The Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Online colleges in Louisiana prepare graduates to join the workforce and advance their careers.
Louisiana is home to public universities like Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge and the nine institutions within the University of Louisiana System, plus renowned private schools like Tulane University. Students in Louisiana can also attend a community or technical college.
Online colleges in Louisiana offer convenient, affordable pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree. Many public universities in the state participate in LouisianaOnline, partnering up to offer online and hybrid degrees and courses.
Louisiana locals can earn an online degree to increase professional opportunities, change career paths, or fulfill a personal goal. Students outside of Louisiana may find unique degree options — especially those related to Louisiana’s major industries. Our ranked list of online schools in Louisiana can help students make informed decisions when choosing an online college.
The Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
McNeese State University is a fantastic choice for online learners. A total of 26 online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Lake Charles, Louisiana, campus, which online learners can also access. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience during internships. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
McNeese State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,070
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 39%
Admission Rate: 81%
- In-State$5,147
- Out-of-state$13,185
- In-State$5,703
- Out-of-state$13,740
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled7,295
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 14 online offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for academic strength.
Online learners not located near the campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in their field. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,584
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 12%
Admission Rate: 68%
- In-State$5,407
- Out-of-state$19,135
- In-State$5,511
- Out-of-state$19,239
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled16,933
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels are available at this public institution. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the school's campus are available to help online learners. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Internship programs are also available to students, helping them gain valuable field experience. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing their program.
Those interested in applying to the institution's online degree programs should contact the school directly for more information.
University of Louisiana at Monroe at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,756
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 38%
Admission Rate: 80%
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled8,673
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online degree-seekers should consider Nicholls State University. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 16 online degree programs. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.
The physical campus in Thibodaux, Louisiana, employs academic and career service professionals who are also available to assist online learners. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. Upon completing the program, the college gives graduates an accredited degree.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Nicholls State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,388
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 29%
Admission Rate: 88%
- In-State$4,922
- Out-of-state$6,015
- In-State$5,686
- Out-of-state$6,779
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,491
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
- Shreveport, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Louisiana State University in Shreveport has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 12 online offerings at undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its campus. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Louisiana State University in Shreveport at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,405
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 27%
Admission Rate: 84%
- In-State$5,656
- Out-of-state$5,656
- In-State$6,196
- Out-of-state$6,196
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled8,579
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of New Orleans is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Those who choose to enroll at this public college can choose from five programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
From its Louisiana campus, the school supports online learners with academic and career services. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Completing the program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
University of New Orleans at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,750
Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 5%
Admission Rate: 56%
- In-State$6,090
- Out-of-state$10,926
- In-State$6,090
- Out-of-state$10,660
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled8,231
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. Students who wish to study remotely at this public school can choose from 53 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.
Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Natchitoches campus. Online offerings from academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Many students also gain hands-on field experience through the school's internship programs. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,906
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Master's Programs: 17
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 60%
Admission Rate: 82%
- In-State$5,180
- Out-of-state$15,968
- In-State$5,738
- Out-of-state$16,526
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled10,900
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
LSU of Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
LSU of Alexandria is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution's 17 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The school's main campus in Louisiana hosts academic and career services available to online learners. Advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience during internships. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
LSU of Alexandria at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,206
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 57%
Admission Rate: 56%
- In-State$4,984
- Out-of-state$4,984
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled3,381
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Southern University and A&M College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online degree-seekers should consider Southern University and A&M College. The school, a public institution, hosts seven programs for remote learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, campus. Online offerings by academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefits many students. Graduates of the school's programs obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
Southern University and A&M College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,944
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%
Admission Rate: 35%
- In-State$4,972
- Out-of-state$4,972
- In-State$5,336
- Out-of-state$5,336
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled7,140
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Loyola University New Orleans is a leader in online education. Remote enrollees at this private college can choose from 26 online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics lead many distance learners to apply.
Online learners benefit from support from academic and career services offices at the school's Louisiana campus. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Many students also gain hands-on field experience through the school's internship program. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
Loyola University New Orleans at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,593
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 9
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 27%
Admission Rate: 75%
- In-State$38,926
- Out-of-state$38,926
- In-State$14,724
- Out-of-state$14,724
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Louisiana
2022
Online Louisiana Colleges Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyOnline Associate and Graduate Degrees
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities in Louisiana are incorporating more online components, creating opportunities for online learners who want to return to school but still work full time or have other time limitations. Some online courses and programs are asynchronous, providing more flexibility than traditional college study.
Online colleges in Louisiana offer nearly 170 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Many online associate degrees prepare students to transfer to a bachelor’s program, but two-year degrees can also lead directly to the workforce in some fields. For example, Baton Rouge Community College offers an online associate of science in criminal justice, and Sowela Technical Community College provides associate of applied science programs in business administration and culinary arts.
Online graduate program options in Louisiana include a master of business administration (MBA) from LSU and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. LSU’s online MBA includes 36 credits of coursework, with options to specialize in data analytics, emerging technology, or healthcare management. The criminal justice graduate program at ULM requires 33 credits of coursework for individuals completing a thesis, while non-thesis students earn a 36-credit degree.
Employment in Louisiana
In December 2020, the unemployment rate in Louisiana was 7.2%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — down from 9.1% in July.
Key industries in Louisiana include agribusiness, energy, and manufacturing. The geography of Louisiana allows for a strong emphasis on coastal-oriented industries such as shipbuilding, dredging, and fishing and seafood capture. Easy access to the Gulf of Mexico means lots of engineering, managerial, and research jobs for residents of Louisiana as well.
Petroleum engineers in Louisiana are some of the top-paid workers in the state, and the BLS projects they will see 3% job growth between 2009-2029. Architectural and engineering managers, who earned annual mean salaries over $152,000 in 2029, are projected to experience similar gains.
The cost of living in Louisiana falls below the national average. With a cost of living index just under 87%, Louisiana offers residents more affordable housing, utilities, and health expenses than many states. The median price for a home in Louisiana is nearly $90,000 lower than the United States’ average.
Below are some of the highest paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Louisiana that do not require a first-professional degree, like a doctor of medicine or juris doctor. Salary information applies specifically to Louisiana, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2019) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,070 | 3% | Bachelor’s |
| Petroleum Engineers | $132,000 | 3% | Bachelor’s |
| Industrial Production Managers | $122,890 | 1% | Bachelor’s |
| General and Operations Managers | $117,220 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Chemical Engineers | $115,430 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $111,250 | 10% | Bachelor’s |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,070 | 3% | Bachelor’s |
Source: BLS
The following data reflects some of the highest paying roles employing more than 5,000 professionals in Louisiana. Salary figures apply specifically to Louisiana, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2019) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $117,220 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Financial Managers | $108,890 | 15% | Bachelor’s |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $76,980 | 9% | Master’s or Doctoral |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $73,320 | 0% | High School Diploma |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $69,000 | 3% | High School Diploma |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions
LSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Students can explore degree options by career pathway, pursing fields like education, business, or healthcare. LSU also offers online continuing education programs.
Institution of higher education in Louisiana must provide information about accreditation status. Students can check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website for lists of accredited institutions and programs.
The best college in Louisiana is the school that best meets a student’s academic, professional, and personal needs. Learners should individually assess what each school in Louisiana offers in terms of education, support, and post-graduation opportunities when choosing the best college or university for them.
