Cheapest Biology Colleges in Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana biology graduates earn the highest median salary at $31,495, nearly double what graduates from Nicholls State University make at $16,663. This earnings gap of almost $15,000 reveals significant variation in career outcomes across Louisiana's 15 biology programs. LSU-Shreveport offers the most affordable path with a net price of just $8,130, while Xavier University costs $18,285 annually. Biology graduates in Louisiana find opportunities in the state's expanding petrochemical sector, where companies like ExxonMobil and Shell require environmental scientists and quality control specialists. The TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying students, making programs like McNeese State and Louisiana Tech accessible with graduation rates above 50%. Private institutions like Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University bridge the gap between public and private costs at $17,797 net price while maintaining strong job placement rates in New Orleans' medical corridor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes LSU-Shreveport the cheapest biology program in Louisiana?

LSU-Shreveport charges just $8,130 net price for biology students, the lowest among all Louisiana schools. In-state students pay only $7,327 in tuition and fees before financial aid. The university accepts 88.91% of applicants and graduates earn a median salary of $28,598. However, the graduation rate stands at 33.20%, which students should consider alongside the low cost.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private biology programs?

Public universities show graduation rates ranging from 33.20% at LSU-Shreveport to 57.60% at Louisiana Tech. Private schools like Franciscan Missionaries achieve 51.30% graduation rates despite higher costs. McNeese State University leads public institutions with a 52.00% graduation rate while maintaining an affordable $11,257 net price. Southern University at New Orleans has the lowest graduation rate at 17.90% among all biology programs.

Is the TOPS scholarship available for biology students at all Louisiana public universities?

Yes, TOPS covers full tuition at all Louisiana public universities for qualifying students who meet GPA and ACT score requirements. This makes programs like University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($10,418 in-state tuition) and Louisiana Tech ($10,125) extremely affordable. Students still pay for room, board, and fees, which explains why net prices remain around $11,000-$14,000. TOPS does not apply to private institutions like Xavier University or Louisiana Christian University.

Does location within Louisiana affect biology career prospects and earnings?

New Orleans-area programs like University of New Orleans and Xavier University connect students to medical research facilities and port industry jobs. Northwestern State graduates earn $31,495 median salary, the highest statewide, despite the rural Natchitoches location. Lake Charles area McNeese State benefits from proximity to petrochemical plants requiring environmental compliance specialists. Geography matters less than program quality and internship connections in Louisiana's biology job market.

Where can biology graduates find the best return on investment in Louisiana?

Northwestern State University offers the strongest earnings potential at $31,495 median salary for a net price of $13,809. LSU-Shreveport provides good value with $28,598 earnings for just $8,130 cost. University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates earn $28,960 while paying $14,118 annually. Students should avoid programs where graduates earn less than $20,000, as seen at Louisiana Tech ($20,140) despite its higher graduation rate of 57.60%.

More Biology, General Rankings

Best Value 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.