In the following ranking, we highlight the 20 best affordable colleges in Louisiana for bachelor’s degrees. What comes to mind when you think of Louisiana? For most people, it is images of either Hurricane Katrina or Mardi Gras. The former is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the country, while the latter represents an extravagant display of culture and celebration. Still, both encapsulate the state’s resilient spirit. Not only is Louisiana prosperous and fun-loving, but it is also steadfast and close-knit in the face of turmoil and hardship. Louisiana’s inexpensive universities and colleges, from Xavier University of Louisiana to Louisiana State University to the University of Louisiana, embody the same attitude, and those who attend one of the most affordable colleges in Louisiana are sure to develop lifelong friendships and relationships with not only their school but also the local community.
Louisiana offers value but also advocates for top academic experiences. In fact, 19 out of the following 20 schools listed below boast a net price of less than $20,000 per year of tuition. However, looking beyond the low-cost degrees, this ranking identifies the best-value affordable universities in Louisiana that are also known for alumni success and high-quality programs.
Methodology
In order to provide our readers with the most comprehensive list of accredited affordable colleges in Louisiana, we conducted a search for colleges and universities in Louisiana offering bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then developed the following methodology by which we awarded points to each school based on factors such as the average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. We broke ties in points by using the lowest-cost tuition of those schools.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you begin to narrow down the list of colleges and universities you are considering attending, one of the first things you may find yourself looking at is the average cost of attendance. Keep in mind, though, that while tuition is certainly important, it is also just as critical to select a program that meets your academic needs instead of choosing one based on cost alone. For this ranking, we awarded points based on how much an in-state student would pay per year if he or she were to take 15 hours of courses per semester, as reported by NCES. We also provided out-of-state tuition costs for your reference only.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
To get a better sense of class sizes, we can look at a school’s student-to-faculty ratio. While some students learn best in larger schools in which they are free to complete their studies without significant interactions with their peers and professors, others prefer to learn in smaller colleges that provide greater accountability for their studies and opportunities to develop relationships with others. Although every student as different and there is no one-size-fits-all institution, for the purpose of this list, we awarded the most points to schools that reported the lowest student-to-faculty ratios of 10 or fewer students per faculty member, as found on the NCES.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
The ultimate goal is to choose a school, complete its program requirements, and earn a degree in your chosen area of study. Although admission rates are helpful for understanding the likelihood of being admitted into a college, graduation rates are just as important for knowing how many students actually achieve their goal of receiving a degree from that particular institution. Although low graduation rates do not necessarily mean you should avoid that school completely, they may raise red flags. In other words, these institutions may be failing to offer necessary academic support, or they may be providing academic programs that students feel are too expensive. For this reason, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates based on the ranges below, as stated with the NCES.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Louisiana
20. Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Points: 4
School Website
Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, is an affordable Louisiana college. As the largest HBCU in the state and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, it is the flagship institution of the Southern University System. Southern enrolls more than 5,000 undergraduates in more than 50 affordable bachelor’s degrees in popular majors such as nursing, criminal justice and safety studies, psychology, the liberal arts and humanities, communications, and business. The school is comprised of the College of Business; College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences; Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences; College of Nursing and Allied Health, College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies; and the College of Sciences and Engineering. The 512-acre main campus is home to a 372-acre agricultural experimental station.
In-State Tuition: $9,122
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,472
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
19. Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Located in New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only historically black Roman Catholic college in the nation. This low-cost accredited university in Louisiana was established in 1925. XULA centers its undergraduate curriculum around the liberal arts, and opportunities are available for students seeking study-abroad programs, internships, and research projects with faculty mentors. Although more than 50 percent of the student body pursue majors in the health or natural sciences, XULA is also known for its inexpensive programs in counseling and education, the social and behavioral sciences, and the fine arts and humanities. As a nationally recognized leader in science education, XULA is among the top schools in the U.S. for African-American graduates seeking to attend medical school, and it is one of the country’s top three producers of African-American Doctor of Pharmacy recipients.
In-State Tuition: $24,348
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,348
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
18. Dillard University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Dillard University, located in New Orleans, is a private best-value HBCU in Louisiana that is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Established in 1869, Dillard is a founding member of the United Negro College Fund. The school awards low-cost undergraduate degrees through its School of Nursing, College of Business, and College of Arts and Sciences. Unique academic offerings include a recording arts program, a theater technology degree, and a dual degree in engineering with a minor in computer science or mathematics. Outside of the classroom, intercollegiate athletic teams compete in track and field, cross country, and basketball. Dillard is one of only a few 100 percent tobacco-free campuses in the state, and two of its newest buildings are LEED-certified, including a wellness center and a modern student union.
In-State Tuition: $17,918
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,918
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
17. Louisiana College
Pineville, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1906, Louisiana College in Pineville, is a private, coeducational, Baptist college of liberal arts and sciences. One of the cheapest colleges in Louisiana, it offers a number of affordable professional programs that are not only rigorous, relational, and relevant but are also built upon a Christian worldview. With a tradition of outstanding academics, LC Is the only four-year Baptist institution of higher learning in the state. Inexpensive bachelor’s degrees are available in allied health, the arts, education, the humanities, Christian studies, the sciences, and business as well as teaching programs in Spanish, English, and French education. Other popular low-cost majors include programs in media production and sports media. Students have many opportunities to get involved with local fellowships and organizations through LC’s Spiritual Enrichment Program, and separate chapel services are provided on-campus for upperclassmen and underclassmen.
In-State Tuition: $17,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
16. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an affordable college in Louisiana with the largest enrollment out of any college or university in the state. Founded as an industrial school in 1898, UL is known for its hands-on research experiences, cutting-edge facilities, and SMART classrooms. Undergraduates can choose from more than 80 low-cost bachelor’s degrees in majors such as the visual arts, informatics, and architectural studies as well as several pre-professional programs. All students benefit from academic support through UL’s learning and tutoring center, including a writing center, computer laboratory, and TRIO program services such as peer mentoring and academic counseling for underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college attendees. The campus is a short walk to downtown Lafayette, where students can enjoy restaurants, local shops, art galleries, and live music.
In-State Tuition: $9,912
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,640
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
15. University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
The University of New Orleans is one of the cheapest colleges in Louisiana and a member of the University of Louisiana System. UNO is comprised of the College of Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Business Administration, and the College of Liberal Arts, Education & Human Development. Students can choose from a number of inexpensive bachelor’s degrees in areas such as professional studies, engineering, education, business, and the arts and sciences, and unique majors include film, urban planning and studies, marine engineering and naval architecture, and tourism, restaurant, and hotel administration. The school’s programs are among the most affordable in the state, with 77 percent of students receiving some form of financial assistance each year. In addition, approximately 90 percent of graduates are employed within two years of graduating. The school’s Office of Service Learning connects the university curriculum to community engagement by providing experiences for undergraduates such as speaker series, special seminars, and other events.
In-State Tuition: $8,771
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,607
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent
14. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is an affordable accredited university in Louisiana and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Established in 1931 as a junior college, ULM enrolls more than 9,000 students, including more than 7,000 undergraduates. ULM offers nearly 90 inexpensive majors and minors through its four distinct academic schools, and specialized majors include toxicology, atmospheric sciences, and risk management and insurance. Students can choose from more than 150 recognized student organizations, including Greek Life, the Campus Activities Board, the Leadership Workshop Series, and the Global Ambassador program. Students may also participate in the Peer Leaders program in which they serve as peer mentors and help faculty members teach the school’s first-year seminar.
In-State Tuition: $8,554
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,654
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
13. Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Founded as Hammond Junior College in 1925, Southeastern Louisiana University is an accredited top-value university in Louisiana that sits on a 365-acre rural campus in Hammond, Louisiana. SLU confers a number of low-cost bachelor’s degrees to more than 15,000 students in majors such as criminal justice, sports management, and family and consumer sciences. The school is also known for its comprehensive academic support services, including a writing center, mathematics tutoring lab, Internet resource center, and foreign language center. In addition, the Recreational Sports & Wellness Center is home to the school’s intramural sports teams, a pool, and a wellness program with personal training and group classes. SLU participates in several TRIO and Upward Bound programs to assist first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.
In-State Tuition: $8,165
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,643
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
12. Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Founded as a junior state college in 1948, Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, is one of the affordable colleges in Louisiana. NSU relies on its partnerships with local businesses, agencies, and community schools to provide its students with hands-on, real-world experiences while contributing to the well-being and development of the community. Students can choose from a number of low-cost bachelor’s degrees in popular majors such as the liberal arts and humanities, engineering, nursing, business, culinary arts and food service, accounting, and family studies and consumer sciences. NSU also confers several pre-professional degrees in pre-occupational therapy, pre-veterinary medicine, and pre-athletic training, to name a few. Student involvement opportunities in media include the campus newspaper, yearbook, and student-run radio station. More than 100 other hobby-based, recreational, service, and professional organizations and clubs are also available.
In-State Tuition: $7,952
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,045
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
11. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Located in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana was founded as the Louisiana State Normal School in 1884, and it was the first school in the state to offer degrees in business education and nursing. NSU, an inexpensive Louisiana university, was also one of the first six colleges to gain entry into NASA’s Joint Venture Program (JOVE), which allowed students to work with scientists to research and analyze data for the 1996 Space Shuttle Columbia shuttle mission. Today, students can choose from many top-value bachelor’s degrees in majors such as the creative and performing arts, allied health, counseling and leadership, teaching, and military science. Interdisciplinary programs are offered in general studies, resource management, and the liberal arts. Outside of the classroom, the university offers more than 100 organizations in interest areas such as Greek life, government, service, performing and creative arts, and academics. NSU’s athletics teams include women’s and men’s football, cross country, and basketball as well as women’s volleyball.
In-State Tuition: $7,922
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,710
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
10. McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Founded as Lake Charles Junior College in 1939, McNeese State University is noted as one of the cheapest universities in Louisiana. Located on a 121-acre main campus in Lake Charles, the school awards inexpensive bachelor’s degrees through its six colleges: Nursing and Health Professions, Education, Science and Agriculture, Liberal Arts, Business, and Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. The school is known for its affordable programs in pre-veterinary medicine, nutrition and food science, and agribusiness, and it is the only school on our list that is home to a 503-acre farm. The school also boasts nearly 1,600 acres of donated farm property used for ranching, farming, and research. In 2013, McNeese established in the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center (SEED Center) dedicated to diversifying and strengthening the economy in the five-parish area.
In-State Tuition: $7,860
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,898
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
9. Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1956 as a branch of the Southern University and A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans is one of the most affordable colleges in Louisiana. SUNO is an HBCU and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The school is comprised of a College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Development, and School of Social Work. SUNO offers the only bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies in the state, and other popular inexpensive majors include business, psychology, criminal justice and safety studies, social work and youth services, and substance abuse and addiction counseling. All students benefit from comprehensive academic support, including extensive library resources, free Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus software, and student services such as free financial seminars and tutoring.
In-State Tuition: $7,033
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,934
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 20 percent
8. Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Points: 5
School Website
Louisiana State University-Alexandria is one of the most affordable colleges in Louisiana which enrolls more than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Situated on the former Oakland Plantation, the campus is known for its majestic oak trees dating back to the 19th century. LSUA offers some of the best-value bachelor’s degrees across a broad spectrum of majors, including the performing and visual arts, the humanities, health sciences, elder care administration, and general studies. Outside of the classroom, LSUA is one of Louisiana’s only colleges to feature varsity rugby and rodeo teams, and student services consist of proctored testing, an on-campus health center, couple and/or individual counseling, and access to online resources and academic counselors.
In-State Tuition: $6,669
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,024
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 26 percent
7. Saint Joseph Seminary College
Saint Benedict, Louisiana
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph Seminary College is a private, Roman Catholic seminary and institution of higher learning. Founded in 1891, this economical college in Louisiana is operated by the dioceses of the ecclesiastical provinces of New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama as well as by the Benedictine monks of Saint Joseph Abbey. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition which promotes the development of the whole person and learning in the liberal arts, the school confers two affordable Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degrees with a concentration in either the liberal arts or theology as well as a pre-theology program for full-time resident seminarians to prepare them for graduate study in theology. The school’s impressive 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to develop a rapport with faculty members, and it fosters growth through a wealth of recreational facilities and relevant student organizations.
In-State Tuition: $18,230
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,230
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
6. Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Points: 6
School Website
Officially known as Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Louisiana State University is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university located in Baton Rouge. This low-cost college in Louisiana is the both the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System as well as the flagship school of Louisiana. LSU enrolls more than 31,000 students each year in its 14 colleges and schools. Offering more than 235 cheap majors, LSU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country. From the school’s world-renowned Center for Internal Auditing to its top-ranked landscape architecture program, LSU has an affordable bachelor’s degree for everyone. LSU is also noted for its extensive research facilities that operate projects funded by sources such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
In-State Tuition: $11,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,627
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
5. Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1894 as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University is a best-value accredited university in Ruston, Louisiana. A member of the University of Louisiana System, the school enrolls more than 12,000 students in its College of Applied & Natural Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering & Science, and its College of Liberal Arts. Popular affordable majors at LTU include the liberal arts and humanities, biology, mechanical engineering, marketing, kinesiology and exercise science, and psychology. Students may also choose to create their own degree through an interdisciplinary studies option. LSU is known as a pioneer in innovative science, operating a number of research centers and institutes. However, it also boasts a thriving humanities and creative arts scene, including an art gallery, a theater, and programs such as The Tech Talk, the Louisiana Tech Concert Association, and a yearly workshop for stage combat.
In-State Tuition: $9,645
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,558
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
4. Grambling State University
Grambling, Louisiana
Points: 6
School Website
Grambling State University is one of the cheapest colleges in Louisiana. Located in Grambling, this HBCU is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of Louisiana System. GSU is also home to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and is listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. The school’s inexpensive programs are delivered through four colleges: Professional Studies, Education, Business, and Arts and Sciences as well as a School of Graduate Studies and Research. Students may choose from 64 fields of study, including popular low-cost majors in criminal justice and safety studies, business, social work and youth services, physical education teaching and coaching, and parks, recreation, and leisure studies. GSU was the first institution of higher learning in the country to provide a doctoral degree in developmental education, which is still considered one of the best of its kind in the U.S.
In-State Tuition: $7,435
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,458
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
3. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Points: 6
School Website
Louisiana State University-Shreveport is a best-value accredited college in Louisiana and member-school of the Louisiana State University System. Established as a two-year college in 1967, LSUS has grown into a comprehensive university that offers inexpensive online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its College of Arts and Sciences and its College of Business, Education and Human Development. Popular affordable majors at LSUS include business, the liberal arts and humanities, biology, psychology, accounting, and computer science. LSUS is home to several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Student Success Center, which offers professional development services and academic support to students, including supplemental instruction and tutoring.
In-State Tuition: $7,327
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,481
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
2. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Points: 7
School Website
Founded in 1923 as a nursing school known as Our Lady of the Lake College, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is an affordable accredited college in Louisiana. The private Catholic university, located in Baton Rouge, has an annual enrollment of 1,700 students, which allows for a small 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from inexpensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts and sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, health sciences, and nursing. Popular low-cost areas of study include nurse anesthesia, nutritional sciences, medical laboratory science, and respiratory therapy. Liberal arts minors are available to supplement bachelor’s degrees in healthcare, including options in writing, philosophy, ethics, and English. Students benefit from hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, including clinical laboratory work and participation in simulated hospital settings. The university also hosts a campus-wide disaster simulation each year to teach students the necessary interdisciplinary emergency practices and protocols for situations such as natural disasters and bioterrorism attacks.
In-State Tuition: $13,287
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,287
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
1. University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, Louisiana
Points: 8
School Website
Founded in 1916 as a two-year women’s normal school, the University of Holy Cross is located on the Mississippi River, just a short walk from downtown New Orleans. The best-value accredited university in Louisiana continues to provide an affordable, faith-based education, offering more than 65 academic programs, including distinctive degrees in radiologic technology, the social sciences, biology, business, nursing, counseling, theology, education, English, and the allied health sciences. With an average class size of around 20 students and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and opportunities to develop relationships with their peers and professors. Campus ministry includes Catholic volunteer work, an annual student retreat, faith-sharing groups, and weekly mass.
In-State Tuition: $14,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,180
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Louisiana for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
How has Louisiana fared since the national recession and Hurricane Katrina? The state has shown unfaltering resiliency as well as an unparalleled ability to emerge from economic and natural disasters; as of May 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the state had a 4.6 percent unemployment rate, just slightly higher than the country’s average. At this time, the state’s annual mean wage was $42,660, and its mean hourly wage was $20.51.
Louisiana is known for fishing, Cajun food, and…mathematics? According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the mathematical scientist is anticipated to be among the fastest-growing, most in-demand careers in Louisiana between 2016 and 2026. The following are the top 10 most in-demand careers in Louisiana ranked in order from the highest percentage change in employment to the lowest:
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- Mathematical Scientists: 36.43 percent
- Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides: 22.63 percent
- Other Personal Care and Service Workers: 20.64 percent
- Animal Care and Service Workers: 19.65 percent
- Nursing, Psychiatric, and Home Health Aides: 16.18 percent
- Legal Support Workers: 14.72 percent
- Operations Specialities Managers: 14.21 percent
- Food and Beverage Serving Workers: 13.70 percent
- Transportation, Tourism, and Lodging Attendants: 13.49 percent
- Engineers: 13.27 percent
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Louisiana?
Regardless of whether you are narrowing down potential career paths or you know the industry in which you would like to work, it may be helpful to understand the salary you can expect to earn after graduating from a bachelor’s degree college in Louisiana. According to the BLS, who gathered data from all employers across the state, the average annual salary was $42,660 across all occupations in May 2018. The top five highest-paying positions included:
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- Surgeons: $253,630
- Family and General Practitioners: $217,580
- Chief Executives: $208,110
- Dentists, All Other Specialists: $199,510
- Internists, General: $194,910
However, we wanted to provide salary figures for occupations that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, including positions that graduates can attain either immediately after graduating or with additional training and hands-on experience. Although bachelor’s degrees are a requirement to enter medical school, the following are 10 other high-paying positions above six figures that students can pursue without additional education beyond their undergraduate degree.
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- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $151,220
- Petroleum Engineers: $145,880
- Aerospace Engineers: $117,170
- Industrial Production Managers: $116,280
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $112,860
- Chemical Engineers: $111,090
- Financial Managers: $106,850
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: $106,850
- Mechanical Engineers: $101,810
- Medical and Health Services Managers: $100,710
What are the Best Schools in Louisiana for Bachelor’s Recipients?
As you begin to narrow down your options for a bachelor’s degree college in Louisiana, it is important to consider your return on investment (ROI). In other words, how much will you make after graduating with a degree from a particular school, taking into consideration the amount you spend on a program? Below, we have provided early and mid-career salary earnings as well as 20-year net ROI figures, or the amount you can expect to earn two decades after graduating, for five schools we detailed above, according to PayScale. We ranked the schools in descending order based on ROI, and salary figures are provided for in-state students who earned a bachelor’s degree without any financial aid package.
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- 1. Louisiana State University and A&M College
– 20-Year Net ROI: $422,000
– Early Career Pay: $53,500
– Mid-Career Pay: $101,300
- 1. Louisiana State University and A&M College
-
- 2. Louisiana Tech University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $392,000
– Early Career Pay: $52,100
– Mid-Career Pay: $96,500
- 2. Louisiana Tech University
-
- 3. University of New Orleans
– 20-Year Net ROI: $322,000
– Early Career Pay: $49,200
– Mid-Career Pay: $87,900
- 3. University of New Orleans
-
- 4. McNeese State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $316,000
– Early Career Pay: $49,700
– Mid-Career Pay: $86,300
- 4. McNeese State University
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- 5. University of Louisiana at Monroe
– 20-Year Net ROI: $290,000
– Early Career Pay: $47,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $90,800
- 5. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Whether it is your affinity for being close to home, beignets, or jazz that draws you to attend one of the most affordable colleges in Louisiana, pursuing a degree in Louisiana can pay off in the long run in terms of financial success. With more than 40 percent of the country’s wetlands, Louisiana offers not only beauty but also many employment opportunities for students looking to enter industries such as commercial fishing, space, agriculture, natural gas, offshore and oil production, and refining and petroleum.
The influence of American, African, and French culture is apparent in both the eclectic music scene and the spicy cuisine of this southeastern state. There are at least 20 best affordable colleges in Louisiana for a bachelor’s degree that will not only provide a high-quality education but also set you up for employment post-graduation and success in whatever career path you choose to follow.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Louisiana for a Bachelor’s Degree.
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