Best Value Biology Colleges in Louisiana

Northwestern State University delivers the highest biology graduate earnings at $31,495 annually, while LSU-Shreveport offers the most affordable path at just $8,130 net cost. This stark contrast reflects Louisiana's public university system, where TOPS scholarships can reduce tuition to under $8,000 for qualifying students. Biology graduates find opportunities across Louisiana's chemical corridor stretching from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, where petrochemical companies like ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical seek laboratory technicians and environmental specialists. The state's 20 biology programs span from $8,130 to $43,939 in net costs, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 17.9% at Southern University at New Orleans to 71% at LSU's flagship campus. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 12 of the 15 most affordable options coming from state institutions that benefit from Louisiana's historically low tuition structure.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$25,005

Avg. Program Earnings

48.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130	$28,598	$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
2	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$28,055	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
3	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$31,495	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
4	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$26,353	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
5	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$24,808	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
6	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$28,960	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
7	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260	$26,715	$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
8	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$20,140	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
9	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$29,141	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
10	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$16,663	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
11	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285	$24,164	$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
12	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$17,797	$21,964	$15,690	51.3%	84.8%
13	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$22,771	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
14	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$23,340	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
15	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$24,267	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
16	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$22,652	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
17	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257		$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
18	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762		$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
19	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874		$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
20	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Louisiana	$16,780		$16,160	35.8%	87.4%
21	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365		$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
22	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana State University-Shreveport the most affordable biology option?

LSU-Shreveport charges just $8,130 net cost with an 88.91% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. In-state tuition drops to $7,327, and TOPS scholarship recipients can attend for even less. Biology graduates earn $28,598 annually, providing solid returns given the minimal investment required.

How do graduation rates affect value among Louisiana biology programs?

Graduation rates range from 17.9% at Southern University at New Orleans to 71% at LSU Baton Rouge, creating vastly different completion prospects. University of Louisiana at Monroe achieves a 50.6% graduation rate at $11,633 net cost. Students should weigh completion likelihood against affordability when choosing programs.

Is private education worth the premium for biology in Louisiana?

Private options like Xavier University cost $18,285 compared to public alternatives under $15,000. Xavier graduates earn $24,164 annually, less than several public university graduates. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University charges $17,797 with graduates earning $21,964, making public universities the clear value leaders.

Does Louisiana's job market support biology career prospects?

Louisiana's petrochemical industry employs biology graduates in environmental monitoring and quality control roles. The state's oil and gas sector requires laboratory technicians and environmental specialists. Port facilities along the Mississippi River create additional opportunities in cargo inspection and environmental compliance positions.

Where do biology graduates earn the most after Louisiana programs?

Northwestern State University graduates earn $31,495 annually, the highest among Louisiana biology programs. LSU-Shreveport and Southeastern Louisiana University graduates both earn over $28,000 annually. These earnings reflect Louisiana's lower cost of living while providing access to regional chemical and energy employers.

More Biology, General Rankings

Cheapest Biology, General in Louisiana Biology, General Under $20,000 in Louisiana

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in Louisiana Best Biology, General in Louisiana

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.