Affordable Degree Guide

Affordable Higher Education in Louisiana

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Louisiana, located in the Deep South along the Gulf of Mexico, is defined by its wetlands, bayous, and the Mississippi River. With a population of about 4.6 million, the state blends cultural heritage with growing economic opportunities.

Major hubs like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport serve as centers of education, business, and innovation. The economy thrives on energy production, petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and a growing technology sector.

These industries are creating demand for skilled professionals, making higher education more important than ever. This guide helps you navigate affordable degree options in Louisiana, exploring tuition costs, financial aid, and academic pathways that align with the state’s workforce needs.

In this guide

Tuition and Fees in Louisiana

Louisiana’s higher education system features a robust network of public institutions—including Louisiana State University (LSU), the University of Louisiana System campuses, and Southern University’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

tuition starts as low as $8,040 at five community colleges, with an average of $17,637 across 13 schools, and can reach up to $39,600 at Southern University Shreveport.

Associate degree programs in Louisiana

  1. Delgado Community College

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $134
    Total cost per credit: $8,040
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Fletcher Technical Community College

    Schriever, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $134
    Total cost per credit: $8,040
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Louisiana Delta Community College

    Monroe, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $134
    Total cost per credit: $8,040
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  4. SOWELA Technical Community College

    Lake Charles, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $134
    Total cost per credit: $8,040
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  5. South Louisiana Community College

    Lafayette, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $134
    Total cost per credit: $8,040 - $8,174
    Credits: 60-61
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Baton Rouge Community College

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $139
    Total cost per credit: $8,340
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Bossier Parish Community College

    Bossier City, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $139
    Total cost per credit: $8,340
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Louisiana State University at Eunice

    Eunice, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $200 in-state | $224 out-of-state
    Total cost per credit: $12,000 - $13,440
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Alexandria, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $340
    Total cost per credit: $20,400
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total cost per credit: $22,500
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  11. University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $620
    Total cost per credit: $37,200
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Blue Cliff College

    Alexandria, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $602
    Total cost per credit: $39,130
    Credits: 65
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Southern University Shreveport Louisiana

    Shreveport, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $660
    Total cost per credit: $39,600
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Public schools offer competitive in-state tuition rates and wide access to degrees in healthcare, energy, and applied sciences.

Bachelor’s degree tuition begins at $40,800 at Louisiana State University of Alexandria, with an average cost of $70,960 among 14 schools, and a high of $152,040 at McNeese State University.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Louisiana

  1. Louisiana State University of Alexandria

    Shreveport, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $340
    Total tuition per credit: $40,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 33
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
    Total tuition per credit: $42,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 15
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Southeastern Louisiana University

    Hammond, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Southern University and A&M College

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

    Lafayette, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
    Total tuition per credit: $45,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of Louisiana at Monroe

    Monroe, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $400
    Total tuition per credit: $48,000 - $50,000
    Credits: 120-125
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $468
    Total tuition per credit: $56,160
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  10. University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $620
    Total tuition per credit: $74,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 15
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $674
    Total tuition per credit: $80,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $662 in-state | $1,015 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $79,440 - $121,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  13. The University of New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,248
    Total tuition per credit: $149,760
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  14. McNeese State University

    Lake Charles, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,267
    Total tuition per credit: $152,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Private colleges such as Tulane University and Loyola University contribute to the state’s reputation for strong research and professional training, though tuition costs are typically higher. Both sectors play a critical role in preparing graduates for Louisiana’s diverse job market.

Master’s degree programs in Louisiana

  1. Southeastern Louisiana University

    Hammond, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $475
    Total tuition per credit: $14,250 - $15,675
    Credits: 30-33
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $412 - $442
    Total tuition per credit: $14,832 - $15,912
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Xavier University of Louisiana

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $464
    Total tuition per credit: $13,920 - $16,704
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Nicholls State University

    Thibodaux, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $475
    Total tuition per credit: $14,250 - $17,100
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Southern University and A&M College

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $475
    Total tuition per credit: $17,100
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

    Lafayette, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480
    Total tuition per credit: $14,400 - $17,280
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of Louisiana at Monroe

    Monroe, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $315 - $500
    Total tuition per credit: $9,450 - $18,000
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 25
    Learn more: Program details

  8. McNeese State University

    Lake Charles, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600 in-state | $667
    Total tuition per credit: $18,000 - $20,010
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $475
    Total tuition per credit: $17,100 - $21,375
    Credits: 36-45
    Number of degree programs: 23
    Learn more: Program details

  10. The University of New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $506 in-state | $760 out-of-state
    Total tuition per credit: $15,180 - $27,360
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  11. University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $760
    Total tuition per credit: $22,800 - $29,640
    Credits: 30-39
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Louisiana State University Shreveport

    Shreveport, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $378 - $780
    Total tuition per credit: $11,340 - $32,760
    Credits: 30-42
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $885 - $988
    Total tuition per credit: $26,550 - $38,532
    Credits: 30-39
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,077
    Total tuition per credit: $32,310 - $38,772
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Tulane University

    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,300 - $2,128
    Total tuition per credit: $39,000 - $63,840
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Master’s programs are somewhat more varied, ranging from $14,250–$15,675 at Southeastern Louisiana University, averaging $26,004 across 15 schools, and topping out between $39,000 and $63,840 at Tulane University.

Notable Statewide Initiatives in Louisiana

Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition

  • Room & Board: $9,000–$12,000 annually (higher in urban centers like Baton Rouge and New Orleans).
  • Books & Supplies: $1,000–$1,500 per year.
  • Transportation: Students in metro areas face higher commuting and parking costs, while rural campuses may require more travel across the state. Pell eligibility often helps offset these costs.
  • Living Cost Differences: Metro areas (New Orleans, Baton Rouge) have higher rents, while rural campuses provide a more affordable cost of living.

Financial Aid & Sponsorship

  • TOPS Scholarship: Merit-based program covering tuition at public universities for qualifying Louisiana high school graduates.
  • Go Grant: State need-based aid supplementing Pell Grants.
  • FAFSA Requirements: Students must complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines (often early spring) for maximum aid consideration.
  • Other Scholarships: Many Louisiana universities offer institutional scholarships tied to GPA, ACT/SAT, or community service.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in Illinois, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is in-state vs. out-of-state tuition at Louisiana public universities?

In-state tuition averages about $9,000 per year, while out-of-state students can pay upwards of $20,000 annually depending on the school.

What are the most affordable colleges and universities in Louisiana?

Louisiana State University campuses and community colleges like Delgado and Baton Rouge Community College provide the lowest tuition options for local students.

How does the cost of living in Louisiana impact college affordability?

Louisiana’s overall cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, though metro areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge have higher housing and transportation costs.

What additional fees should students expect in Louisiana colleges?

Expect to pay $1,000–$1,500 annually for mandatory fees such as student services, health, and campus activity charges on top of tuition.

What is the TOPS scholarship program in Louisiana?

The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a state-funded merit scholarship that covers full tuition at public universities and partial tuition at private schools.