Online Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana, a state known for jambalaya and jazz, is proving it has a lot to offer when it comes to education, too.

Despite continued budget shortfalls, the state remains focused on improving colleges and universities, encouraging enrollment and degree completion, and providing an even more robust offering of online opportunities.

Overview of Higher Education in Louisiana

There are 56 degree-granting institutions in Louisiana, according to a 2018-2019 report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Of those, 32 are public, 15 are private non-profit and 9 are private for-profit.

To attend one of the state’s 4-year institutions, NCES reports that in-state tuition and fees fall right around the national average, at approximately $9,358. Out of state students will pay closer to $22,208, which is thousands below the average.

Louisiana is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), a 15-state collaboration aimed at bettering higher education. Through this organization, residents of participating states are able to enroll at schools in other participating states while paying in-state tuition rates.

In an effort to move the state aggressively forward, The Louisiana Board of Regents (BoR), which manages all public higher education in the state, has set a goal that calls for 60% of all working-age adults (ages 25-64) in Louisiana to hold a degree or high-value credential by 2030. This will require the state to more than double the number of annual credential recipients from 2018. To reach this goal, the state will focus on expanding accessibility and equity.

The BoR recognizes the impact higher education can have on the state’s economy and quality of life for its citizens, and is focused on bettering the future.

About Online Colleges in Louisiana

Whether you’re finishing a degree you already started or starting fresh, online learning can provide a flexible and affordable way to fulfill your educational goals.

As of 2018, the NCES reported that 11.4% of students in Louisiana were enrolled in fully online degree programs, and another 23.4% were enrolled in a hybrid of online and on-campus courses. Those numbers continue to grow as schools add more online learning options.

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, students can choose from more than 35 online degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Courses are offered in an 8-week format to help students move through the program quickly. Another excellent school for online students is Northwestern State University of Louisiana, the state’s first and largest electronic campus. They offer more than 40 online degree programs across all levels.

Information about online degree programs and courses offered at public institutions across the state can be accessed through Louisiana Online. The site brings together the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Louisiana University System, the University of Louisiana System, and Southern University System, greatly expanding course selection for online learners.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Louisiana

If you’re interested in attending a college or university in Louisiana, you should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will provide you access to federal, state and private financial aid.

It’s important to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. It becomes available each year on October 1^st, and many funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis. To fill it out, you will need to answer questions about your finances and the finances of your parents  (unless you’re considered  “independent” according to FAFSA’s standards). The data you provide will help determine which kind and how much aid you receive.

The ideal forms of financial aid are grants and scholarships, because they do not have to be repaid. In Louisiana, an agency known as the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), which operates under the Board of Regents, administers the state’s scholarships, grants and savings programs. LOSFA also disseminates college information, with a focus on supporting and guiding low income families and first generation students.

LOSFA oversees the following financial aid programs for residents of the state:

But LOSFA isn’t the only financial resource available to Louisianans! To find out about local grants and scholarships, talk to your high school guidance counselor. These programs may be less competitive than those open to students state- or nation-wide.

Also try scholarship search sites like Fastweb.com, where you can enter basic information and be matched up with dozens of scholarship opportunities. And finally, discuss your financial aid options with the college or university you have chosen. Oftentimes schools have more to offer than what you find online or in an informational packet.  

List of Online Colleges in Louisiana

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Students at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University can choose between two fully online programs. The RN-to-BSN has five start dates a year and can potentially be completed in just 1 year. The Master of Healthcare Administration has start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. It can typically be completed in 12 to 18 months.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grambling State University offers online learning programs for nontraditional students and those who need flexible class schedules. Students can earn master’s, post-master’s, or doctorate degrees in a limited number of fully online programs. Fields of study offered include developmental education, criminal justice, special education, curriculum and instruction, elementary education, and secondary education.

Grambling State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Louisiana Christian University is a faith-based university that prepares students to lead and serve as they move into their careers. The school offers online programs for nontraditional students. Students can choose between three undergraduate programs and four graduate programs, all completely online. Areas of study offered include business, criminal justice, educational leadership, and special education.

Louisiana Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Louisiana State University offers online programs for working students. All students pay the same tuition and learn from the same faculty as on-campus students. There is no distinction between online and on-campus degrees. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in over 100 programs. Areas of study offered include construction management, library and information science, and leadership studies.

Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students at Louisiana State University—Alexandria can earn degrees completely online. Most of the school’s online degree programs have reduced tuition rates, but online students are not eligible for institutional scholarships.

Courses are taken in 7 week blocks. Students can earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through the online programs. Areas of study offered include medical lab science, religious studies, English, communication studies, and mathematics.

Louisiana State University at Alexandria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Louisiana State University—Shreveport currently offers several master’s degrees and one doctorate that can be earned fully online. LSUS does not currently offer undergraduate degrees online. Some programs are in an accelerated format and can potentially be completed in just 1 year when attended full-time. Areas of study offered include leadership studies, health administration, and nonprofit administration.

Louisiana State University in Shreveport is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Louisiana Tech University is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous academic experience that will into their busy schedules. Students pay flat-rate tuition with no hidden fees for all online degree programs. Louisiana Tech currently offers two online bachelor’s degree programs and seven online graduate degree programs. Areas of study offered include health informatics and information management and history.

Louisiana Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Loyola University New Orleans was named one of the best online colleges in Louisiana by University HQ. The school offers online degree programs designed for affordability and flexibility. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees through Loyola’s fully online programs. Fields of study offered include religious education, marketing and communications, and psychology.

Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

McNeese State University aims to provide its students with a quality education that can help them reach their career goals. Its online programs are designed to fit in with students’ busy lives. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees completely online in fields like management, health promotion, and nursing. Education degrees are in a hybrid format.

McNeese State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary prepares students for work in the ministry and missions. The school offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Three formats are offered: asynchronous, synchronous, and a flex program that allows for both. Areas of study offered include Christian ministry, divinity, theological studies, apologetics, discipleship, missiology, and pastoral ministry.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Nicholls State University offers online degree programs that are designed to be flexible with students’ busy schedules. Courses are available in an accelerated, 8 week format. Students can potentially earn a bachelor’s degree in just 3 years. Students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees fully online. Areas of study offered include health sciences, safety technology, and mathematics.

Nicholls State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s eNSU online program was the first online learning program in the state. Students aren’t required to pay out-of-state fees.

The eNSU program offers over 40 degrees. Many programs are available fully online. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Areas of study offered include addiction studies, radiologic science, and early childhood education.

The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students at Southeastern Louisiana University can earn a degree through the school’s online learning program. Many of the offered degrees can be earned completely online. Other degrees are available in a hybrid format. Hybrid degree programs are at least 50% online. Online students pay flat-rate tuition for certain programs. Areas of study offered include nursing and child life.

Southeastern Louisiana University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern University at New Orleans offers degrees through the school’s fully online programs. All students pay in-state tuition. Students can potentially earn a bachelor’s degree in just 3 years or a master’s in just 1 year. Areas of study offered include criminal justice, museum studies, public administration, and special education.

SUNO is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students at Tulane University can earn a new degree or complete a degree online. Many programs are asynchronous and available entirely online. Some students may be eligible for a tuition discount. Bachelor’s programs are available in a hybrid format, while all master’s programs are fully online. Fields of study offered include exercise science, security management, and public administration.

Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Holy Cross provides students with a rigorous education in a Catholic faith-based environment. Online programs are designed to fit into nontraditional students’ busy schedules. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in fully online programs. Fields of study offered include addiction counseling, teaching and learning ESL, and Catholic theology.

The University of Holy Cross is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Louisiana—Lafayette’s online programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers both fully online and hybrid programs. Students all pay flat-rate tuition. The school offers undergraduate and graduate online degree programs in several fields. Areas of study offered include health promotion and wellness, nursing, informatics, and educational leadership.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers online degree programs that are designed to help students fit their education into their work and family lives. There are over 35 programs available, all fully online. Courses are taken in accelerated, 8 week blocks. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Areas of study offered include marketing, gerontology, marriage and family therapy, and political science.

The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of New Orleans was named one of the most affordable online colleges by the SR Education Group. Online students all pay in-state fees regardless of residency.

Students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees online in a limited number of fields. All of the school online degree programs can be completed fully online. Areas of study offered include philosophy, engineering management, and romance languages.

The University of New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Xavier University of Louisiana is the US’s only Historically Black and Catholic University. XULA understands that not all students can attend class on campus.

Its online programs are designed to make college a possibility for nontraditional students. Students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees completely online in fields such as biological and applied sciences, fine arts and humanities, and more.

The Xavier University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Conclusion

The bayou state has a lot to offer. With top-notch colleges and universities, an impressive list of online degree programs, and exceptional financial aid opportunities, Louisiana is the perfect place to pursue your postsecondary education.

You can also view our Online Colleges in Kentucky and Online Colleges in Maine guides for more options.