Best HBCUs in Louisiana (2025)
Explore this list of the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Louisiana to help you find the perfect accredited program to match your academic goals and get your career on track.
There are just over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation, and Louisiana is home to six of them.
Louisiana's six HBCUs provide a wide range of programs and many ways to earn a degree, including online learning options for busy working professionals.
Listed below are the best HBCUs in Louisiana. These top-rated institutions deliver quality academics and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
List of HBCUs in Louisiana
Here is a compilation of the best U.S. HBCUs in Louisiana, including tuition costs and examples of areas of study that students can choose from.
1. Dillard University
Located in New Orleans, Dillard University is the first historically Black university in Louisiana and among the best in the state.
It provides a valuable liberal arts education and beneficial experiences for individuals. They enroll over 1,200 students and offer more than 20 programs.
Several majors are available, such as:
- business administration
- accounting
- social work
- public health
- nursing
- psychology
- political science
The tuition is $9,597 per semester plus fees for full-time undergraduates and $5,850 for full-time graduates. Online students pay $500 per credit.
2. Southern University and A&M College
Southern University and A&M College is a top-rated HBCU in Baton Rouge.
It offers a student-focused education and several opportunities for individuals to pursue various bachelor's, master's, and doctorate-level programs.
Many areas of study are available, including:
- psychology
- sociology
- elementary education
- criminal justice
- social work
- political science
- nursing
It was founded in 1880 and has an enrollment of around 7,000 students, making it the largest HBCU in Louisiana. Tuition costs $475 per credit hour plus applicable expenses.
3. Grambling State University
Grambling State University is a public HBCU that enrolls about 5,000 students.
It has over 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees, offering various options for individuals to advance their college education across many fields.
Several programs of study are accessible, such as:
- computer information systems
- public administration
- elementary education
- criminal justice
- psychology
- cybersecurity
- nursing
Louisiana residents who commute and attend as full-time undergraduates pay $3,841.50 plus applicable fees; residents living on campus pay $7,551.50. The cost per hour is $215 plus fees.
4. Southern University, Shreveport
Southern University at Shreveport is a highly rated two-year historically Black university. This junior college provides many opportunities for individuals to obtain associate degrees and certificates in popular career fields.
Its programs of study include:
- computer information systems
- criminal justice administration
- engineering technology
- web development
- general studies
- computer science
- health information technology
It prepares individuals for success in today's competitive workforce or for enrolling in four-year institutions. Part-time students pay a rate of $660 per credit plus additional charges for books and other fees.
5. Xavier University of Louisiana
Located in New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic historically Black university in the nation. This liberal arts institution provides multiple choices for students to obtain bachelor's and master's degrees.
Several programs of study are available, including:
- computer information systems
- health informatics
- mathematics
- biology
- accounting
- sociology
- theology
It has an enrollment of about 3,400 and ranks highly by U.S. News and World Report for best HBCUs in Louisiana. Tuition for part-time students is $1,034 per semester hour plus applicable fees.
6. Southern University, New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans is commonly referred to as SUNO. It was founded in 1956 and ranks highly for its affordable tuition costs.
It extends the chance to obtain an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in a wide range of programs.
Students select from many majors, including:
- health information management systems
- business administration
- educational studies
- cybersecurity
- social work
- criminal justice
- nursing
Online education is accessible for many of its degrees. The undergraduate rate per credit hour is $375 plus additional fees.
What's the Average Cost of an HBCU Degree Program?
According to our list, the average cost of the best HBCUs in Louisiana is $540 per credit.
As described, tuition ranges from $215 per credit plus fees at Grambling State University to $1,034 at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Costs and applicable fees vary according to the school and program, and students should research their desired one regarding specific details.
How To Choose the Right HBCU
Choosing the right HBCU is a decision not to be taken lightly. Students should perform the necessary research on the best HBCUs in Louisiana to ensure they line up with their career paths and academic goals.
The following factors need to be considered when selecting an HBCU:
- location
- degrees offered
- program length
- tuition costs
- financial aid
- admission requirements
- online education options
- campus environment
These are the initial ways students can choose an ideal school for them. Visiting the school's campus, if applicable, and other steps should be taken by individuals before making final decisions.
Are There Online HBCUs?
Yes, students can enroll in numerous online programs at some of the best HBCUs in Louisiana.
These schools provide quality education and associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees covering various areas of study.
Examples of online HBCUs in Louisiana include:
- Southern University and A&M College
- Southern University at Shreveport
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Dillard University
With the flexibility and convenience of distance education, working professionals have several ways to obtain college degrees at numerous accredited HBCUs.
Find a Historically Black College or University Near You
Finding the best HBCUs in Louisiana near you is simple; just use this compilation of the top-rated accredited institutions offering various degree programs to help you get your career on track.