Louisiana is a state like no other, known for Mardi Gras, French culture, Creole and Cajun food, an active jazz and blues scene, and renowned educational institutions. If you enjoy limitless cultural experiences and a subtropical climate, a Louisiana college might be the right choice.
College tuition in Louisiana is in line with the national average. Whether you're a lifelong resident of the state who wants to attend college online or you want to attend one of the online colleges in Louisiana from elsewhere, you'll find everything you need to know below.
Top Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
As Louisiana's flagship research institution, Louisiana State University hosts diverse programs that analyze and address the world's most pressing problems. Students can learn their field both in the classroom and by researching with faculty mentors.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $5,977
Out-of-State | $14,316
Why Students Choose Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College:
- Focus on Research: LSU students enjoy cutting-edge research opportunities in areas such as agriculture, biomedicine, coastal research, defense, and energy.
- Student Support: LSU offers advising, health, and financial management support. Students can earn their degrees while learning to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Offerings: LSU offers over 150 fully online programs. Online students receive one-on-one support from application to graduation and pay in-state tuition rates.
- Career Center: The LSU Career Center provides mentor support for first-generation students, professional headshots, and a career guide to help learners transition from college to career.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
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 2025
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Founded in 1939, McNeese State University aims to deliver students an academically rigorous education at a low cost. The school also excels in online education. Distance learners enjoy 100% online options to complete a self-paced degree from home.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,230
Out-of-State | $4,980
Why Students Choose McNeese State University:
- Online Support: Students taking online courses can access all the same benefits as on-campus students.
- Payment Plans: McNeese State University allows students to use Nelnet Enterprise to break up their tuition payments and bookstore charges.
- CARE Mentorship Program: Students can receive one-on-one mentorship from faculty and staff.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Restrictions on Payment Plan: International students paying tuition through wire transfer or Flywire cannot use the Nelnet payment plan.
- Personal Touch Account: Students can purchase up to $800 in books and supplies at the McNeese University bookstore with an interest-free student charge account.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
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 2025
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The only university serving the Bayou Region of Louisiana, Nicholls State University offers a diverse range of programs, including nursing, business administration, and culinary studies. Committed to serving students from all backgrounds, Nicholls State University connects learners with scholarship opportunities and resources to help them thrive.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,087
Out-of-State | $4,633
Why Students Choose Nicholls State University:
- Free Writing Help: Experts at the writing center teach students how to craft excellent papers in 45-minute one-on-one sessions.
- Nicholls Scholarship Office: The Nicholls Scholarship Office helps students apply for academic, athletic, private, and university financial aid.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Scholarships for First-Time First Years: First-time first-year students with high academic achievement may qualify for scholarships. Applicants must submit the required materials by Jan. 5.
- Tutoring Center Fee: Students utilizing the tutoring center must pay a $25 per semester fee, which grants unlimited access to tutors.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
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 2025
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Northwestern State University hosts eNSU, a completely virtual campus, to serve students in diverse geographical locations. With an emphasis on online learning, students can complete a degree from NSU without disrupting their daily lives. NSU also charges online students relatively low tuition and maintains a reputation for service to military families.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,432
Out-of-State | $9,826
Why Students Choose Northwestern State University of Louisiana:
- Military Friendly: Northwestern State University's online campus, eNSU, earned a silver tier of distinction as one of Louisiana's best online schools for veterans.
- Competitive Online Tuition: Students taking online courses exclusively can avoid paying out-of-state fees.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Professional Licensure Requirements: Northwestern State University offers online education to residents of other states. However, NSU's program may only meet some states' professional licensure and field experience requirements.
- Virtual Recruitment Meeting: Prospective students who want to talk one-on-one with someone about admissions can schedule a virtual meeting with a recruiter.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
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 2025
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Hammond, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The state's third-largest public institution of higher education, Southeastern Louisiana University, seeks to shape students to make an impact in their communities. Additionally, with Southeastern's emphasis on online education, students can earn a degree or certificate fully online from any location.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,187
Out-of-State | $10,426
Why Students Choose Southeastern Louisiana University:
- Flat-Rate Tuition: Southeastern Louisiana University maintains flat-rate tuition for its online programs. Undergraduates pay $375 per credit hour, while graduates pay $475.
- Flexible Learning: Students can earn many degrees and certificates 100% online or in a hybrid format.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Save on Additional Credit Hours: Undergraduates taking more than 12 credit hours worth of classes in a semester and graduates taking more than nine credit hours in a semester pay $100 for each additional credit hour.
- Closed on Fridays: Southeastern Louisiana University operates from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
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 2025
Southern University and A & M College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Part of the only historically Black Land Grant university system, Southern University and A&M College aims to serve students across the United States with its distance learning programs. With Southern University Online, students can access certificates, continuing education, and undergraduate and graduate studies from anywhere.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,924
Out-of-State | $8,599
Why Students Choose Southern University and A&M College:
- Online Education: An extension of Southern University, Southern University Online allows distance learners to study at the undergraduate or graduate level from any location.
- Support for Distance Learners: Online students can access registration, advising, and career services remotely.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Distance Learning Fees: Students taking online classes must pay a $30 per semester credit hour distance learning fee.
- Follett ACCESS: The Follett ACCESS program allows students to rent textbooks at a reduced rate. Students must pay a $25 fee per course per semester or opt out of the program.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
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 2025
Southern University at New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
A historically Black university, Southern University at New Orleans creates an outsized impact in New Orleans and beyond by training future leaders. With numerous online and accelerated options, SUNO serves students in New Orleans and nationwide.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $3,745
Out-of-State | $8,195
Why Students Choose Southern University at New Orleans:
- Accelerated Options: With SUNO Online, distance learners can sign up for accelerated three-year bachelor's programs and one-year master's programs, saving both time and money.
- In-State Rates for Online Learners: Regardless of location, online students pay the same rate as in-state students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Payment Plan: Students who pay tuition with an installment plan must pay a $35 enrollment fee and 50% of their semester balance up front, followed by three monthly payments.
- Online Fees: Distance learners pay $37 in fees per online credit hour.
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 2025
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Founded by the Marianite Sisters in 1916, the University of Holy Cross aims to educate students in a faith-based environment. With many accelerated online programs available, students can complete their education quickly without incurring relocation costs or disrupting their work schedules.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $8,080
Out-of-State | $8,080
Why Students Choose the University of Holy Cross:
- Individualized Attention: With a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Holy Cross students have plenty of opportunities to connect with professors.
- First-Generation Friendly: Over one-third of learners enrolled at Holy Cross are first-generation college students.
- Free Application: University of Holy Cross does not charge an application fee.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Support for Veterans: Members of the registrar, financial aid office, and student affairs have training to help students apply for GI Bill® benefits.
- Tuition Based on Course Type: University of Holy Cross charges different tuition rates depending on the course type. For example, nursing courses cost more per credit than other undergraduate courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
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 2025
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Committed to accessible, rigorous, and affordable education, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers accelerated online programs to help working professionals earn their degrees faster. Convenient payment plans and affordable tuition help remove financial barriers to education for many students.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $5,209
Out-of-State | $12,073
Why Students Choose the University of Louisiana at Lafayette:
- Accelerated Online Courses: Distance learners can take accelerated (eight-week) and standard (16-week) classes.
- Dedicated Enrollment Specialist: Students receive one-on-one support from their enrollment specialist for their studies.
- Flat-Rate Tuition: Online students pay an exclusive tuition rate, about $380 per undergraduate credit and about $480 per graduate credit.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Services: Distance learners enjoy access to Microsoft Office, IT support, and library and career services.
- Payment Plan: To enroll in a payment plan, students must pay 25% of their tuition and a $50 processing fee. The university accepts the remaining balance over three additional payments.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2025
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
With over 35 degree programs offered 100% online, the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers flexible education that can accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, caretakers, and individuals living in remote areas. Distance learners who want to complete a degree quickly can enroll in eight-week accelerated courses.
Cost Per Semester:
In-State | $4,595
Out-of-State | $10,645
Why Students Choose the University of Louisiana at Monroe:
- Accelerated Programs: Through accelerated coursework, online students can complete a bachelor's degree with two years of intensive study.
- Transparent Tuition and Fees: Online undergraduate students pay $400 per credit hour, and online graduate students pay $500 per credit hour, including all general fees.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Advocacy: The Office of Online Advocacy supports distance learners with encouragement and guidance tailored to the needs of online students.
- Prior Learning Assessment: Students with previous academic or professional experience can complete some degree requirements with a standardized exam, skills exam, or portfolio assessment.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
The state of Louisiana offers the START Saving Program to help families save for their child's college education.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Louisiana
Attending college in Louisiana can prepare you for a future in one of the state's fastest-growing careers.
According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, careers with some of the highest projected growth rates in Louisiana through 2032 are nurse practitioners (44%) and medical and health services managers (29%). Other top-growing occupations in the state include data scientists, information security analysts, and epidemiologists.
The table below lists some of the fast-growing careers in Louisiana that require at least a bachelor's degree.
Fastest-Growing Jobs In Louisiana That Require a Degree
| Job |
Projected Growth (2022-2032) |
Annual Median Wage in Louisiana (May 2023) |
| Nurse Practitioners |
44% |
$118,830 |
| Epidemiologists |
37% |
$59,840 |
| Data Scientists |
33% |
$68,730 |
| Statisticians |
30% |
$69,100 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
29% |
$100,340 |
| Information Security Analysts |
28% |
$90,090 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists |
27% |
$67,870 |
| Chemical Engineers |
25% |
$123,420 |
| Actuaries |
24% |
$82,470 |
| Software Developers |
24% |
$104,840 |
Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Louisiana's Job Market
If you're ready to build a career in one of Louisiana's fastest-growing industries, degrees in health, nursing, mathematics, or the sciences can be a strong starting point.
-
Health and Nursing
A bachelor's degree in nursing or health sciences can start your path to a career as a nurse practitioner, epidemiologist, orthotist, or prosthetist. To enter any of these careers, you'll need a graduate degree and additional certifications.
-
Computer Science
A bachelor's degree in computer science can open career opportunities as a software developer, information security analyst, data scientist, or mathematical scientist. You could also consider a bootcamp while you earn your degree to build key skills faster. Specialized certifications in subjects like cybersecurity or data analysis can demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
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These degrees have applications in diverse industries, such as healthcare, business, and information technology. They can also serve as stepping stones for graduate degree programs.
What is the Cost of College in Louisiana?
Per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees in Louisiana was $9,843 for in-state students and $23,573 for out-of-state students in 2023. For in-state students in 2023, tuition was slightly higher than the national average of $9,750. Online college costs in Louisiana vary by institution, but with some careful research and planning, you can find institutions with tuition rates below the national average.
Average Cost of College in Louisiana
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in Louisiana |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
| Public 4-Year (In-State) |
$9,843 |
$9,750 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) |
$23,573 |
$28,297 |
| Private 4-Year |
$44,485 |
$35,248 |
Source: NCES
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Louisiana
The cost of attending college can prohibit some students from attending, and online college is no different. To offset some tuition costs, you can apply for scholarships to help fund your attendance at online universities in Louisiana.
Read more about some of these scholarships, including their amounts and eligibility requirements, below.
- Louisiana Geaux Teach Scholarship Program: This scholarship offers a maximum annual award of $5,000 for students enrolled in teacher preparation programs or alternative teacher certification programs. You can apply at the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). No deadline is listed.
- Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program: This program is for qualified students who have been in the foster care system. It awards up to $5,000 annually through LOSFA. Students must meet FAFSA deadlines to qualify.
- John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program: State or federal public defenders or state prosecutors who remain employed in Louisiana for at least three years can qualify for this repayment program on eligible loans. The application deadline for 2025 is not yet listed; in 2024, it was April 30.
- Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship: This scholarship annually awards up to $2,000 for undergraduates and up to $3,000 for graduate students pursuing a degree in forestry, wildlife, or marine science. Applications are due July 1, with possible spring semester scholarships available for applications received by December 1.
- TOPS Tech Award: This award provides up to $5,147 annually for two years of occupational training, including a vocational or technical education certificate, diploma, or non-academic degree program.
Top Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Louisiana
How many colleges are in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to 28 accredited four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities. This includes Louisiana State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which together enroll nearly 50,000 students.You can also choose from 16 public and private nonprofit two-year colleges and universities in the state.
What is the cheapest online college in Louisiana?
Louisiana State University-Alexandria is the cheapest online college in the Bayou State. LSU-Alexandria's in-state tuition and fees were $7,050 for the 2023-2024 academic year, which is about $2,800 cheaper than the state's average tuition.
Other Louisiana colleges with competitive tuition rates include Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana State University-Shreveport, Grambling State University, and Nicholls State University.
Is LSU a good school?
Louisiana State University, or LSU, is widely considered a good school for a myriad of reasons. According to its website, LSU students graduate at higher rates than the national average. The school has more than 250,000 alums globally.
LSU also asserts that graduates are consistently accepted into medical, dental, and law schools at higher rates. Notable LSU alumni include diplomats, CEOs, Grammy winners, renowned doctors and scientists, best-selling authors, space explorers, and more.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Louisiana?
Nicholls State University is the easiest online college to get into in Louisiana. For the 2023-2024 school year, this college admitted 96% of applicants. This college could be a good choice if you struggle to meet other schools' application requirements or want to avoid worrying about a more stringent admissions process.
Is Tulane a good school?
Tulane University is one of the most highly selective colleges in Louisiana. For the 2023-2024 school year, it accepted only 15% of applicants. Students accepted at Tulane typically perform well above average on standardized tests.
Tulane offers over 150 bachelor's degree programs, giving students a variety of educational paths and future career options. The university also has a 93% retention rate for first-time undergraduate students.
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