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
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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.
| Job | Projected Growth (2023-2033) | Annual Median Wage in LA, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 44% | $125,980 |
| Epidemiologists | 37% | $59,810 |
| Data Scientists | 33% | $70,530 |
| Statisticians | 30% | $72,550 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 29% | $101,080 |
| Information Security Analysts | 28% | $88,200 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | 27% | $61,460 |
| Chemical Engineers | 25% | $131,180 |
| Actuaries | 24% | $82,930 |
| Software Developers | 24% | $102,290 |
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.Mathematical Sciences
A bachelor's degree in mathematics or data science can be the first step toward becoming a data scientist or pursuing a career in mathematics, such as a market research analyst or economist.
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?
Louisiana tuition costs depend on a variety of factors, including whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student and whether you attend a public or private institution. In-state public tuition is around the same as the national average, although out-of-state tuition is over $4,500 less than the national average. Private college tuition in Louisiana is nearly $10,000 more per year than the national average.
Attending an online Louisiana college could save you more on tuition. Some colleges have flat online tuition, while others charge variable tuition based on your state of residence.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in LA | 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 |
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.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Louisiana
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) coordinates the Academic Common Market, which allows students of 15 Southern states to access in-state tuition throughout the region for select programs.
Academic Common Market states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (graduate level only), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (graduate level only), Virginia, and West Virginia. If you reside in any of these states, you can access in-state tuition for more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College 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.
