Get Your Degree!
As the 25thmost populous state in America, Louisiana is nestled between the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. It is the only state in the country that divides the state into political subdivisions known as parishes which are equivalent to counties found in other states. The public college system in Louisiana includes a number of nationally ranked state colleges from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and from Shreveport to Lake Charles. State colleges in Louisiana include Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University, Southern University and A&M College, University of New Orleans, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Nicholls State University, and McNeese State University.
2025 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System, the main LSU campus in Baton Rouge includes 250 Italian Renaissance-style buildings on a 650-acre plateau overlooking the Mississippi River. Many of LSU's more than 17 schools and colleges have received recognition for their excellent academic programs. The school is noted for its excellent research programs and facilities and, as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant institution, receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among others.
Among illustrious LSU alumni is Hubert Humphrey, 38th vice-president of the United States, along with many foreign ambassadors, doctors, lawyers, writers, and research scientists.
History
Founded as a land-grant institution in 1853 as the "Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy," the school later became a military academy and earned the nickname "The Ole War Skule." The school was forced to close in 1861, due to the American Civil War. At the end of the war, General Sherman donated two cannons to the school. In later years, the school reopened and expanded its offering, eventually changing its name to Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.
After Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in the New Orleans area, LSU took in thousands of displaced students from other schools like Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and others. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the LSU campus was converted into a field hospital to help hurricane victims, with the help of thousands of LSU students.
Academics
The academic calendar for LSU follows the semester format with fall and spring semesters, as well as a shorter "Wintersession," a spring "Intersession," and a summer term.
Colleges and Schools
LSU has more than 17 schools and colleges:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Art & Design
- College of Science
- E.J. Ourso College of Business
- School of the Coast and Environment
- Continuing Education
- School of Public Health
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- Graduate School
- Honors College
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Library & Information Science
- Manship School of Mass Communication
- Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
- College of Music & Dramatic Arts
- School of Social Work
- University College
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine
Student Life
LSU offers more than 350 student clubs and organizations, including many active fraternity and sorority chapters. Student government at LSU is very active as well, with control of funding for many student initiatives. The many services and amenities offered to LSU students include the African American Cultural Center, various campus dining services, career services, the Center for Academic Success, on campus housing, the International Cultural Center, LSU Student Union, and much more.
Traditions
The mascot of LSU is the tiger, represented by a Bengal tiger named "Mike." The school colors are purple and gold.
Athletics
The LSU "Tigers" athletic teams compete in 20 intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Community Life
LSU is an urban institution that has a strong commitment to its community through community service and partnerships. The Community University Partnership (CUP) of LSU contributes instruction, continuing education, research, service learning and volunteer services to the local community with a focus on the Old South Baton Rouge area near the LSU campus.
Enrollment
30,983
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Louisiana Tech University provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Ruston, LA and publically funded. LA Tech has a yearly student enrollment of about 12,000.
Students can pick from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Engineering
- Health And Clinical Professions
Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken to apply to Louisiana Tech University. Scores in a range of 21 - 26 on the ACT or 920 - 1180 on the SAT are required to increase your chances for admission. This school accepts approximately 60% of students applying annually. Of those admitted, about 50% of students enrolled. More information regarding admissions can be found at latech.edu.
The tuition at LA Tech varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay nearly $6,500 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $14,000 annually. The price of on-campus housing is estimated to be $2,900 annually. Students enrolled at Louisiana Tech University may qualify for aid which is generally loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs participate in a number of athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
To see a full list of programs offered, enrollment information, student services, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.latech.edu.
Enrollment
11,909
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public institution located in Lafayette, LA and provides a large number of degree programs for students. UL has an annual student enrollment of over 17,000. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
- Engineering Technology
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
- Football (NCAA Division I-A)
Enrollment
17,123
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution located in Fort Myers, FL and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. Enrollment at FGCU is nearly 12,000 per year. Areas of study available at Florida Gulf Coast University include but are not limited to:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Soccer (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Enrollment
15,031
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Nicholls State University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana and publically funded. Enrollment at Nicholls State University exceeds seven thousand annually.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. The majority of students admitted to Nicholls State University earn an SAT score in a range of 890 - 1160, or an ACT composite score in a range of 20 - 24. 84% of applicants are accepted to Nicholls State University, of which 62 percent choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay nearly $5,200 and nonresidents pay $14,000 for the year. On-campus housing is available for students, which costs around $6,100 each year. Some students at Nicholls State University may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered as grants or student loans.
The Nicholls State University "Colonels" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students who would like to get more about Nicholls State University may check out their website at http://www.nicholls.edu.
Enrollment
6,453
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
McNeese State University, a public institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Lake Charles, LA, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. Enrollment at McNeese exceeds eight thousand yearly.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs McNeese State University offers:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Engineering
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, student records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. The most common scores among students accepted to McNeese State University are between 20 - 24 on the ACT, or 910 - 1120 for the SAT exam. 69% of those students that apply are accepted to McNeese, of which 70 percent choose to attend. More information on admissions can be found at mcneese.edu.
Tuition & fees at this school are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs close to $4,800 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. Housing is available for students, which costs around $3,700 annually. McNeese may provide financial aid for students who qualify as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The McNeese Cowboys participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, within the NCAA organization. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Track & Field
- Football
- Golf
Enrollment
7,647
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public institution located in Monroe, Louisiana and provides a large number of program options for students. ULM has a yearly student enrollment of nearly eight thousand. Here is a list of some of the popular programs ULM offers:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
- Football (NCAA Division I-A)
Enrollment
9,291
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a public institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, it resides in a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately 9,200 students are enrolled yearly at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Students can choose from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions committee. Students may provide either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. A score in a range of 905 - 1130 on the SAT, or 19 - 24 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. NSU admits roughly 80 percent of applicants yearly. Of those accepted, nearly 54 percent attended the school. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Tuition & fees at this school are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs around $5,500 per year and out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. Housing is available for students and costs around $5,200 annually. NSU may provide financial aid for students who are eligible as grants and loans.
Athletic programs are available at Northwestern State University of Louisiana through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs that are available may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students may visit the NSU website to see a complete list of areas of study, programs, student services, and more.
Enrollment
11,081
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
University of New Orleans, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in New Orleans, LA, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. Approximately eleven thousand students enroll at UNO per year.
Areas of study offered at UNO include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. The most common exam scores among students admitted to University of New Orleans are in the range of 19 - 24 for the ACT exam, or 940 - 1180 on the SAT. 56% of those who apply are admitted to University of New Orleans, of which 59% choose to attend. More information on admissions can be found at uno.edu.
Tuition & fees at University of New Orleans vary for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs close to $5,700 per year, while out-of-state tuition costing $18,000 annually. Students enrolled at University of New Orleans may be eligible for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The UNO "Privateers" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-A)
- Swimming and Diving (NCAA Division I-A)
Students should visit the University of New Orleans website to see a complete list of areas of study, programs, student services, and more.
Enrollment
8,151
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a historically black college which opened its doors in 1881 after the chartered was approved by the Louisiana General Assembly the year before. The school had to relocate several times in its early history due to growth in enrollment and a lack of land necessary to accommodate that growth. By 1922 the school had been reorganized to being under the control of the state board of education and during the period of transition and after the enrollment numbers of the school began to swell, resulting in the construction of some of the earliest permanent structures in the school's history. The school is prideful of its offerings, firstly as a provider of education, and second as a producer of intellectuals working to elicit change, and finally through its historic origins and ties to the region.
Academics
Southern University and A&M College offers a large number of majors, allowing students to choose the program and line of study that best reflect their future goals and current interests. Students in an undergraduate program will take a collection of classes over the course of four years that combine studies related to one's major, general education, and electives to provide a well rounded curriculum for the student. Students may also opt to take on a minor course of study, resulting an additional set of classes that provide the student with knowledge in a secondary field. Students will earn a bachelor's degree upon completion and may choose to continue their studies through graduate programs or enter the workforce in a field related to their studies.
Graduate level programs are also available, requiring a separate application, an undergraduate degree, and acceptable graduate exam scores. Students interested in studying at this level will have to review the requirements of their program of interest as specific criterion differ among programs.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Southern University and A&M College is a public, four year institution. Students interested in enrollment must complete the application for admission, provide transcripts and standardized test scores, as well as complete a personal statement after which the school will review the provided materials and render judgement regarding admissions. Requirements for residents of the state or more lax than those applying from out of state, with near guaranteed admission for any resident student having graduated high school with a 2.0 and having earned an 18 on their SAT. As stated above, graduate programs will each have their own requirements for admission.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine financial needs and aid program eligibility. Aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year. Additionally, students may be chosen at random to provide additional information to be compared to their FAFSA in order to ensure its accuracy due to new federal regulations regarding the disbursement of financial aid.
Enrollment
6,693
Student to Faculty Ratio
24:1
Southeastern is a public institution located in Hammond, Louisiana and provides a large number of degree programs for students. Approximately 15,000 students enroll at Southeastern yearly.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Southeastern offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. The majority of students at Southeastern scored in a range of 20 - 24 on the ACT. This school has an admissions rate of about 43 percent of which only 79 percent chose to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
The tuition at Southeastern varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $5,100 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $16,000 for the year. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $4,600. Southeastern may offer financial aid for students that qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Southeastern has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Contact information, academics information, areas of study offered, and much more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.selu.edu.
Enrollment
14,298
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Grambling State University is a public historically black institution located in Grambling, LA. Many historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. Nearly 5,000 students enroll at Grambling State University yearly.
Areas of study offered at Grambling State University include but are not limited to:
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admissions to Grambling State University. A score within the range of 760 - 930 on the SAT, or 16 - 20 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. 55% of students that apply are admitted to GSU, of which 38 percent choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $5,400 per year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to identify their costs. On-campus housing is available for students, which costs around $6,200 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for Grambling State University is the "Tigers", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through oversight by the NCAA. Available sports offered:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Soccer (NCAA Division I-AA)
Enrollment
5,205
Student to Faculty Ratio
24:1
LSUS, a public institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Shreveport, LA, it resides in a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately 4,500 students are enrolled per year at LSUS.
Students can pick from a few areas of study, including:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
- Education
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. Very common test scores among students admitted to this school are between 20 - 24 for the ACT exam, or 890 - 1060 on the SAT exam. 48% of students that apply are accepted to LSUS, of which 75% choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of tuition is nearly $4,900, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's net price calculator to better understand their cost of attending LSUS. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of grants or student loans.
The Louisiana State University - Shreveport Pilots participate in a number of athletic programs, as part of the NAIA organization. Available sports offered:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
- Tennis (NAIA Division I)
Contact information, tuition information, programs offered, and more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.lsus.edu/.
Enrollment
7,036
Student to Faculty Ratio
29:1
Louisiana State University - Alexandria, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Alexandria, LA, the campus offers a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately two thousand students are enrolled yearly at Louisiana State University - Alexandria. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Louisiana State University - Alexandria offers:
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- General Studies
- Psychology
- Liberal Arts
Enrollment
3,164
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Southern University at New Orleans is a public historically black institution located in New Orleans, Louisiana. A majority of historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. Southern University at New Orleans has a yearly student enrollment of around 3,200. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Southern University at New Orleans offers:
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Volleyball (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
2,356
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Degree Programs at Public Colleges in Louisiana

Much like the diversity you find in the biota in Louisiana, there are degree programs for every student interest imaginable. To put a finer point on it, you will discover that there are over 600 unique degree programs offered by Louisiana state university schools. For students seeking a traditional professional career, there are designated programs in the Louisiana state school system formed school,nursing,law,pharmacy, andveterinary medicine. Likewise, specific degrees in business such aseconomics,operations management,finance, &advertising and marketingare as readily available as healthcare programs likesonography,ultrasound,toxicology,pediatric nursing, andbacteriology. Regardless of your area of study, the state university system in Louisiana has a program to meet your needs and set you on a course for a productive career.
Louisiana State University System
The 3 schools listed below are part of the Louisiana State University System. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Louisiana State University in Alexandria, LA | info |
Louisiana State University - Alexandria in New Orleans, LA | info |
Louisiana State University - Eunice in Baton Rouge, LA | info |
Southern University System
The 2 schools listed below are part of the Southern University System. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Southern University at New Orleans in Baton Rouge, LA | info |
Southern University at Shreveport in New Orleans, LA | info |
The University of Louisiana System
The 7 schools listed below are part of The University of Louisiana System. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Loyola University - New Orleans in Ruston, LA | info |
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA | info |
Northshore Technical Community College - Sullivan in Lafayette, LA | info |
Southern University and A&M College in Hammond, LA | info |
University of Holy Cross in Natchitoches, LA | info |
University of Louisiana at Monroe in Thibodaux, LA | info |
University of New Orleans in Lake Charles, LA | info |
Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges
Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in Louisiana.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Northwest Louisiana Technical College in Monroe, LA | info |
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Louisiana in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.