Getting into an online college in Louisiana is an excellent choice if you wish to attain an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. You can do this without forsaking work or even other priorities in life. Louisiana’s higher education system is composed of 66 universities and colleges, and it intends to push forward in supporting students who desire online education.
The state has taken the initiative to aid students in exploring online programs offered by different colleges and institutions so they came up with a portal, Louisiana Online, that showcases flexible learning options. On the other hand, The Board of Regents Louisiana Academic Affairs has devised the Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree. This guarantees easy access to transfer students who want to pursue a 4-year degree (from two-year institutions or community colleges to public universities).
The many educational opportunities in Louisiana are advantageous to individuals who want to pursue their college degree despite having busy schedules, family commitment, or full-time jobs. Our list of the best online schools in Louisiana help students finds the right college and degree programs. More schools have also taken the step to expand their online programs to fill the needs of the new era of higher education.
METHODOLOGY
The State of Louisiana may be a rising star in the online learning arena. Prospective students, however, are continuously on the hunt for the best school to enroll and earn their online degree. Here at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, we want to help you make a sound decision. We have cataloged the 5 Top Online Schools in Louisiana, all of which share the best features that make them the most recommended and the best picks:
- Rigorous coursework that demands commitment from online students and promotes in-depth learning,
- Healthy student-teacher ratio to enhance the learning process for students,
- Competent instructors who have contributed to their field of study,
- Full recognition from accrediting institutions that uphold the academic principles with a focus on excellence.
For more information on our ranking process, visit our Methodology Page.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
One hundred thirty-five years ago, the first school in Louisiana to offer nursing and business education was established. As the student population grew, the school expanded its programs. It changed its name from Louisiana State Normal School to the Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1944. NSU is also one of the first six colleges to participate in NASA’s Joint Venture Program to help research for space shuttle mission in 1996. This student-centered university offers an entire range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs under 20 schools and colleges. NSU offers courses in eight-week classes during spring and fall while courses in summer are offered in four and eight-week sessions. This means students can take more courses at a time, which lets them complete programs at a faster time.
Students desiring to enroll in NSU without taking classes on-campus may do so through eNSU Global Campus. NSU’s online programs lead to online associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate certification, master’s degree, doctorate, post-graduate certification, and competency-based bachelor’s degree. Courses are delivered through online lectures, reading course content, and activities like class meetings, writing, and discussion boards. Transfer students take advantage of the Louisiana Transfer Degree and aim for a baccalaureate degree from a 2-year college. This means eligible transfer students with associate’s degree have the opportunity to work towards a bachelor’s degree as a junior at NSU.
Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- Freshman
- No Minimum ACT required with a 2.35 or higher GPA
- Final high school transcripts
- Transfer
- 18 college-level hours earned with a 2.0 college-level GPA on those hours
- Official transcripts from former institutions
- Graduate
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe first operated in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College. The school gained its university status after three years and became the largest university in North Louisiana in 1950. At present, the university has enrolled more than 9,000 students. The academic division is segregated into five colleges—Colleges of Arts, Education, and Sciences, Business and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Graduate School. Besides more than 60 degree programs, there are almost 50 online programs offered at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
ULM Online delivers quality education for learners who want to pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Its more than 35 fully-online programs run courses at eight weeks to help students advance more quickly. The programs range from Risk Management and Insurance to Marriage and Therapy. Undergraduate online courses are offered in 8-week sessions while graduate online courses follow the traditional semester schedule. ULM Online students get assistance through the Student Advocate advisor whom they can contact any time. Learning materials and other tools needed for online learning are all accessed through the Moodle Learning management system.
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
Freshman:
- $20 application fee
- ACT/SAT scores
- Official high school transcript
- 2.0 minimum core GPA
- Official transcripts from all previous college work
- Minimum 18 college-level academic hours with a 2.00 minimum GPA
Graduate:
- $40 application fee
- Official transcripts
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Administration Management Test (GMAT) scores
Application fees are waived for active U.S. military personnel and retired U.S. military veterans.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Louisiana Tech University
A public research university, Louisiana Tech University opened its doors in 1894. It was named as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana and was built initially to serve students who want to pursue higher education in the fields of arts and sciences. The school has gone through several changes and revolutionary growth, then earned its research university status in 1970. At present, Louisiana Tech caters to more than 12,000 students. This space-grant college is a member of the University of Louisiana system, recognized by the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral research university with high research activity, and a member of Southeastern Universities Research Association. Its multitude of programs is divided into five academic colleges – Colleges of Applied and Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering and Science, and Liberal Arts.
Online learning at Louisiana Tech University delivers the same quality education with that of the on-campus. Prospective online students can expect courses that are presented in the asynchronous format in quarterly terms. Louisiana Tech’s distance learning guarantees completely online programs that lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs are also available. It is currently working on becoming the top public research university with an unparalleled integrated educational experience through its TECH 2020. This will be among the many “firsts” the university has achieved.
Location: Ruston, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- Freshman
- Standardized testing scores (act or sat)
- High school transcript
- Official transcripts from each college institution attended
- 24 developmental hours of college credit with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
- Praxis I and II and GMAT as may be required
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
McNeese State University
McNeese State University is one of the highly regarded public universities in Louisiana. It is a unit of the University of Louisiana System and is recognized as a Master’s University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (CFAT). McNeese State University has also achieved having one of the best returns on investment for tuition. For 80 years, McNeese State University has been changing lives through their competitive programs. McNeese offers over 250 majors, minors and certificate programs under its eight academic colleges. Students can choose from fields of study like Business, Liberal Arts, Agriculture, Nursing, and Education.
McNeese offers a selection of online degree programs that focus on career building. Online learning at McNeese is designed for students who can comfortably manage courses at a fast pace. It has two associate programs—in Paralegal Studies and General Studies. Its bachelor’s degree program includes majors in Criminal Justice, Nursing, Management, Psychology, General Studies, and Sociology. You can also have 100% online master’s programs in Psychology, Business Administration, Leadership Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Instructional Technology. McNeese State University takes part in Louisiana Online to better assist students with their needs.
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
First Time Freshman
- Application fee
- Official ACT or SAT scores
Transfer
- Application fee
- Official college transcripts
- At least 18 college-level academic hours
Graduate
- Application fee of $20
- Official college transcripts
- Official GRE or GMAT test scores (if applicable)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is the flagship of the Louisiana State University system. This public research university is better known as Louisiana State University or LSU. Its founding commenced in 1806 as a land-grant institution for the military academy. To this day, the university still follows its military tradition. LSU is now a land-grant, space-grant, and sea-grant university and is the most comprehensive university in the state. It has a multitude of fields of study in its 18 colleges and schools. You can study programs from agriculture to veterinary medicine. The university is proud to have awarded 300 million dollars of financial aid and scholarships every year.
Online learning at LSU is perfect for the student who wants to finish courses in a short time. LSU offers final exams that students can take in less than four weeks while those who need more time are given six months to complete the course. Students who plan to earn an associate degree may enroll in the General Studies program. There are seven online bachelor degree programs and ten online master’s degree programs. Each online student is assigned a dedicated concierge service from the application process to graduation ready to provide assistance and support. LSU Online can also link students to programs offered in its family campuses in Alexandria, Shreveport, and Eunice.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- $50 application fee
- ACT or SAT scores
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Transfer
- Must have earned 30 college-level, transferable hours
- Official transcript from each college or university attended
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Louisiana, the “Pelican State,” is among the nation’s leading producers of oil and gas, is the birthplace of American jazz, and has an economy based primarily on agriculture. Louisiana is known for its vast culture and colorful festivals. Thanks to its low cost of living, this state is a great place to live and work. Louisiana is also home to a handful of affordable online colleges. Distance learners can take advantage of tuition at a reduced cost, and plenty of financial aid or scholarships are awarded every year.
METHODOLOGY
Our 5 Best Value Online Schools in Louisiana features online colleges and universities in the state that promote affordable distance learning. They deliver a range of options for students looking for inexpensive yet quality online degree programs. On this list are the state’s most affordable online colleges that also commit to delivering no less than the best quality of education.
Louisiana State University-Eunice
Louisiana State University-Eunice is the only junior college within the Louisiana State University system. It was founded 55 years ago to cater to students who want to attain higher education residing in the southwest of Louisiana. It is the only comprehensive, two year-institution in the state. The university maintains the highest academic standard among the two-year institutions in Louisiana. Its student body has reached more than 3,000 for both full-time and part-time enrolment. LSUE provides 100 areas of study for students planning to pursue a four-year degree for Louisiana transfer degree agreements. Low-priced online programs are provided for non-traditional students at LSUE and are delivered through LSUE Online. They offer online programs as associate degrees and certificate programs in Criminal Justice, Fire and Emergency Services and General Studies. Associate transfer degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Medical Coding and Billing are also available entirely online. Tuition for resident students cost $197.10 per semester hour, while out-of-state students pay $223.50 per semester hour.
Location: Eunice, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- Application fee of $25
- High school or college transcripts
- Admission forms
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University was named in honor of Francis Redding Tillou Nicholls, a two-time Louisiana governor. It first operated as a junior college in 1948 and developed its four-year curricula in 1956. The school has been providing general education programs to support students who have a vision of becoming leaders in the global society. It holds seven associate degree programs, 76 bachelor’s degree programs, 23 master’s degree programs, and a specialist program. Its top degree programs are Nursing, Business Administration, Biology, Education, Psychology, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Its student body is composed of diverse traditional and non-traditional students. Online programs at Nicholls State University are as affordable as the ones on the campus. There are 12 entirely online undergraduate programs available. These programs come with competitive prices. Undergraduate courses are offered at $275 per credit hour while graduate tuition starts at $385 per credit hour. Students are allowed only 9 hours each term, and classes are delivered in 8-week courses.
Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University is the state’s third-largest public university with over 14,000 students admitted. It was built in 1925 and started as a junior college that offered necessary undergraduate teaching certificate in arts and sciences. Due to the increase of students in the next two years after it was established, the college expanded its campus. Soon after, the four-year curricula in liberal arts, teacher education, business administration, music, social sciences, and physical education were approved. Today, Southeastern’s five academic colleges offer more than 60-degree programs in associate, baccalaureate and master levels. Its online programs are delivered either completely online or through a hybrid format.
Future students who are looking for a great online nursing program choose Southeastern Louisiana University. Teaching professionals who want to upgrade their skills and knowledge count on Southeastern’s excellent online master’s degree program. Other majors offered are General Studies and Family and Consumer Science. Tuition for 12 credit hour-courses at the undergraduate level is only $2,888.60 while graduate courses that reach 12 credit hours cost $3,342.10. Southeastern utilizes Moodle to provide needed information and access to online students.
Location: Hammond, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate
- Application fee of $20
- Minimum 2.35 GPA
- High School transcript
- ACT/SAT scores
Transfer
- Application fee of $20
- Official high school transcript/ SAT score
Graduate
- Application fee of $20
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- GRE scores (except MBA and Music programs)
- GMAT and PRAXIS I & II scores (for MBA)
- Financial Aid: Federal and state grants and loans
- Scholarships
- Student employment
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Southern University and A&M is the flagship institution of the Southern University System. It was founded in 1879 to provide education to persons of color. Southern University was once recognized as the largest historically black college/university in the nation. Today, this public, land-grant university caters to more than 6,000 learners. It hosts six degree-granting colleges and a law school. Southern University Law Center is one of the only two public law schools in the state. Its programs vary in areas of study such as agricultural science, business, visual and performing arts, sciences and engineering, and nursing and allied health. Like most online schools in Louisiana, Southern University offers its online program in eight-week courses. These courses are priced lower than most online schools in the state. Undergraduate students pay only $2,486.50 for 12 or more credit hours while graduate courses cost $2,668 for 12 or more credit hours.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- Application fee
- Final official high school transcript
- ACT, SAT, Compass, or Accuplacer scores
- Official transcripts from each regionally-accredited college/university previously enrolled
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University does not only form a part of the list of the best colleges in the state but also belongs to the colleges that give you the best return. It is one of the leading choices for the most affordable colleges in the nation. Its top tier online programs range from majors in Business Administration, Health Informatics and Information Management, Engineering and Technology Management, English, and History that offer a great deal of interaction in its courses. Most lectures and assignments can be completed at the student’s convenience. Students gain access to academic materials through the Moodle program. Undergraduate courses that meet 12 or more credit hours cost only $1,851 while graduate tuition has only $1,947 for 12 or more credit hours. Whether students enroll for either on-campus or online programs, Louisiana Tech makes it their mission to provide flexible programs at a reasonable price.
Location: Ruston, Louisiana
Admission Requirements:
- Application fee
- Standardized testing scores (ACT or SAT)
- High school transcript
- Official transcripts from each college institution attended
- Application fee of $40
- GRE, GMAT, or PRAXIS I and II, depending on the college
- Other degree-specific requirements
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
