Louisiana is a state like none other, known for Mardi Gras, French culture, creole and Cajun food, an active jazz and blues music scene, and renowned educational institutions.
If you enjoy limitless cultural experiences and a subtropical climate, a Louisiana college might be the right choice.
Whether you're a lifelong resident of the state who wants to attend college online or just want to attend one of the online colleges in Louisiana from elsewhere — find everything you need to know below.
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Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Top Online Colleges in Louisiana
Read About Our Methodology
#1 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $326-$1,110
Out-of-State | $326-$1,110
Credits to Graduate: 12-120
LSU Online offers more than 150 online programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most of LSU's online programs feature six start dates each year. Many classes run asynchronously for increased flexibility.
The school charges all students the same tuition rate regardless of state residency. Online degrees do not require campus visits. In addition to accepting scholarships from other grantors, LSU Online offers public health distance learners a scholarship program.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Tuition Cost per Credit:
In-State | $283-$417
Out-of-State | $283-$417
Credits to Graduate: 12-120
UL Lafayette Online offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs online. Courses run in accelerated eight-week or traditional 16-week formats. Some degrees offer multiple start dates per year for increased flexibility.
All students pay the same tuition rate for online classes, regardless of state residency. Though distance learners are not eligible for institutional scholarships from UL Lafayette, they can still access other financial aid opportunities.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,250-$4,829
Out-of-State | $4,750-$5,329
Credits to Graduate: 35-120
McNeese's online programs include bachelor's and master's-level programs in areas like law, healthcare, and education. Online students can pursue self-paced, asynchronous study or hybrid delivery models. Some programs offer multiple start dates each year.
While most classes use a standard semester format, some online classes run in accelerated seven-week sessions. For tuition, out-of-state students pay an additional nonresident fee of $500 per credit. Online learners can apply for scholarships from the school.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $400-$500
Out-of-State | $400-$500
Credits to Graduate: 30-125
ULM's online offerings include over 35 programs in areas such as political science, business administration, education, and health studies. Distance learners can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Online classes run in accelerated four- and eight-week sessions as well as in the traditional semester format. ULM charges students in all states the same tuition rate. Applicants can qualify for financial aid opportunities like loans and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $100-$475
Out-of-State | $100-$475
Credits to Graduate: 15-120
The NSU Global Campus offers associate programs, bachelor's degrees, master's programs, doctorates, and certificates. Students can earn degrees in fields like allied health, child and family studies, and computer information systems. Online classes typically blend asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes.
While most classes run fully virtually, some may have in-person requirements, such as on-campus midterms and finals. At the NSU Global Campus, online students have the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. They also pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $135-$950
Out-of-State | $135-$950
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Loyola Online offers a plethora of distance education programs, including bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs. The school's City College division hosts asynchronous associate and bachelor's degrees developed specifically for working students.
Non-City College programs employ a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous content but usually offer multiple start dates per year. Loyola maintains an office for online student success that connects learners to success coaches and other resources. Distance education enrollees do not qualify for institutional scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $275-$412
Out-of-State | $275-$412
Credits to Graduate: 18-120
Nicholls Online offers nine bachelor's programs, including options in political science, nursing, and sociology. The school also offers several associate and master's programs alongside a post-baccalaureate certificate. Online classes at Nicholls run in accelerated eight-week sessions, and students can take up to 18 credits each semester.
Learners can enroll with multiple annual start dates. Most online classes at Nicholls run asynchronously, though some courses may offer synchronous learning opportunities. Online students can qualify for talent-, merit-, or needs-based scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $340-$365
Out-of-State | $340-$365
Credits to Graduate: 18-121
The online learning programs at NOBTS include certificates and associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. Courses run in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, with some classes allowing students to choose which delivery mode they prefer.
Some programs have approval to run fully online but do not actually offer every class in a distance learning capacity, so research program requirements and online course availability before enrolling. Online students at NOBTS are eligible for institutional scholarships. All learners pay the same tuition rates regardless of state residency.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Tuition Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330-$735
Out-of-State | $330-$735
Credits to Graduate: 27-120
Holy Cross students can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like executive leadership, counseling, and applied behavioral sciences. The school also offers certification-only programs for educators. In addition to an accelerated management master's degree, learners can also pursue accelerated bachelor's programs in accounting and business administration.
Holy Cross online enrollees are eligible for institutional scholarships and other forms of financial aid. All attendees pay the same tuition rates regardless of state residency. Accelerated programs charge lower tuition than other programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Price Check
The state of Louisiana offers the START Saving program to help families begin to save for their child's college education.
Cost of Living in Louisiana
While the cost of living in Louisiana varies by city, overall, the state's cost of living is nine percent lower than the national average. The cost of living is even lower in some areas that students are specifically concerned about, including housing and utilities.
Students who want to attend an online college in Louisiana can find other ways to cut costs by living with roommates and taking advantage of student discounts, student transportation, and campus health services.
Cost of Living in Louisiana vs. National Average
Cost of Living Category |
Compared to National Average |
Housing (Buy and Rent) |
17% lower |
Utilities (Monthly) |
13% lower |
Food |
4% lower |
Healthcare |
1% lower |
Transportation |
6% lower |
Goods & Services |
4% lower |
Source: RentCafe
Louisiana Scholarships
The cost of attending college can prohibit some students from attending, and online college is no different. In order to offset some tuition costs, prospective students are invited to apply for scholarships to help fund their attendance at online universities in Louisiana.
Some of these scholarships, amounts, and eligibility requirements are listed below.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Louisiana
Attending online colleges in Louisiana can prepare you for a future in some of the fastest-growing careers in the state.
The careers with the highest projected growth rate through 2030 are film and video editors (46%) and nurse practitioners (38%). Other top-growing occupations include data scientists, entertainment agents, and epidemiologists.
Each of the fast-growing careers on our table requires at least a bachelor's degree. Attending an online college in Louisiana can help you prepare to enter these promising job markets.
Fast-Growing Careers in Louisiana 2020-2030
Job |
Projected Growth |
Education Level Required |
Film and Video Editors |
46% |
Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners |
38% |
Master's degree |
Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations |
35% |
Bachelor's degree |
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes |
35% |
Bachelor's degree |
Epidemiologists |
34% |
Master's degree |
Music Directors and Composers |
34% |
Bachelor's degree |
Producers and Directors |
33% |
Bachelor's degree |
Orthotists and Prosthetists |
32% |
Master's degree |
Fashion Designers |
31% |
Bachelor's degree |
Logisticians |
29% |
Bachelor's degree |
Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Louisiana
Nicholls State University is the easiest online college to get into in Louisiana. This college admits 98% of applicants. This college could be a good choice for students who might not meet some requirements at other schools.
The cost to attend online colleges in Louisiana is usually the same cost as attending on campus, but there may be additional or different fees, as well as other financial aid opportunities. The average cost of tuition in Louisiana is $9,642 for in-state students and $23,333 for out-of-state students.
While it's not free to attend online college in Louisiana, there are scholarships and grants available to help students manage the cost. Financial aid options also help students pay for their education over time.
Typically, online students qualify for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as on-campus students.
You don't need to be a resident of Louisiana to attend an online college in the state, but you may have to pay a higher out-of-state tuition cost if you live elsewhere. Some universities charge a separate flat rate for online students, while others will charge tuition based on your state residency.