Best Value History Colleges in Louisiana

McNeese State University graduates with History degrees earn $39,729 annually, the highest among Louisiana's public institutions and nearly $13,000 more than the state average of $27,000. This earning power reflects the state's demand for historians in its oil and gas documentation, maritime history preservation, and cultural tourism sectors. Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers the lowest net cost at $8,130, while Tulane commands $43,939 despite an 88.9% graduation rate. The 20 programs span from highly accessible options with 98% acceptance rates to Tulane's selective 11.45% admission standard. Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program significantly reduces costs for qualifying students at public universities, making schools like LSU-Shreveport and Nicholls State particularly affordable for residents. The state's rich colonial heritage, Civil War significance, and cultural crossroads position create unique research opportunities and career paths for History majors in museums, preservation societies, and government agencies.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$31,009

Avg. Program Earnings

48.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 History Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$39,729	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
2	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130	$27,476	$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
3	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$32,925	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
4	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$27,439	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
5	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$26,353	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
6	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$29,685	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
7	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$33,459	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
8	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285		$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
9	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
10	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939		$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
11	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260		$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
12	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740		$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
13	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Louisiana	$16,780		$16,160	35.8%	87.4%
14	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809		$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
15	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633		$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
16	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762		$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
17	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209		$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
18	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874		$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
19	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365		$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
20	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125		$7,683	32.3%	42.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for McNeese State's higher History graduate earnings compared to other Louisiana public universities?

McNeese State History graduates earn $39,729, significantly above the $27,000-$33,000 range of other public institutions. The university's location in Lake Charles positions graduates near major petrochemical and energy companies that value historical research skills for environmental compliance and corporate archives. McNeese also maintains strong connections with Louisiana's maritime and oil industry museums. The 52% graduation rate indicates solid academic preparation for the job market.

How does Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program affect History major costs?

TOPS covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying Louisiana residents, making programs like LSU-Shreveport's $7,327 in-state tuition essentially free for eligible students. This brings total net costs down to around $8,000-$12,000 for most public institutions, covering only room, board, and fees. The program makes schools like Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana particularly attractive with net costs under $13,000. Private institutions like Xavier at $27,868 don't qualify for TOPS funding.

Is Tulane University worth the $43,939 net cost for History majors?

Tulane's 88.9% graduation rate far exceeds other Louisiana institutions, suggesting stronger academic support and career preparation. The university's New Orleans location provides access to major historical archives, the National WWII Museum, and French Colonial research opportunities. However, at nearly four times the cost of flagship LSU Baton Rouge, the investment requires careful consideration of career goals. Tulane's highly selective 11.45% acceptance rate indicates a competitive academic environment.

Does Louisiana's job market support History degree graduates effectively?

Louisiana's oil, gas, and maritime industries create unique opportunities for History graduates in corporate archives, environmental compliance, and cultural documentation. The state's tourism sector, particularly in New Orleans and plantation country, employs historians in museum curation and interpretation. Government positions in historic preservation and cultural affairs provide additional career paths. Graduate earnings ranging from $26,353 to $39,729 reflect this specialized demand, particularly in energy sector documentation.

Where do the best value History programs balance cost and outcomes in Louisiana?

University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers strong value with a 52% graduation rate, $14,118 net cost, and $29,685 graduate earnings. LSU Baton Rouge provides the flagship experience at $20,015 with 71% graduation rates and $33,459 earnings. For budget-conscious students, LSU-Shreveport at $8,130 net cost delivers reasonable outcomes despite a 33% graduation rate. McNeese State combines moderate costs with the highest public university earnings at $39,729.

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