the system. Students apply and register for classes online or can schedule a meeting with an academic adviser for help setting up their schedules. Courses are either fully online, hybrid, or hyflex (your choice of in-person or online). BRCC’s online courses are not easier than on-campus courses since they have the same curriculum and require self-discipline to complete coursework by due dates.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Computer Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $165/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Liberal Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $165/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Associate of Teaching
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $165/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
26/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Ways to Learn Online at Louisiana Colleges
While many types of students benefit from online learning, some modes work well for independent self-starters while others are designed for students who want a more hands-on experience. To find the online learning style that works for you, check out the pros and cons of the six main modes detailed below.
Fully Online versus Blended or Hybrid
When looking at online programs, determine if the program is 100% online or requires some in-person attendance. Students who want more flexibility and independence can find fully online programs in Louisiana, while those who want a blended experience can enroll in hybrid/blended degrees. Although the two terms are often used synonymously, hybrid learning involves some classes fully online and some fully in-person while blended classes have online and in-person components. Below are two programs in Louisiana, one fully online and one hybrid, to give you a better idea of how each type works.
Bachelor of Human Science at Southeastern Louisiana University (Hybrid/Blended)
If you’re looking for a program with both online and in-person courses, check out the degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University. One of their most popular hybrid degrees is a Bachelor of Science in human science. The program offers a dynamic mix of blended classes where lectures are online and labs are in-person and fully in-person courses. Students choose between three concentrations in their second year: child life, human development, or nutrition education. How many courses you can take online or blended depends on each semester’s course offerings and each professor’s approach. All labs for this degree must be taken in person.
Bachelor of Computer Science at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (Fully Online)
Louisiana State University hosts a widely acclaimed Bachelor of Science in Computer Science through its Alexandria campus. All aspects of this degree, including labs, can be taken online. In fact, you can complete your degree without setting foot on campus. Since the program involves group projects, class discussions, and one-on-one time with professors during office hours, classes and labs are synchronous. Students log in to class sessions at specific times but can complete assignments whenever it works for their schedules. Courses also focus on teaching the most in-demand computer science skills, such as the JAVA language. Alexandria’s campus also offers online student support and career development resources to set students up for success before and after graduation.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Online programs are offered synchronously, at set class times via a video conferencing platform, or asynchronously, through independent modules students complete at their own pace. Synchronous learning is a great option for those who need real-time engagement and are hands-on learners. Asynchronous learning often suits extremely busy schedules since classes can be accessed at any time. To learn more about each type of programming, check out the programs spotlighted below.
Bachelor of Health Informatics and Information Management at Louisiana Tech University (Asynchronous)
Louisiana Tech University offers a bachelor’s in health informatics and information management that is perfect for self-starters. While students can take this program fully in person, there’s also a 100% online option that can be taken without stepping foot on campus once. In the online option, students complete modules and various assignments at their own pace. There aren’t any in-person class sessions or discussions, which can make it difficult to focus. Because of this, the university warns that the program requires a high level of focus and dedication. While courses are in asynchronous modules, the program offers the same high-quality education as the in-person option, and online students can access in-person resources whenever they need them.
Bachelor of Political Science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (Synchronous)
The University of Louisiana offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science through its Monroe Campus. In this program, students learn the necessary skills to enter a variety of political science careers, including working as activists, lobbyists, or CIA analysts. The program also has online resources to prepare students for law school or graduate school. The program involves live video classes at specific times, and students are expected to participate in class discussions and work on small-group activities during these times. Between classes, students have assignments to complete on their own as well as readings that must be completed before each class. While all class sessions are live, students can complete the degree without setting foot on campus.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Depending on your lifestyle, attending college on a part-time or full-time basis might work better for you. If you’re extremely busy and working a full-time job, attending classes on a part-time basis is probably best. If you have more free time or need to get your degree faster, consider a full-time program. While full-time programs are more common in Louisiana, there are also some high-quality part-time programs available too, especially for graduate students or those with associate degrees who want to pursue bachelor’s degrees. For a better idea of what each learning option looks like, check out the two spotlighted programs below.
Master of Criminal Justice at McNeese State University (Part-time)
Students looking to advance their careers while still working full-time should consider the Master of Science in Criminal Justice from McNeese State University. This two-year, fully online degree was designed to fit around a full-time job. Classes are all either asynchronous or in the evenings, depending on each professor’s preferences, so students can still work while getting their master’s. For added flexibility, the program is designed in seven-week terms instead of full-length semesters. This allows students to tailor how many classes they take more often and to graduate in a year and a half as part-time students. Along with a flexible delivery format, the program also offers specializations in sociology, criminology, or psychology. You can also explore your interests through independent research. Students also get personalization through small class sizes since the program only accepts 17 students per year.
Bachelor of Construction Management at Louisiana State University (Full-time)
As one of the only online programs accredited by the American Council for Construction Education, the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at Louisiana State University sets students up for a great career without having to step foot on a college campus. The program offers a diverse curriculum, including courses in industrial, commercial, residential, and heavy highway construction. It also includes classes in facilities management. This degree not only teaches the cutting-edge knowledge needed to enter the construction management field, but students are also taught by esteemed faculty with special training in online course instruction. Because the program is so demanding, it must be taken on a full-time basis to graduate in four years. By the end of the program, students are ready to become innovative leaders in the field.
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Louisiana
When looking for an online college, make sure any school you apply to is accredited. Without accreditation, your degree will not be seen as legitimate by employers and other universities. It could also lead to fewer funding opportunities as state and federal funding as well as many private scholarships can only be used at accredited universities.
A high-quality school is usually accredited by a regional or national institution. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the regional accreditation organization for Louisiana. Some individual programs, like nursing and accounting, also have additional accreditation from a national degree-specific organization.
While accreditation can be confusing, it’s important to ensure any program you attend is accredited. To learn more, check out this guide to accreditation.
Cost of Online College Degrees in Louisiana
College is expensive, but how much does it cost in the Creole state? On average, students pay $9,571 for tuition in-state and $23,333 for tuition out-of-state, slightly different than the national averages of $9,349 in-state and $27,091 out-of-state. Averages don’t tell the whole story, though. The cost of tuition differs based on institution, delivery format (e.g., online, hybrid, in-person, etc.), and financial aid opportunities. Online college also does not include costs for commuting to campus and other costs associated with attending classes on campus.
To get a better idea of how much you might pay, check out the costs in the table below for online and in-person classes at five popular Louisiana universities.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | $9,081/year | $15,132/year | $9,600/year | $15,650/year |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $29,144/year | $42,782/year | $12,160/year | $25,888/year |
| Louisiana State University | $24,768/year | $41,445/year | $11,958/year | $28,635/year |
| Louisiana Tech University | $7,190/year | $14,556/year | $7,190/year | $14,556/year |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $10,284/year | $21,072/year | $11,084/year | $21,872/year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Louisiana College Students
Even if the initial tuition price is high, financial aid options can help lower costs. The most popular financial aid options in the U.S. include:
- Federal funding through the FAFSA
- Student loans, both federal and private
- Financial aid, both need-based and merit-based, through universities
- Privately funded scholarships
- State-funded loans and scholarships
Louisiana has some high-quality statewide programs to make college more affordable, led by the Louisiana Office of State Financial Aid by providing state-specific financial aid. This state-funded office provides scholarships, grants, and loans to residents pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and post-grad degrees.
In-Demand College-Level Careers in Louisiana
If you’re unsure what career you want to pursue, consider the in-demand careers in your state. Knowing which career fields have the highest projected job growth and salaries can help you determine what degree to pursue. Check out which careers are expected to grow the fastest by 2030 in the table below.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientists | 37.5% | $79,470 |
| Business Managers of Artists and Performers | 33.3% | $43,230 |
| Epidemiologists | 33.3% | $59,530 |
| Producers and Directors | 31.9% | $53,150 |
| Computer Programmers | 31.6% | $78,650 |
| Logisticians | 29.5% | $71,850 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 29% | $63,310 |
| Statisticians | 28.6% | $73,110 |
| Information Security Analysts | 27.6% | $87,600 |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 27.3% | $54,500 |
Resources for Online College Students in Louisiana
University of Louisiana Monroe Distance Learning Guide
While these online student resources are for University of Louisiana students, the free video series about how to navigate online and hybrid programs in the state of Louisiana can help any student.
Louisiana Office of State Financial Aid
This state office provides funding options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, for both online and in-person students. There are also free guides on how to afford college.
Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities
This search engine allows you to look through all the colleges and universities that are publicly funded in Louisiana. You can see critical information about each to decide which is right for you.
Louisiana Department of Education
The Louisiana Department of Education provides multiple free resources to help students plan for college and succeed at school and in their careers. They even have some resources specifically for online students.
This state-funded board has a bold mission: to ensure 60% of working-age adults in the state have an advanced degree by 2030. To help achieve that goal, it provides scholarships and other resources for students.