How many colleges are in Louisiana?

In the 2022-2023 school year, the National Center for Education Statistics recognized 50 degree-granting institutions in Louisiana. Most (31) are public institutions, and the state also has 13 private nonprofit colleges.

What HBCUs are in Louisiana?

Four historically Black colleges and universities have campuses in Louisiana. They include Dillard University, Grambling State University, Southern University (at New Orleans, at Shreveport, and A&M College), and Xavier University of Louisiana.

How do I get in-state tuition in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires students to have lived in the state for at least 365 days prior to the first day of classes to qualify for in-state tuition. The state also requires that a student's physical presence in Louisiana include evidence of intent to live in the state on a long-term basis, and not simply to qualify for in-state tuition.

What is the highest-paying job in Louisiana?

Per May 2024 median annual salary data from the BLS, nurse anesthetist ($225,440), ophthalmologist ($212,890), general internal medicine physician ($203,740), dentist ($179,600), and architectural and engineering manager ($167,840) are the five top-paying occupations in Louisiana.

Can college students get food stamps in Louisiana?

Yes, you can qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan (SNAP) as a Louisiana college student. To do so, you must maintain at least half-time enrollment, meet at least one SNAP exemption criterion, and satisfy all other SNAP eligibility standards.

Discover The Best Online Colleges In Louisiana

Louisiana's solid network of accredited colleges offers a wealth of online learning opportunities backed by personalized coaching and support, flexibility, and inclusive transfer credit policies. The state government has also identified educational attainment as a major developmental priority, which it has backed with significant investments.

This guide to online colleges in Louisiana highlights top-ranked schools offering accessible programs that can help you pursue in-demand jobs in the Pelican State. Explore key data points and connect with helpful resources for Louisiana students.

Louisiana at a Glance

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 38 nonprofit four-year institutions in Louisiana.
Per the U.S. Census Bureau, about 28% of adults in the state hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
In fall 2023, 52% of students at Louisiana institutions were enrolled in online courses, per NCES.
In fall 2023, over 70,000 students aged 25 and older were enrolled at Louisiana colleges, according to NCES.

Top 5 Accredited Online Colleges in Louisiana

Who Accredits Online Colleges in Louisiana?

Louisiana schools can pursue institutional accreditation from any agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits many of the state's colleges and universities.

Accreditation should play an important role in your school search because it can affect your access to financial aid, transfer credits, and employment. Accreditation exists at both the programmatic and institutional levels, providing quality assurance to students and employers.

How Much Does College Cost in Louisiana?

Generally, online colleges in Louisiana charge tuition rates that align with national averages or are slightly lower. This gives Louisiana a relatively affordable profile as a destination for higher education.

Despite this advantage, many students need help covering their education costs. According to the Institute for College Access & Success, 53% of Louisiana students graduate with debt, and their average debt at graduation exceeds $26,000.

Louisiana's state government offers several programs that can help. They include:

Scholarships, grants, and savings programs from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides free college tuition to eligible students training for in-demand careers at a two-year institution.
Reduced tuition for students from other Southern states through the Academic Common Market tuition reciprocity program.

Most online colleges in Louisiana also operate their own in-house financial aid programs, which can provide further cost relief.

Career Opportunities in Louisiana

$43,770
Median annual wage in LA (May 2024)

+4%
Projected job growth in LA (2022-2032)

4.4%
Unemployment rate in LA (August 2025)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Projections Central, BLS LAUS

Online colleges in Louisiana can prepare you for fast-growing careers. If you do not already have a major in mind, you can use labor market forecasts to identify promising career paths to target.

Students at Louisiana's community colleges can pursue in-demand healthcare roles such as occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant. Fast-growing career paths for bachelor's degree graduates in the state include data scientist, medical and health services manager, and information security analyst.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

New Orleans

Louisiana's metropolitan center is famous for its Creole culture, festive spirit, and historic charm.
Forbes named New Orleans the number one city in the U.S. for college students and graduates in 2024.
In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 New Orleans residents were students.

Lafayette

This city of over 122,000 people is about 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.
Business sectors in Lafayette are growing, particularly its technology industry.
The city also offers a high quality of life marked by a strong community and outdoor recreation options.

Metairie

This New Orleans suburb ranks nationally as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
It is part of Jefferson Parish, which supports accelerated growth and development through the Jefferson EDGE 2025 initiative.
Metairie has a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.