10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Louisiana 2025

Regardless of whether you've never taken a college course or whether you picked up credits many years ago and feel ready to return to finish a degree, Louisiana has an affordable online program that's right for you.

For Louisiana residents, affordable and flexible degrees are possible. Many accredited online colleges in Louisiana offer low tuition rates and excellent academic opportunities.

We explore the most affordable online colleges and other students seeking a flexible school schedule, below. Keep reading to learn about the cheapest online colleges in Louisiana and financial aid programs that can help you pay tuition.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Louisiana

Are you ready to start earning a degree? Check out the cheapest colleges in Louisiana for online learners.

1. Southern University at New Orleans

Southern University at New Orleans is a public, four-year institution that offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees. These online programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Online undergraduates pay $375 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $475. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to help manage tuition costs.

2. Southern University and A&M College

Southern University and A&M College offers high-quality online learning opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online degree seekers can access student support services, including academic advisors and career support.

Tuition costs $395 per credit hour for undergraduates and $475 for graduate students. Online students may apply for financial aid and institutional scholarships through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University offers several online bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

criminal justice
health sciences
business administration
history
english
psychology

These programs feature an asynchronous, accelerated eight-week format. Motivated students can finish their bachelor's degree in just three years.

Tuition costs $275 to $302.13 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Online learners may receive financial aid and scholarships, including the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), which provides Louisiana high school graduates with scholarships. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the school awarded over $5.6 million in scholarships.

4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Students may pursue several fully online degrees at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a nationally ranked school, online courses are academically rigorous. Students can earn bachelor's degrees in general studies, criminal justice, and more.

Full-time undergraduate students pay a flat rate tuition of $380 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $480. Enrollees may utilize payment plans to help manage out-of-pocket tuition costs.

5. McNeese State University

McNeese State University is a public liberal arts college based in Lake Charles. It offers numerous online bachelor's and master's degrees.

In-state undergraduate students pay a flat rate of $4,500 per semester and out-of-state students pay $5,000. Over 97% of students received financial aid, including need-based and merit-based awards.

6. Louisiana State University

At Louisiana State University (LSU), students can choose from over 150 fully online education programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. LSU provides ample student support services, including online tutoring, career coaching, and academic advising.

Tuition rates vary by program and degree level. For example, a Bachelor of Science in computer science is $325 per credit hour, but a Master of Business Administration is $1,110.

LSU offers prior learning credit and flexible pay-as-you-go options to help make degrees more attainable. Students may also apply for financial aid to further reduce costs.

7. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers many online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Coursework is rigorous and may include a combination of lectures, class meetings, tests, and discussion boards.

Tuition is the same rate for in-state residents and out-of-state students. Undergraduates pay $375 per credit hour and graduate students pay $475.

8. Southeastern Louisiana University

At Southeastern Louisiana University, students can pursue several online degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels. Programs include:

nursing
criminal justice
general studies
health management
strategic communications

The school offers a flat tuition rate for online students ?undergraduates pay $375 per credit hour and graduate students pay $475. Online learners can apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

9. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans is a nationally ranked four-year research institution that offers several distance learning opportunities. Students can pursue fully online bachelor's and master's degrees in academic disciplines, such as:

philosophy
interdisciplinary studies
English
creative writing
hospitality and tourism management
tax accounting

Louisiana residents pay $9,454 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $14,290. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to help make degrees more affordable.

10. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers over 35 degree programs online. Students can speed up their academic journeys through accelerated eight-week online courses.

The tuition rate is $400 per credit hour for online undergraduates and $500 for graduate students. Online learners may apply for grants or loans. Additionally, some businesses participate in tuition reimbursement programs.

Our Selection Criteria

To rank the schools in Louisiana, we evaluated several ranking factors. Our methodology includes:

Accreditation: All schools listed above are accredited and offer quality curriculums, expert faculty, and rigorous coursework.
Learning delivery: We chose schools that offer flexible, fully online degree programs at the undergraduate degree level.
Affordability: We aimed to find the most affordable online colleges in Louisiana. We looked at tuition rates, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and payment plans.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Louisiana Cost?

The cost of an online college education varies by school, degree level, and program. The schools on this list offer degrees that range from $275 per credit hour to $1,100.

How Can I Make an Online Program Affordable in Louisiana?

Keep in mind that financial aid is often available to lower your tuition costs. Be sure to file a FAFSA form (the federal financial aid application) by the deadline to ensure your consideration for eligibility.

Also, be sure to work closely with the financial aid officers at each school to which you apply. They can share their expertise to help you find loans, grants, and scholarships.

If you are currently employed, your employer may have a tuition assistance program, so don't forget to check about that.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About the Cheapest Online Colleges in Louisiana

Many prospective college students have questions about cheap colleges in Louisiana. We'll answer a few of the top questions below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Louisiana?

The cheapest online college in Louisiana is Nicholls State University. An undergraduate degree costs $275 to $302.13 per credit hour.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in Louisiana Accredited?

Yes, the affordable online colleges on this list are accredited. They offer comprehensive curriculums, challenging coursework, and online student support services to help ensure success.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Louisiana?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Nicholls State University has a 96% acceptance rate. Applicants are typically considered based on their high school GPA and do not need to submit other academic materials.

How Much Do Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Cost?

Inexpensive online bachelor's degrees typically range from $275 per credit hour to $500. Financial, aid, scholarships, and other discounts can help make an undergraduate degree attainable. Check with a school's financial aid office to determine affordability.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

Earning a college degree may be within your reach. Check out cheap online colleges on Learn.org and contact schools individually to find information on financial aid programs, scholarship opportunities, and enrollment policies.