Thanks to the various online colleges in Louisiana, the state is not only known for its jambalaya and jazz but is also proving it has a lot to offer when it comes to education.
By choosing to attend one of the many Louisiana colleges online, you may enjoy a more flexible schedule that meets your personal needs while still meeting your educational goals.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
The state is focused on improving colleges and universities, encouraging enrollment and degree completion, and providing an even more robust offering of online opportunities.
Online Colleges in Louisiana
Whether you’re finishing a degree you already started or starting fresh, online learning can provide a flexible and often more affordable way to fulfill your educational goals.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that roughly 22% of students in Louisiana are enrolled in fully online degree programs, and another 33% are enrolled in a hybrid of online and on-campus courses. Those numbers continue to grow as schools add more online learning options.
At some universities, students can choose from more than 35 online degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Many schools offer courses in an 8 week format to help students move through their programs quickly. The state is also home to one of the largest electronic campuses.
Information about online degree programs and courses offered at public institutions across the state can be accessed through Louisiana Online. The site brings together various universities, schools, and course selections for online learners.
Common Online Degrees in Louisiana
Louisiana online universities offer a broad range of degrees, so you can likely find a program that aligns with your professional goals. Here are 5 popular online degrees in Louisiana:
- Registered Nursing: Earning a degree in this field can help you gain foundational knowledge of nursing methods and skills. Coursework typically covers anatomy and physiology, nurse informatics, and pharmacology. This degree can allow you to pursue a career as a generalist nurse.
- Business Administration: This degree focuses on methods to help organizations operate smoothly and profitably. You may study a variety of subjects, such as economics, finance, and marketing.
- Criminal Justice: This major typically explores criminal psychology, corrections, and policing. Criminal justice majors can pursue careers in corrections, law enforcement, and social work.
- Curriculum and Instruction: This degree can give you the opportunity to learn how to develop, assess, and improve curricula and teaching strategies. Graduates frequently work for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.
- Psychology: This degree can give you the chance to study theories of human behavior and learn strategies to help people improve their mental health. Psychology majors can pursue careers in human resources, sales, and other areas.
These common degrees can help open up a variety of career opportunities.
Overview of Higher Education in Louisiana
There are 51 degree-granting institutions in Louisiana, according to the NCES. Of those, 31 are public, 13 are private non-profit and 7 are private for-profit. These numbers include Louisiana community college options as well.
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 $9,640 a year. Out-of-state students pay closer to $22,330 a year, 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.
The Louisiana Board of Regents (BoR), which manages all public higher education in the state, has set a goal to move the state aggressively forward in terms of education. This goal 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.
Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Louisiana
College graduates in Louisiana can join a slowly growing workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the total employment of nonfarm workers is experiencing positive growth.
BLS data shows that Louisiana’s unemployment rate is 3.6%. By comparison, the national unemployment rate is 3.4%.
SkillUp reports that technology and healthcare are the fastest-growing industries in Louisiana. Careers in these areas often have lucrative salaries. For example, BLS data reveals that, in Louisianna, software developers earn a median annual wage of $102,670 and nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $115,630.
Other rapidly expanding industries in the state include advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, like automotive technicians, construction equipment operators, and pipefitters.
If you’re looking for a potentially high-paying and in-demand career in Louisiana, you may consider earning an online degree related to these industries.
Careers & Salaries in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to a broad range of thriving industries with plentiful career opportunities. Here are four growing sectors:
- Agribusiness: The state’s ample forests and rich soil help its agriculture industry excel. Potential agriculture careers include agricultural scientists, biochemists, and logging engineers.
- Fishing: Louisiana borders the Gulf of Mexico, which has led to a thriving commercial fishing business in the state. There are also opportunities to work in dredging and shipbuilding.
- Energy: Louisiana is home to booming oil and natural gas industries. The majority of American offshore oil rigs can be found off the coast of Louisiana. Energy careers include petroleum engineering and mining engineering.
- Manufacturing: The state is a significant source of chemical products and other manufactured goods. Graduates may pursue careers as logisticians, machinists, and welders.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are 10 potential careers in Louisiana and their annual median wages.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Psychiatrists | $214,990 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $131,560 |
| Chemical Engineers | $131,230 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $129,330 |
| Financial Managers | $105,020 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $103,540 |
| Construction Managers | $99,840 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $98,760 |
| Facilities Managers | $93,120 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $92,640 |
No degree can guarantee a specific job outcome or wage, but completing internships and participating in relevant extracurricular activities may increase your competitiveness as a job candidate.
Louisiana Online Colleges Admissions Requirements
All Louisiana online universities have unique admissions processes. Here are a few common requirements you may need to meet:
- ACT or SAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Transcripts from your high school and previous colleges
- Letters of recommendation from your teachers or guidance counselors
- Personal statement or essay describing your career goals, reasons you want to attend the institution, and relevant coursework and extracurricular activities
You’ll likely also need to complete an online application and pay a fee, though some schools waive the charge for qualifying applicants.
LA Online Colleges Accreditation
As you compare potential online programs, limiting your search to regionally accredited programs can be beneficial. These institutions have met predetermined quality standards set by professional accrediting organizations.
Attending an accredited program has many advantages. These schools typically have better access to educational resources, like library databases and research laboratories. Also, you can only qualify for federal financial aid if you’re enrolled at an accredited institution.
Because accredited schools provide an education that has been proven to meet quality standards, they can effectively prepare students for professional licensing exams. Plus, employers may prefer to hire graduates from accredited programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re interested in attending one of the online universities in Louisiana, a good place to start is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is used to determine your access to federal, state, and some forms of private financial aid.
Other forms of financial aid include grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid as long as they are used appropriately.
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:
- Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program: Up to $5,000 per year
- John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program: $1,950 for Assistant District Attorney and $3,900 for Public Defenders
- Louisiana Go Grant: $300-3,000
- Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship: $2,000 per year for undergraduate students and $3,000 per year for graduate students
- Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS): Award amounts vary by school
- TOPS Tech Early Start: Up to $600 per year
To find out about local grants and scholarships, you can talk to your high school guidance counselor. These programs may be less competitive than those open to students statewide or nationwide.
Louisiana Online Education Resources
Researching Louisiana online degrees can be challenging. Here are 3 free resources to aid your search:
- Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities: This nonprofit association offers grant opportunities and educational programs in the humanities.
- Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance: This government organization helps students find grants, scholarships, and other financial aid resources.
- Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges: This association oversees Louisiana’s community colleges and provides adult education opportunities.
These online resources can help you locate financial aid, learn about higher education in Louisiana, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to an Online College in Louisiana?
Online programs are frequently more affordable than on-campus programs because students don’t have to pay for room and board. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, here are the average costs for tuition and required fees at three types of colleges:
- Public 4 year postsecondary institutions: $9,642 for in-state students and $23,333 for out-of-state students
- Private 4 year postsecondary institutions: $41,393 for all students
- Public 2 year postsecondary institutions: $4,219 for in-state students and $6,770 for out-of-state
Financial aid opportunities like grants and scholarships may reduce your upfront expenses.
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Non-Louisiana residents who want to attend an online program in the state may qualify for tuition breaks under state reciprocity agreements. These arrangements involve two or more states that agree to allow each other’s students to attend their schools for the same price as in-state students.
As a Southern Regional Education Board member, Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with the other fifteen member states. That means students in areas like Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky who attend Louisiana online universities may be eligible for reduced tuition rates.
Tuition isn’t the only potential cost for distance learning students, though. Louisiana online degrees may require students to pay fees to access library databases, online learning portals, and other resources.
Some programs have hybrid options, which means that students must travel to attend some classes on campus.
What Jobs Are in High Demand in Louisiana?
Several jobs are in exceptionally high demand in Louisiana. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these occupations have some of the highest numbers of employees per 1,000 jobs:
- Sales and related occupations: Around 96 out of 1,000 Louisiana employees work in this field.
- Transportation and material moving occupations: These jobs make up 94 out of 1,000 Louisiana jobs.
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: Approximately 75 out of 1,000 Louisiana employees work in these roles.
Students who want to work in a field with ample career opportunities may consider these sectors.
What Are the High Paying Jobs in Louisiana?
Louisiana has many lucrative career opportunities and a low cost of living.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that several healthcare positions in Louisiana have the potential to be quite lucrative. For example, nurse anesthetists have an annual median salary of $183,790, while podiatrists have an annual median salary of $224,660.
Engineering can also be a lucrative career field in Louisiana. Architectural and engineering managers earn a median annual wage of $162,550. Petroleum engineers make a median annual salary of 131,560, and chemical engineers make a median annual wage of 131,230.
Chief executives earn median salaries of $161,760.
While these are the average salaries for these careers, exact wages will vary. Specific salaries earned can depend on a variety of factors, including employer, geographic location, education, and work experience.
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.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University offers 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.
GSU offers master’s, post-master’s, and 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 aims to prepare students to lead and serve as they move into their careers. The school offers online programs designed for nontraditional students.
LCU offers 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 designed for working students. All students pay the same tuition, and online courses are taught by the same faculty as on-campus courses.
LSU offers over 100 programs for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 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.
Louisiana State University—Alexandria offers several degrees that can be completed online. Most of the school’s online degree programs have reduced tuition rates, but online students are not eligible for institutional scholarships.
LSU—Alexandria offers associate and bachelor’s degrees through its online programs. Courses in these programs are taken in 7 week blocks. 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 fit 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.
Loyola offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its 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.
McNeese offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees completely online in fields like management, health promotion, and nursing. Education degrees are offered 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 aims to prepare students for work in 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.
NSU offers undergraduate and 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. Online students aren’t required to pay out-of-state fees.
The eNSU program offers over 40 degrees, many of which can be earned fully online. It offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and 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.
Southeastern Louisiana University offers a number of degrees through its 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.
Southern University at New Orleans 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 seeks to provide students with a rigorous education in a Catholic faith-based environment.
Holy Cross offers fully online programs for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Fields of study offered include addiction counseling, teaching and learning ESL, and Catholic theology. The school’s online programs are designed to fit into nontraditional students’ busy schedules.
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.
The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and 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.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online in a limited number of fields. All of the school’s 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.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be completed entirely 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.
Getting Your Online Degree in Louisiana
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 may be a great place to pursue your postsecondary education.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can begin by researching accredited colleges in Louisiana that offer your chosen degree program.
You can also view our Online Colleges in Kentucky and Online Colleges in Maine guides for more options.
