8 Best Online Colleges in Louisiana 2025

Earning a degree can make a huge impact on your career path. In the 2021-2022 school year, over 23,000 students in Louisiana earned bachelor's degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

However, not everyone can make it to campus to earn their degrees, which is where online college programs come in. Accredited online degrees allow students to learn in a flexible format.

There are many top online colleges across the U.S., including many schools that offer online degrees in Louisiana. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Louisiana.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Louisiana

Students can select from several excellent accredited colleges online in Louisiana. We've featured some of the top options for online learners below.

1. Tulane University

Tulane University is a private university in New Orleans. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like digital design, information technology, health sciences, and social sciences.

Online bachelor's degree programs at Tulane are available through the School of Professional Advancement. Students have the opportunity to advance their professional network while earning their degrees.

The tuition rate for online undergraduate degrees is $624 per credit hour. Multiple financial aid programs are available, and 64% of students receive some type of aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $65,538

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $63,814

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 15%

Retention Rate: 94%

Institution Type: Private Nonprofit

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Loyola University New Orleans

At Loyola University New Orleans, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include communication, computer science, criminal justice, and psychology.

All first-time undergraduate students at LoyNO receive student aid, primarily grants or scholarships. Tuition for online distance education programs is $468 for undergraduate students.

Online programs at LoyNO are meant to be flexible and designed to fit into the lives of busy distance learners. Courses are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus courses, and each student receives personalized career support and resources.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $47,240

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $20,524

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University offers primarily bachelor's degrees online but a handful of online associate and master's degrees as well. Online bachelor's degrees are available in fields like business administration, English, healthcare, and political science.

Nicholls is part of the public University of Louisiana System and is located in Thibodaux, LA. Online courses are offered in an eight-week schedule, and students have the ability to earn a bachelor's degree in just three years.

The tuition rate for online undergraduate courses is $275 per credit hour, and no out-of-state fees are charged to Nicholls Online students. Most students, about 95%, receive some form of financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,173

Out-of-State: $9,266

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,686

Out-of-State: $6,779

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, health services, and nursing.

Roughly 96% of students are awarded student aid, especially grants and scholarships, at ULL. Tuition for most bachelor's degrees is $380 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.

The public research university is based in Lafayette, LA. It offers both eight-week and 16-week course options so students can set the pace that works best for them.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,418

Out-of-State: $24,146

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,511

Out-of-State: $19,239

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public/

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is another member of the University of Louisiana System. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like behavioral sciences, business, education, and health sciences.

The university allows students to accelerate their online learning with eight-week courses. It provides them with student resources and a commitment to student success to help all students reach their goals.

All students, regardless of their state of residency, pay $400 per credit hour for online bachelor's degrees. ULM offers various grants and scholarship programs, and 99% of students receive financial aid of some kind.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,190

Out-of-State: $21,290

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,490

Out-of-State: $18,590

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. McNeese State University

Students at McNeese State University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, education, nursing, and sociology.

Around 91% of students at McNeese State are awarded financial aid, especially grants and scholarships. The average financial aid package is more than $9,000 for undergraduate students.

McNeese, based in Lake Charles, LA, is part of the Louisiana State University System. Online students here have access to most of the things on-campus students do, including personalized advising, supportive faculty, and internship and service-learning opportunities.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,460

Out-of-State: $9,960

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,703

Out-of-State: $7,203

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers online programs from the associate degree through the doctoral levels. Online bachelor's degrees are available in fields like business administration, behavioral sciences, computer science, and liberal arts.

The public university is located in Natchitoches, LA. Through its eNSU Global Campus, the university is able to provide accommodating class schedules, personalized instruction, military benefits, and financial aid to those who qualify.

Online undergraduate students pay $375 per credit hour, whether they're in-state or out-of-state. Several grant and scholarship programs are available, with 98% of students awarded financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,864

Out-of-State: $19,652

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,738

Out-of-State: $16,526

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Louisiana State University of Alexandria

Many undergraduate degrees are available online through Louisiana State University of Alexandria. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, health services, and humanities.

Approximately 93% of students receive financial aid, including state and federal grants. The tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state online students is $325 per credit hour.

LSUA is part of the Louisana State University (LSU) system. While the campuses in Baton Rouge, Eunice, Shreveport, and New Orleans all offer online programs, most of the online bachelor's degrees come from the Alexandria campus. Online courses at LSUA run on an accelerated seven-week schedule.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,050

Out-of-State: $14,650

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: N/A

Out-of-State: N/A

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 68%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are many great Louisiana online colleges, there are numerous online degree programs available across the U.S. Below, we've highlighted some of the best accredited online universities in the country.

Columbia College

Columbia College is a private, nonprofit university based in Columbia, MO. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, global studies, and social sciences.

The college is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It charges $375 per credit hour for its online bachelor's degrees.

Southern New Hampshire University

Through Southern New Hampshire University, students can choose from over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs online. Areas of study include criminal justice, English, information technology, and psychology.

The tuition rate at SNHU is $330 per credit hour for online bachelor's degrees, and students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours. The university is well-known for its leadership in distance education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

UMass Global

UMass Global offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Areas of study include business, education, humanities, and technology, and several programs are available in the university's self-paced MyPath format.

The university is a private affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts system and is based in Aliso Viejo, CA. It's accredited through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Tuition for traditional online bachelor's degrees is $500 per credit hour, while MyPath programs cost $3,300 per six-month session.

How We Rank Schools

Our methodology for choosing the schools above started by using the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources to find schools that fit the following criteria:

• Location: For our initial list, we focused specifically on schools located in Louisiana.
• Accreditation: All schools on both lists are regionally accredited.
• Type: We only chose four-year public and nonprofit private institutions.
• Online Options: We looked for schools that offered various online programs, especially at the bachelor's level, as well as student services.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Louisiana

There are both good and bad aspects of earning a degree online. We've highlighted a few common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Schedule flexibility: Online classes generally allow you to complete your coursework on your own time, meaning you can tend to your other responsibilities while earning your degree.
• Location freedom: Because there's no need to commute to campus, you can study wherever works best for you- at home, at the library, or while traveling the country.
• More options: Pursuing an online degree gives you the opportunity to learn through colleges that are nowhere near you, expanding the options you have for your major.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Less structure: Some students struggle with the more unstructured format of online courses.
• Virtual connections: It can be harder to connect with your professors and other students when all interaction is virtual.
• Technology dependent: If something happens to your computer, internet, or WiFi, it can become much more difficult to complete your coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Louisiana

With so many great online colleges in Louisiana, how can you tell which is the best for you? There are a few things to consider when looking at your options:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose, it needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.
• Major: Not all schools will offer the major or program of study you want online.
• Admissions Requirements: Common requirements for admission include a high school diploma or equivalent, high school GPA, and SAT or ACT scores.
• Schedule: Some schools offer accelerated schedules, while others offer part-time options.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary quite a bit between schools. Public schools are often, but not always, less expensive.
• Financial Aid: Different schools will offer different amounts of financial aid.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Louisiana Cost?

Of the programs listed above, the tuition rates vary from $275 per credit hour at Nicholls to over $600 at Tulane. However, the final cost of your tuition will depend on multiple factors, including your financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online Learning in Louisiana More Affordable

Affordability is a major concern for many students. There are a few things you can do to make your online college program more affordable.

The first is to choose a school with low tuition rates. There are several affordable online colleges in Louisiana. Additionally, all students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for many financial aid programs. Below, we've listed a few other resources to help you find affordable college programs:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Louisiana Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are a type of financial aid that you do not need to repay. We've highlighted some excellent scholarships and grants that are available to Louisiana students.

GO Grant

The GO Grant is a need-based grant offered by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). Students must be Louisiana residents and be Pell Grant-eligible. There is no separate application for this grant; eligibility is determined through FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $3,000 per year

Deadline: N/A

Taylor Opportunity Program for Students

The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a merit-based program that offers funding to Louisiana residents studying at a Louisiana college or university. Amounts vary depending on the school you attend and your academic accomplishments.

Award Amount: Varies, current maximum is $8,858 per year.

Deadline: July 1st following the one-year anniversary of your high school graduation.

Louisiana Geaux Teach Program

The Louisiana Geaux Teach Program provides scholarships to students who are enrolled in teacher preparation programs at Louisiana colleges and universities. Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per year.

Deadline: Varies by institution.

Top Majors for Louisiana Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular areas of study for students in Louisiana are:

• Business: A business degree can lead to careers in fields like finance, human resources, marketing, and sales.
• Healthcare: Common healthcare majors at the bachelor's level include nursing, healthcare administration, and health sciences.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field that encompasses topics like art, language, and culture. A degree in humanities can lead to a number of careers in these fields.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: With a degree in the natural sciences or in mathematics, students can pursue careers in research, academia, or more hands-on fieldwork.
• Engineering: Most colleges offer majors in specific engineering fields, like chemical engineering or mechanical engineering, so students can choose a major based on the type of engineer they want to be.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Louisiana

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in Pennsylvania.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Louisiana?

In general, it takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree. However, many schools, such as Nicholls State University, offer accelerated online degrees in Louisiana allow students to finish faster.

Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?

Students can attend some of Louisiana's best colleges online, and for many, this makes earning their degree worth it. Online degrees give students the flexibility to pursue higher education without sacrificing their careers or other obligations.

Which Online Colleges in Louisiana Have the Best Graduation Rates?

The online college with the best graduation rate in Louisiana is Tulane University, with a graduation rate of 89%. However, keep in mind that these rates only track the number of first-year, full-time students who graduate, not the overall number of students.

Can You Pursue Bachelor's Degrees at Online Career Colleges?

Most career colleges are similar to community colleges in that they primarily offer diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees � though a few offer bachelor's degrees. That being said, career colleges are often focused on teaching hands-on trades, like welding, plumbing, and cosmetology, and don't often offer a wide range of online programs.

Discover Degree Programs for Online Students in Louisiana

Start your career journey by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact these online colleges in Louisiana to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.