Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana's public universities offer Liberal Arts and Sciences programs at remarkably low costs, with LSU-Shreveport leading at just $8,130 net price and LSU-Alexandria close behind at $8,365. The 19 programs span a dramatic price range from these budget-friendly options to private institutions reaching $43,939, creating a $35,809 gap between cheapest and most expensive. Graduates enter a regional economy where Louisiana's major port operations, petrochemical plants, and energy companies value the analytical thinking and communication skills that liberal arts education develops. The state's TOPS scholarship program makes public university tuition free for qualifying students, explaining why institutions like LSU-Eunice charge in-state students only $4,730. While earnings vary from $25,194 to $32,925, several programs deliver solid returns on investment, particularly considering the low debt loads at most public institutions.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$28,851

Avg. Program Earnings

46.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 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	Louisiana State University-Eunice Eunice, Louisiana	$9,619	$4,730	13.9%
4	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
5	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
6	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
7	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
8	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
9	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
10	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
11	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
12	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260	$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
13	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Louisiana	$16,780	$16,160	35.8%	87.4%
14	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874	$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
15	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$17,797	$15,690	51.3%	84.8%
16	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
17	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
18	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762	$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
19	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana's public Liberal Arts programs so affordable compared to private options?

Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with 12 schools under $15,000 net price. LSU system schools occupy three of the top four spots, ranging from $8,130 to $9,619. The TOPS scholarship covers full tuition at public universities for Louisiana residents who meet academic requirements. Private schools start at $16,780, creating a significant cost advantage for state residents choosing public education.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points in Louisiana?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from LSU-Eunice's 13.9% to Louisiana Tech's 57.6%. Interestingly, some of the most affordable schools struggle with completion, while mid-priced public universities like McNeese State (52%) and Nicholls State (54.3%) achieve better outcomes. The pattern suggests that slightly higher investment often correlates with improved student success rates.

Does attending a more expensive Liberal Arts program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily in Louisiana's market. University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates earn $31,042 despite the school's $11,633 net price, while more expensive University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates average just $25,812. LSU-Shreveport, the cheapest option at $8,130, produces graduates earning $30,047 annually. Regional employment opportunities appear to matter more than program cost for Liberal Arts graduates.

Where do Liberal Arts graduates find employment in Louisiana's economy?

Louisiana's major industries create varied opportunities for Liberal Arts graduates. Port operations along the Mississippi River need logistics coordinators and administrative professionals. The state's petrochemical sector employs graduates in regulatory compliance, human resources, and corporate communications roles. Government positions at state and local levels also provide stable career paths, with earnings typically falling within the $25,194 to $32,925 range seen among program graduates.

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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.