Best Value Psychology Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport delivers the state's most affordable psychology education at just $8,130 net cost, though graduates earn $17,919 annually, creating an unusual trade-off between upfront savings and career earnings. The state's 15 psychology programs span from $8,130 to $43,939, with earnings ranging dramatically from $17,919 to $35,594. Louisiana's mental health sector benefits from the state's expanding healthcare infrastructure tied to oil and gas worker wellness programs, creating steady demand for psychology graduates in corporate and clinical settings. Public universities dominate the value market, with TOPS scholarships covering tuition for qualifying Louisiana residents. LSU Alexandria offers strong earning potential at $29,685 with relatively low debt at $21,199, while the flagship LSU Baton Rouge commands the highest net cost at $20,015 but delivers 71% graduation rates. Private options like Dillard University and Xavier University charge significantly more but maintain competitive job placement. The state's low cost of living helps stretch psychology graduate salaries further than national averages.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$26,056

Avg. Program Earnings

48.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365	$29,685	$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
2	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$26,264	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
3	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$27,280	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
4	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130	$17,919	$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
5	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$23,869	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
6	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$25,194	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
7	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$24,706	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
8	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260	$29,685	$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
9	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$25,739	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
10	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$22,482	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
11	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$24,904	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
12	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$28,960	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
13	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$29,322	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
14	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$27,642	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
15	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285	$24,863	$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
16	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$23,840	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
17	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762	$21,052	$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
18	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$35,594	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
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	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$17,797		$15,690	51.3%	84.8%
22	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes LSU-Shreveport the cheapest psychology program despite lower earnings?

LSU-Shreveport charges just $8,130 net cost with an 88.91% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. However, graduates earn $17,919 annually, the lowest among Louisiana psychology programs. The trade-off appeals to students prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earning potential. The 33.20% graduation rate suggests academic challenges that may impact career outcomes.

How do TOPS scholarships affect psychology program costs in Louisiana?

TOPS scholarships cover tuition at public universities for qualifying Louisiana residents, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. For example, LSU-Alexandria shows $7,050 in-state tuition versus $8,365 net cost. Students meeting TOPS requirements can attend most public psychology programs for under $10,000 annually. This makes Louisiana one of the most affordable states for psychology education.

Does LSU Baton Rouge justify its $20,015 cost for psychology students?

LSU Baton Rouge charges the highest net cost at $20,015 but delivers a 71% graduation rate, far above the state average. Psychology graduates earn $29,322 annually with moderate debt at $20,500. The flagship status provides stronger alumni networks and research opportunities. The 75.72% acceptance rate maintains selectivity while remaining accessible.

Where do psychology graduates find employment in Louisiana's economy?

Louisiana's oil and gas companies increasingly hire psychology graduates for employee assistance programs and safety consulting. The state's petrochemical industry requires mental health support for high-stress work environments. Port cities like New Orleans offer clinical opportunities in hospitals and community health centers. The expanding healthcare sector creates steady demand across urban and rural areas.

Is private psychology education worth the extra cost in Louisiana?

Private universities like Dillard ($18,553 net cost) and Xavier ($18,285) charge significantly more than public options. Dillard graduates earn $28,960 with 45.10% graduation rates, while Xavier graduates earn $24,863 with 50.20% completion rates. Both schools offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs but require careful financial planning. Public alternatives provide better value for most students.

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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.