Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana’s solid network of accredited colleges offers a wealth of online learning opportunities backed by personalized coaching and support, flexibility, and inclusive transfer credit policies. The state government has also identified educational attainment as a major developmental priority, which it has backed with significant investments.
This guide to online colleges in Louisiana highlights top-ranked schools offering accessible programs that can help you pursue in-demand jobs in the Pelican State. Explore key data points and connect with helpful resources for Louisiana students.
Louisiana at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 38 nonprofit four-year institutions in Louisiana.
- Per the U.S. Census Bureau, about 28% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, 52% of students at Louisiana institutions were enrolled in online courses, per NCES.
- In fall 2023, over 70,000 students aged 25 and older were enrolled at Louisiana colleges, according to NCES.
Top 5 Accredited Online Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana Tech University
- Ruston, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Louisiana Tech University is a leader in online education. In addition to on-campus programs in Ruston, the school delivers 15 online programs. The flexibility of online programs allow many learners to work full time while earning their degree.
Online students at the institution benefit from an online learning community, which can lead to professional connections. Along with completing coursework, degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities such as research projects and internships. Academic advisors help enrollees select courses based on their personal interests and professional aspirations. Mock interviews allow students to practice their interpersonal skills and improve their chance of landing a job after graduation.
Financial aid counselors help applicants explore funding options to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Enrollees can submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid, including loans and grants. Of the school's student body, 98% qualify for some form of financial aid.
17%
$ 6,400
80%
$13,141
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,510
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Louisiana at Lafayette's online offerings deliver exceptional academic quality and increased scheduling flexibility. Students in many fields of study can find suitable options in the school's 14 online programs. The institution enrolls 6,584 degree-seekers in its remote programs.
The online learning community allows remote students to collaborate with peers through discussion boards and email. While earning their degree, participants can use virtual communication tools to network with classmates. In addition to completing internships, students can conduct original research to gain professional experience and impress employers after graduation. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. To prepare to apply for jobs after graduation, enrollees can take advantage of mock interviews and resume help.
Students with demonstrable financial need can submit the FAFSA to receive funding from the federal government. The financial aid office can help learners identify funding options to pursue, such as grants and scholarships. According to the institution, 96% of all enrollees receive some type of financial aid.
39%
$ 5,407
76%
$19,135
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,933
- Institution Type
- Public
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
McNeese State University provides online learners with high-quality programs in various fields. Students who prefer to learn online can select one of the public institution's 26 distance programs. Online degree-seekers can complete coursework at their convenience, from anywhere, eliminating the need to live near campus.
Through forums and chats, online enrollees can engage in a supportive learning community. Hands-on experiences such as internships and research projects help participants gain practical skills. Academic advisors help degree candidates select classes and ensure they are on track to graduate.
The school offers numerous internal and external funding opportunities to eligible applicants. To understand their financial aid options, students can contact the institution's financial aid office. At the school, 99% of enrollees fund their education using some form of financial aid.
56%
$ 5,147
70%
$13,185
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,295
- Institution Type
- Public
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's academic options include top-quality online programs that prepare enrollees to succeed in their chosen profession. The school's offerings include 20 online programs, through which 8,775 learners pursue their degree. Attending the institution online allows students to complete assignments according to their schedule.
Through the virtual learning platform, enrollees can connect with classmates and professors to develop their professional network. In addition to completing internships, degree-seekers can bolster their resume by conducting original research. Career services prepare students to obtain a job in their field after graduation.
Degree-seekers can access career services for help choosing the best professional path. To explore employment options, learners can attend job fairs organized by the school.
Students in different programs often have unique costs and educational expenses. Before enrolling, applicants should consider the overall cost of earning a degree and can receive detailed information from an admissions counselor. Enrollees who need additional funding can pursue federal student loans, which typically offer better terms than private loans.
28%
$8,038
83%
$8,038
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,756
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students who plan to attend school online can consider University of Louisiana at Monroe's remote academic programs. In addition to delivering on-campus programs from its campus in Monroe, the public school offers 34 online programs. The institution enrolls 3,756 online learners, who complete rigorous coursework to earn their degree.
The online learning platform allows enrollees to complete group projects, attend virtual office hours, and develop a supportive academic network. Online programs feature advanced coursework, during which learners gain the specific skills necessary for their profession. Throughout their program, students consult with academic advisors before registering for classes. To be more competitive for professional roles, enrollees can conduct original research and complete internships while earning their degree.
While program costs vary, applicants can contact the financial aid office for information about specific fees and expenses. Potential funding options for students include federal financial aid, institutional awards, and private scholarships.
43%
$ 5,788
73%
$17,888
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,673
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits Online Colleges in Louisiana?
Louisiana schools can pursue institutional accreditation from any agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits many of the state’s colleges and universities.
Accreditation should play an important role in your school search because it can affect your access to financial aid, transfer credits, and employment. Accreditation exists at both the programmatic and institutional levels, providing quality assurance to students and employers.
How Much Does College Cost in Louisiana?
Generally, online colleges in Louisiana charge tuition rates that align with national averages or are slightly lower. This gives Louisiana a relatively affordable profile as a destination for higher education.
Despite this advantage, many students need help covering their education costs. According to the Institute for College Access & Success, 53% of Louisiana students graduate with debt, and their average debt at graduation exceeds $26,000.
Louisiana’s state government offers several programs that can help. They include:
- Scholarships, grants, and savings programs from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.
- The M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides free college tuition to eligible students training for in-demand careers at a two-year institution.
- Reduced tuition for students from other Southern states through the Academic Common Market tuition reciprocity program.
Most online colleges in Louisiana also operate their own in-house financial aid programs, which can provide further cost relief.
Career Opportunities in Louisiana
$43,770
Median annual wage in LA (May 2024)
+4%
Projected job growth in LA (2022-2032)
4.4%
Unemployment rate in LA (August 2025)
Online colleges in Louisiana can prepare you for fast-growing careers. If you do not already have a major in mind, you can use labor market forecasts to identify promising career paths to target.
Students at Louisiana’s community colleges can pursue in-demand healthcare roles such as occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant. Fast-growing career paths for bachelor’s degree graduates in the state include data scientist, medical and health services manager, and information security analyst.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
New Orleans
- Louisiana’s metropolitan center is famous for its Creole culture, festive spirit, and historic charm.
- Forbes named New Orleans the number one city in the U.S. for college students and graduates in 2024.
- In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 New Orleans residents were students.
Lafayette
- This city of over 122,000 people is about 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Business sectors in Lafayette are growing, particularly its technology industry.
- The city also offers a high quality of life marked by a strong community and outdoor recreation options.
Metairie
- This New Orleans suburb ranks nationally as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
- It is part of Jefferson Parish, which supports accelerated growth and development through the Jefferson EDGE 2025 initiative.
- Metairie has a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the 2022-2023 school year, the National Center for Education Statistics recognized 50 degree-granting institutions in Louisiana. Most (31) are public institutions, and the state also has 13 private nonprofit colleges.
