10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is filled with amazing attractions, including the Capitol Park Museum, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and Magnolia Mount & Gardens.

But that's not all this great city has to offer. If you're looking to further your education, you'll also find great institutions of higher education in and around Baton Rouge.

Read on to learn all about top colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana that could offer the academic experience you desire.

Featured Colleges In and Near Baton Rouge, LA

This list highlights top colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

1. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, located right in the heart of the capital city, has been recognized as the state's top school among public and private institutions.

The university has also been recognized for its graduates' salaries, social mobility, diversity, student contentment, and student progression.

Attendees can choose from more than 330 academic programs.

Areas of study include biomolecular chemical engineering, food industry management, interior design, public relations, women's and gender studies, geography, and criminology.

2. Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, Louisiana, a city located about 50 minutes from Baton Rouge, is home to Southeastern Louisiana University.

The school delivers more than 150 programs of study with 43 undergraduate degrees and 22 graduate programs.

Undergraduate offerings include art education, chemistry, education, nursing, and supply chain management. Graduate programs include choral conducting, kinesiology, psychology, and biology.

Southeastern Louisiana University has been named among the top public schools in the region and the top universities in the South.

3. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

University of Louisiana at Lafayette students attend in-person classes in Lafayette, Louisiana, which is about an hour from Baton Rouge.

Program options include more than 240 majors, minors, and concentrations enabling students to earn degrees in chemical engineering, informatics, nursing, Spanish, and more.

At the graduate level, students can take on architecture, education, industrial chemistry, and music among other degrees.

The university has been recognized for its graduate programs and its undergraduate programs are deemed the best in the state.

4. Nicholls State University

Students who don't mind attending a school about an hour away from Baton Rouge might consider Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Ranked as the top public regional university in the state, Nicholls boasts top rankings among regional universities in the South.

The university offers dozens of degrees in business, education, the culinary arts, nursing, science, and technology.

Degree options include accounting, safety management, psychology, music, marketing, history, and finance.

5. Loyola University New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana, the home of Loyola University New Orleans, is about 80 miles from Baton Rouge.

This university is popular for its large selection of programs from academic colleges focused on music and media, business, law, nursing and health, and more.

Undergraduate programs include international business, music therapy, vocal performance, and economics. Graduate degrees include teaching, counseling, and nursing.

Loyola has been recognized for its law program in the areas of legal writing, environmental law, and trial advocacy.

6. Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans has recently been ranked the best of all HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) in the state of Louisiana.

The university earned its ranking for its commitment to serving the educational needs of Louisiana, the black community, and all races.

Students attending Xavier have access to areas of study like business, education, biological and applied health sciences, and mathematics.

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in counseling, health informatics, theology, accounting, and more.

7. Dillard University

Dillard University has been recognized as a top university among HBCUs and is considered one of the more affordable institutions in the South.

The university has also earned high marks for its social mobility and has been praised for offering its students one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

Attendees can choose from programs like business administration, nursing, music, visual arts, and physics.

Dillard is located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

8. Tulane University

At Tulane University in New Orleans, students have access to more than 75 majors and minors.

Undergraduate and graduate areas of study include business, architecture, science, engineering, public health, law, medicine, and social work.

Anthropology, exercise science, French, jazz studies, music, sociology, homeland security, and economics are just a few program options to choose from.

Tulane has been recognized as a top national university and is ranked among the most innovative schools.

9. University of Holy Cross

The University of Holy Cross, located in New Orleans, is home to numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students can choose from bachelor's degrees in addiction counseling, biology, elementary education, health sciences, and much more.

Graduate programs offer master's and doctoral degrees in areas of study like management, teaching and learning, executive leadership, and catholic theology.

The university has earned high marks for its social mobility and is ranked one of the best regional universities in the South.

10. Louisiana Christian University

At Louisiana Christian University, students can choose from dozens of academic programs in areas like English, history, criminal justice, business administration, Spanish, and graphic design.

The university, located in Pineville, Louisiana � about two hours from Baton Rouge � offers more than 70 programs of study.

Students can enjoy a 10-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and the ability to learn from an institution ranked among the best bachelor's degree colleges in Louisiana.

What Is the Biggest School Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

Are you interested in attending a large school? Several colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana have large enrollments.

The biggest school in the area is right in Baton Rouge. Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge had a student body of just over 37,350, as of 2022.

The next largest school in the area is the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which saw overall enrollment reach more than 19,000 in the fall of 2023.

Tulane University's total enrollment was 14,300 in the fall of 2023, and Southeastern Louisiana University currently has a student body of 13,500.

How To Choose the Right College Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana

As you compare colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it's important to conduct as much research as possible.

This helps you make the most informed decision when selecting your school.

First, ensure that the schools you're comparing offer the degree you desire.

If you want to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design, eliminate all schools not offering this degree.

Next, compare the cost of attending each school.

While higher tuition shouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker, you'll want to check into financial aid options to reduce school costs.

How you'll get to class every day is also of utmost importance.

If you plan to live on the campus, be sure to visit beforehand to check living conditions. Also, check transportation options to and from the school.

Finally, take time to get to know the campus, your academic department, and faculty members. You want to feel comfortable with all aspects of your school before enrolling.

Paying for Your Degree Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Before selecting one of the fantastic colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, consider options to help pay for your degree like the following:

• Federal financial aid: By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you can become eligible for federal grants, student loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program.
• Scholarships: Earning a scholarship is one of the best ways to pay for your degree since doing so can cover some or all school costs.
• Military aid: If you are a veteran or are currently enlisted, you might benefit from the GI Bill or qualify for military scholarships, grants, and tuition reduction programs.
• Employer reimbursement: If you are a working student, ask your employer if they offer a program to reimburse tuition costs for employees enrolled in college.

Discover more ways to pay for your degree by contacting your financial aid or bursar office.

Start Your Degree Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana Today

Are you ready to enroll in your academic program of choice? Don't wait any longer. Explore these colleges near Baton Rouge, Louisiana to find one that aligns with your educational goals.