The Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
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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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 MethodologyFeatured Online Louisiana Colleges
Online 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.
