Best Colleges in Louisiana of 2023

Tulane University is a world-class private institution based in New Orleans. Tulane is home to a well-regarded law school, but if law isn't of interest, students can choose from a variety of other majors, including anthropology, communication, economics, dance, and information technology. The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine stands out as the only specialty school of its kind in the entire country. Tulane offers many high-quality graduate programs that range from finance to public health. With over 200 student clubs and organizations, there are plenty of activities for students to participate in on campus, and over 40% of students are involved in a fraternity or sorority. With an admission rate of only 11%, Tulane University is very selective. All undergraduate students share a common core curriculum that focuses on multidisciplinary academic and community experiences. Tulane students are known for prioritizing community service, with students logging about 780,000 hours of civic service and volunteerism every year.

Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University, more commonly known as LSU, is the flagship university of the Louisiana State University system. It is the largest university in the state and is home to one of the best athletics programs in the country. The LSU Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference and play a major role in campus culture. Students can choose from a wide range of programs offered by more than a dozen different colleges, and through LSU Online, students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees at their own pace. LSU is one of only eight universities in the country with a law school, dental school, medical school, veterinary school, and a top-ranked Master of Business Administration program. With over 350 student organizations and free amenities like the Hilltop Arboretum and the Louisiana Museum of Natural History, there are plenty of activities for students to explore while attending LSU.

Louisiana Tech University is a four-year public research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs that range from agricultural business and environmental science to sociology and biomedical engineering. The school also offers several fully online programs for distance learners that require flexible schedules. Home to several centers, institutes, and state-of-the-art labs, Louisiana Tech University is consistently ranked among the top universities in inventions and technology licenses per dollar of research expenditure. As a highly ranked research university, students have the opportunity to engage in research and practical training with faculty and outside organizations. Approximately 89% of students at Louisiana Tech receive some form of financial aid, which helps to offset the cost of attendance.

Loyola University in New Orleans is a private Jesuit institution that offers more than 60 degrees alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities that students can participate in. All undergraduate students are subject to the Loyola Core, which is made up of classes and experiences designed to help students develop their critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning skills. Community engagement is a major aspect of Loyola's Jesuit mission. The university offers many ways for students to give back to the community through organizations like Loyola University Community Action Program or the school's Hunger Relief program. Students can also participate in service learning to earn course credits while engaging with the local community.

Centenary College of Louisiana is a private liberal arts university and is the oldest college in Louisiana. With a student-to-faculty ratio of nine-to-one, Centenary College is able to offer students personalized guidance that they may not be able to find at other schools in the state. Centenary College offers undergraduate majors ranging from accounting and biochemistry to geology and kinesiology, alongside a limited number of graduate programs. Centenary's experiential curriculum, Trek, gives students the opportunity to advance their learning by studying abroad and taking part in unique immersive programs. This can include volunteer opportunities, internships, and research projects. The school is home to a variety of student clubs and organizations, as well as activities like intramural sports, which gives students plenty to do while living on or off campus.

Xavier University of Louisiana is the only historically black and catholic university in the nation and is a nationally recognized leader in the STEM and health sciences fields. The university offers a number of liberal arts-based programs in areas such as art, business, education, data science, jazz studies, and political science. Regardless of their major, undergraduate students must complete 40 hours of core curriculum courses. Xavier University also offers pre college programs that provide opportunities to high school students in the summer for academic enrichment, mentorship, and career exploration. In recent years, Xavier has significantly increased its prominence as a research institution, ranking sixth amongst all HBCUs in funding from Health and Human Services and first on a per capita basis. The university is also a member of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, which advances Xavier's Cancer research programs.

The University of Holy Cross is a Catholic university that offers undergraduate programs in food science, history, theology, education, health sciences, and nursing. With a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive the personalized attention and instruction they need to succeed in their studies. Distance learners can take advantage of the school's fully online programs, which include master's degrees in teaching, counseling, and management. The University of Holy Cross stands out by delivering exceptional student support services, including free academic advising, mental health counseling, and tutoring. Students can also visit the career center to receive resume writing advice, participate in mock interviews, and find opportunities for internships.

Students looking for an affordable, high-quality education should strongly consider Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Starting at $375 per credit for undergraduates, Northwestern State is more affordable than other options in the state. For students who attend Northwestern exclusively online, tuition drops to $100 per credit after 12 hours, and there are no out-of-state fees for distance learners. The school offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees for prospective students, including programs in disciplines like accounting, business, education, engineering, and communication. Students can also participate in the school's Continuing Education and career training programs to gain new skills and advance in their fields. These programs can be completed online or on campus, providing flexibility for adult learners and returning students.

The second largest college in the state, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a selective admissions university that offers upward of 80 undergraduate majors and over 30 graduate programs. Top programs include informatics and smart systems development, nursing, and computing. Students can also customize their learning and living experience through Themed-Living Communities and Living-Learning Communities. These communities let students live and learn with other students who share their interests and career goals. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers several great financial aid opportunities for prospective students, such as fee waivers worth nearly $55,000 and room and board scholarships worth nearly $20,000 per year.

Nicholls State University is a public university in Thibodaux. With more than 100 programs of study in fields such as applied sciences, business, dietetics, and engineering, students should have no trouble choosing a program that suits their goals. With an average undergraduate class size of 23 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1, students are able to interact directly with their instructors for personalized guidance. There are more than 100 student organizations on campus, and the school offers affordable housing for students who don't live nearby. Nicholls State University is ideal for students who want to pursue the culinary arts as it is the only postsecondary institution in Louisiana that offers a four-year culinary degree through the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.