Best Online Colleges in Louisiana
Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.
Best Accredited Colleges
#1 Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
$24524
56%
New Orleans, LA
$24524
56%
Loyola University New Orleans is a private institution that operates as part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The school offers comprehensive academic programs to over 5,000 students, including online learning options facilitated by Blackboard. Undergraduate students can enroll in remote bachelor's programs, such as mass communication, computer information systems, psychology, and ministry and theology. Alternatively, they may design their own major through the interdisciplinary studies track. Graduate candidates can earn online master's degrees in fields like criminology/criminal justice, pastoral studies, and music education. Loyola also delivers business administration credentials that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Furthermore, the university provides an array of graduate nursing programs. Experienced nurses can even pursue a dual-degree track, earning their MBA and MSN concurrently to prepare for clinical management positions across healthcare settings. Applicants usually need to furnish standardized test scores. Graduate candidates may ask for a GMAT/GRE exemption if they possess relevant work experience. The university bases its tuition prices on program type.
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#2 University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
$10858
32%
New Orleans, LA
$10858
32%
The University of New Orleans is a public research institution that serves approximately 8,000 students each year. In addition to affordable campus-based academics, the school offers online certificates and degrees powered by Moodle. Working professionals may advance their careers and develop specialized skills by earning certificates related to software product management and Agile application development. The university offers remote bachelor's programs in fields like philosophy and interdisciplinary studies. Students can also earn an urban studies degree and focus their training on transportation or urban planning. At the graduate level, UNO offers remote credentials in engineering management, romance languages, and English. Learners may earn a master of fine arts in creative writing through a low-residency track that requires occasional visits to campus for readings and workshops. Graduate applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify for unconditional admission. All distance learners pay in-state tuition rates, and they can apply for a variety of awards, like the merit-based Homer Hitt Scholarship.
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#3 Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA
$9393
30%
Shreveport, LA
$9393
30%
Founded in 1967 as a junior college, Louisiana State University in Shreveport now provides over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution enrolls about 5,800 students, many of whom pursue remote education through Moodle. Distance learners can earn bachelor's degrees in general studies, marketing, management, and finance. They may also enroll in a business administration program, choosing a generalist track or an international business concentration. LSUS delivers online graduate programs centered on business and education. The school's master of business administration program offers nine concentration options, such as data analytics and hospitality/casino management. The university also provides health and public administration degrees. Experienced educators may earn specialized endorsements in urban education, reading and literacy, and English as a second language. Additionally, they can prepare for careers as principals and instructional trainers by obtaining a master's degree in educational leadership. To enroll as a first-year student, applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Graduate candidates must display at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA. The LSUS Foundation funds private scholarships, including awards for prospective and licensed teachers.
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#4 Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA
$10503
39%
Natchitoches, LA
$10503
39%
Located in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana was the first postsecondary school in the state to offer nursing and business degrees. The institution continues this tradition by providing a remote RN-to-BSN program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Online students can also earn bachelor's degrees in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, and unified public safety administration. The majority of NSU's online offerings target graduate students. Learners may earn master's degrees in areas like homeland security and radiologic science. Students can also pursue a master of arts in teaching with pathways to alternative state certification; MAT candidates pick from seven concentration options. Additionally, the university delivers two remote doctoral programs in nursing and adult learning and development. The latter option prepares community college educators to strengthen the workforce development programs at their schools. NSU requires all applicants to furnish standardized test scores. Graduate candidates typically need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Per-credit tuition rates for full-time students are significantly less than they are for part-time learners.
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#5 Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
$11896
47%
Thibodaux, LA
$11896
47%
With a flagship campus in Thibodaux, Nicholls State University serves over 6,000 students as part of the UL System. Learners can access online academic programs through Moodle, with associate-level options in safety technology and petroleum services. Nicholls delivers remote bachelor's degrees in history, health sciences, sociology, and business administration. Candidates can also obtain a bachelor of arts in psychology that is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. This pre-counseling track prepares students to support children and families across the lifespan. Nicholls offers one online graduate degree -- a master of curriculum and instruction that holds specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This program explores research-based strategies for developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. To enroll, applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and an active teaching license. The university waives GRE requirements for full-time teachers. Financial aid opportunities include private awards, such as the Burt Excellence in Education Scholarship.
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#6 Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
$6967
20%
New Orleans, LA
$6967
20%
Established in 1956, Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black institution that receives aid from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The school serves about 2,700 students and offers online academics through Moodle. Learners may incorporate individual asynchronous classes into their traditional curriculum for a hybrid learning experience. SUNO also offers three fully remote degree options. Tuition prices are based on residence. The university facilitates the state-funded Go Grant and a variety of institutional scholarships. Undergraduate students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in general studies, which enables them to customize their curriculum by choosing electives and concentrations. Alternatively, learners may enroll in a criminal justice program. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and adequate ACT/SAT scores. SUNO also offers a 36-credit, fully remote master's program in museum studies, in which students develop skills in exhibition design and collections management. They gain hands-on experience by completing internships and round out the program with a research-focused thesis or applied project.
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#7 Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA
$13668
29%
Baton Rouge, LA
$13668
29%
Located in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A&M College is the flagship institution of the SU System and the largest historically black school in Louisiana. Over 7,000 students attend SU, many of whom complete distance education through Moodle. Online offerings include associate degrees in business management and health information technology. Distance learners can earn bachelor's credentials in interdisciplinary studies, designing a curriculum that aligns with their interests and goals. The university also offers four-year programs for psychology and criminal justice. Criminal justice professionals can extend their education by obtaining an executive master's degree that focuses on challenges related to law enforcement, corrections systems, and the courts. Additional graduate programs include public administration and business administration. The MBA track maintains specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Candidates pick from concentrations like international business, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. To enroll in a graduate program, applicants need a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA. They must also furnish GRE/GMAT scores, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
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#8 Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA
$10683
53%
Ruston, LA
$10683
53%
Louisiana Tech University is a public research institution located in Ruston. The school enrolls more than 12,000 students in comprehensive academic programs, many of which may be completed entirely online through asynchronous classes powered by Moodle. Undergraduate students can pursue a remote bachelor of health informatics and information management, which holds specialized accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management. This 120-credit degree helps students develop the IT and interpersonal communication skills needed to create links between patients, clinicians, and administrators. At the graduate level, remote programs covers fields like history, business administration, and English. Candidates may also obtain a master's degree in engineering, choosing an industrial engineering or technology management concentration. Louisiana Tech also delivers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate certificates that prepare working professionals to advance in their careers. The university bases its tuition rates on residency status and program level.
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#9 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
$12502
44%
Lafayette, LA
$12502
44%
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette serves more than 19,000 students each year, making it the largest member institution of the nine-campus UL System. The school offers affordable online programs through Moodle. Undergraduate learners can earn a remote bachelor's degree in general studies, which allows them to customize their curriculum to match individual interests and goals. Additional undergraduate offerings include business management, health promotion and wellness, and health services administration. UL Lafayette also offers a 12-month RN-to-BSN track that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Online graduate students can pick from seven programs in topics such as computer science, business administration, and systems technology. Experienced educators may pursue master's credentials leading to instructional specialist or educational leadership endorsement. The university also offers a remote doctor of nursing practice. First-time students must submit ACT/SAT scores. Graduate admission requirements differ by program but typically include a minimum 2.75 GPA.
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#10 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA
$19224
67%
Baton Rouge, LA
$19224
67%
Founded in 1860 as a seminary and military academy, Louisiana State University is the flagship institution for the state and serves over 30,000 students. In addition to a transfer-focused associate degree in general studies, online undergraduates can earn bachelor's credentials in 10 areas, such as world religions, accounting, construction management, and medical imaging. LSU also offers a remote bachelor of mass communication, which allows candidates to focus their degree plans on public relations or political communication. The university delivers distance education through Moodle. The graduate catalog at LSU contains 11 online master's degrees. These offerings include social work, civil engineering, business administration, and kinesiology/sport management. Students may also enroll in a master of environmental sciences program, completing a multidisciplinary curriculum that helps them understand the relationships between social and natural systems. Additionally, LSU delivers a master's program in construction management that is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA, while prospective graduate students must possess at least a 3.0 GPA. Depending on their program, candidates with relevant career experience may ask for standardized testing exemption.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best online colleges in Louisiana?
Some of the best online colleges in Louisiana include Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana Tech University.
2. Are online degrees from Louisiana colleges respected by employers?
Yes, online degrees from reputable Louisiana colleges are generally respected by employers. It is important to choose an accredited institution to ensure the value of your degree.
3. Can I transfer credits earned from an online college in Louisiana to another institution?
Transfer policies vary between institutions, but many online colleges in Louisiana have agreements with other colleges and universities to facilitate credit transfers. It is best to check with the specific institutions involved.
4. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Louisiana?
The duration of an online degree program in Louisiana depends on various factors such as the level of the degree, the program's structure, and the student's course load. Typically, bachelor's degrees take around four years, while master's degrees can take one to two years.
5. Are online courses in Louisiana more affordable than traditional on-campus courses?
Online courses in Louisiana can be more affordable than traditional on-campus courses due to factors such as reduced commuting and housing costs. However, tuition fees vary between institutions, so it is important to research and compare costs.
6. Can I receive financial aid for online programs in Louisiana?
Yes, many online programs in Louisiana are eligible for financial aid. Students can apply for federal grants, loans, and scholarships. It is recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.
7. Are online classes in Louisiana self-paced?
Not all online classes in Louisiana are self-paced. Some programs follow a structured schedule with specific deadlines, while others offer more flexibility. It is important to review the program's requirements and format before enrolling.
8. Can I access support services as an online student in Louisiana?
Yes, online students in Louisiana typically have access to support services such as academic advising, library resources, technical support, and career services. Institutions strive to provide comprehensive support to their online students.
9. Are online degrees in Louisiana as rigorous as traditional degrees?
Online degrees in Louisiana are designed to be just as rigorous as traditional degrees. Accredited institutions ensure that online programs meet the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts. The level of rigor depends on the specific program and the student's dedication.
10. Can I participate in extracurricular activities as an online student in Louisiana?
Some online colleges in Louisiana offer opportunities for online students to participate in virtual clubs, organizations, and events. However, the availability of extracurricular activities may vary between institutions. It is best to inquire with the specific college or university.