Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport delivers teacher education training for just $8,130 net price while graduates earn $40,589 annually, creating one of the strongest return ratios among the state's 20 programs. This affordability advantage extends across Louisiana's public universities, where the TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition for qualifying students at institutions like LSU-Alexandria and McNeese State. The state's unique educational market includes both urban districts serving New Orleans and Baton Rouge alongside rural parishes across Acadiana, creating demand for teachers trained in everything from English language learning to special education methods. Louisiana Tech stands out with a 57.6% graduation rate, nearly double that of some peer institutions, while maintaining reasonable debt levels at $22,375. Private options like Louisiana Christian University cost significantly more at $16,874 net price but produce graduates earning $41,342. The state's growing population and ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in STEM fields and special education, make these specialized preparation programs particularly valuable for career-minded educators.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$39,983

Avg. Program Earnings

45.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365	$42,235	$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
2	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130	$40,589	$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
3	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$40,295	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
4	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$38,061	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
5	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$38,878	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
6	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$40,446	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
7	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$39,286	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
8	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$39,430	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
9	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$39,214	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
10	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$37,928	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
11	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874	$41,342	$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
12	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Louisiana	$16,780	$39,523	$16,160	35.8%	87.4%
13	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$42,548	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
14	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285		$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
15	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
16	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939		$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
17	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260		$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
18	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740		$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
19	Louisiana State University-Eunice Eunice, Louisiana	$9,619		$4,730	13.9%
20	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125		$7,683	32.3%	42.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana public universities such strong values for teacher education?

Nine of the top 10 value programs are public institutions with net prices under $15,000. The TOPS scholarship covers full tuition for qualifying Louisiana residents, making schools like LSU-Shreveport and LSU-Alexandria particularly affordable. These programs also maintain strong earnings potential, with graduates from LSU-Alexandria earning $42,235 annually despite paying just $8,365 net cost.

How do graduation rates vary among Louisiana teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span from 33.2% at LSU-Shreveport to 71% at LSU-Baton Rouge, showing significant variation in student success. Louisiana Tech achieves a 57.6% rate while maintaining moderate costs and debt levels. Private institutions like Centenary College reach 59.3% graduation rates but at much higher price points around $25,000 net cost.

Is student debt a concern for Louisiana teacher education graduates?

Average debt levels remain manageable, ranging from $18,744 at University of New Orleans to $25,298 at LSU-Shreveport. Most programs keep debt under $23,000, which aligns well with starting teacher salaries in Louisiana. The low debt burden reflects the state's affordable public education system and scholarship opportunities.

Does location within Louisiana affect program value and outcomes?

Regional differences appear significant, with New Orleans area schools like University of New Orleans offering lower debt burdens around $18,744. Northern Louisiana institutions like LSU-Shreveport and Louisiana Tech provide strong value propositions with net costs under $13,000. Rural locations often translate to lower living costs, stretching education budgets further for students.

Where do Louisiana teacher education graduates find the best earning potential?

LSU-Baton Rouge graduates earn the highest at $42,548 annually, followed closely by LSU-Alexandria at $42,235. Even graduates from the most affordable programs earn solid starting salaries, with LSU-Shreveport alumni making $40,589 despite the program's $8,130 net cost. Private institution graduates from Louisiana Christian University earn $41,342, justifying their higher program costs.

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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.