Best Colleges in Louisiana 2026

Louisiana's top colleges blend academic excellence with strong career outcomes across 24 qualifying institutions. The state's leading schools combine private nonprofits like Tulane University with specialized training programs and flagship public universities such as LSU. What distinguishes these top performers is their ability to deliver both rigorous academics and practical skills development. Students evaluating Louisiana colleges should examine graduation rates, post-graduation employment statistics, and program-specific accreditation. The mix of private and public institutions offers diverse pathways, from liberal arts education to technical training. Consider factors like class sizes, faculty credentials, and industry partnerships when making your choice.

Schools Ranked

$44,505

Avg. Earnings

52.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Graduation Rate	Median Earnings	Acceptance Rate	In-State Tuition
1	Louisiana Culinary Institute Baton Rouge, Louisiana	90.5%	$40,359	50.0%	$15,575
2	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	88.9%	$63,268	11.5%	$65,538
3	ITI Technical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	55.6%	$68,342		$11,711
4	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	71.0%	$61,251	75.7%	$11,954
5	Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Minden, Louisiana	73.0%	$32,503		$4,109
6	Central Louisiana Technical Community College Alexandria, Louisiana	75.2%	$29,558		$4,099
7	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	57.6%	$52,279	62.4%	$10,125
8	Academy of Interactive Entertainment Lafayette, Louisiana	100.0%		42.6%	$24,600
9	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	52.0%	$46,453	71.2%	$8,460
10	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	50.6%	$46,769	70.1%	$9,190
11	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	52.0%	$47,089	74.6%	$10,418
12	SOWELA Technical Community College Lake Charles, Louisiana	43.2%	$32,303		$4,265
13	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, Louisiana	51.3%	$59,419	84.8%	$15,690
14	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	32.3%	$41,109	42.4%	$7,683
15	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	42.5%	$47,872	69.8%	$9,172
16	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	35.5%	$42,205	57.7%	$7,050
17	River Parishes Community College Gonzales, Louisiana	31.1%	$37,848		$4,079
18	Northshore Technical Community College Lacombe, Louisiana	35.2%	$29,734		$4,203
19	Fortis College-Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, Louisiana	45.0%	$32,886		$16,167
20	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	54.3%	$45,454	98.4%	$8,173
21	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	28.5%	$43,371	53.9%	$9,940
22	Baton Rouge Community College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	27.5%	$34,581		$4,221
23	South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, Louisiana	30.0%	$31,432		$4,210
24	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	59.3%	$50,330	63.7%	$40,000
25	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	41.3%	$51,700	74.6%	$19,740