Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers the state's most affordable English Language and Literature program at just $8,130 net cost, making it nearly $10,000 cheaper than private alternatives like Xavier University of Louisiana at $18,285. The state's 15 English programs span a wide cost range, with public universities averaging under $13,000 while private institutions reach $25,000 annually. Graduate earnings vary significantly, from $23,745 at University of Louisiana at Lafayette to $33,993 at McNeese State University. Louisiana's economy relies heavily on petrochemical industries, shipping, and tourism, creating opportunities for English graduates in corporate communications, marketing, and content creation for major employers like ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and the Port of South Louisiana. The state's TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying residents, making programs like LSU-Shreveport and LSU-Alexandria even more accessible. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven schools offering net costs below $13,000.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$27,401

Avg. Program Earnings

47.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 English Language and Literature, 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	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285	$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
15	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
16	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
17	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
18	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
19	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762	$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
20	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159	$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
21	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes LSU-Shreveport's English program so affordable compared to other Louisiana schools?

LSU-Shreveport's $8,130 net cost results from low base tuition of $7,327 for state residents and generous financial aid packages. The campus operates with lower overhead costs than flagship universities while maintaining accreditation and faculty standards. Students can complete their degree for roughly $32,520 total, compared to over $70,000 at private institutions like Xavier University of Louisiana.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive English programs in Louisiana?

Graduation rates don't necessarily correlate with cost in Louisiana English programs. Louisiana Tech University achieves a 57.6% graduation rate at $12,209 net cost, while Southern University at New Orleans graduates only 17.9% of students despite charging $15,260. McNeese State University leads with 52% graduation rate at $11,257, proving affordable programs can deliver strong completion rates.

Does the TOPS scholarship cover English programs at all Louisiana public universities?

TOPS covers full tuition at all Louisiana public universities for qualifying students, making programs essentially free beyond room, board, and fees. This applies to English programs at LSU-Shreveport, McNeese State, University of New Orleans, and all other public institutions. Students must maintain specific GPA and ACT score requirements, with TOPS Opportunity requiring a 2.5 GPA and 20 ACT score.

Where do English graduates find the highest starting salaries in Louisiana?

McNeese State University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $33,993, significantly above the state average for English majors. University of New Orleans graduates start at $26,489, while University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates begin at $23,745. These variations often reflect regional job markets, with Lake Charles and New Orleans offering more corporate and industrial communication opportunities.

Is student debt manageable for English majors graduating from Louisiana's cheapest programs?

Student debt remains reasonable at most affordable Louisiana programs. University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates carry average debt of $15,704, while Southeastern Louisiana University students owe $18,500. University of New Orleans keeps debt at $18,983 despite higher net costs. These amounts are manageable given Louisiana's low cost of living and starting salaries in the mid-$20,000s to low-$30,000s.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

Best Value English Language and Literature, General in Louisiana English Language and Literature, General Under $20,000 in Louisiana

All English Language and Literature, General Programs Best Colleges in Louisiana Best English Language and Literature, General in Louisiana

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