Cheapest Mathematics Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers mathematics students the lowest net cost at $8,130, while private institutions like Xavier University climb to $18,285 despite substantial financial aid. This $10,000+ gap reflects the state's strong public university system, where in-state tuition rates stay well below national averages. Louisiana's expanding petrochemical sector increasingly needs mathematicians for process optimization and statistical modeling, creating demand across refineries from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge. Graduation rates vary significantly, from McNeese State's solid 52% to Southern University at New Orleans' concerning 17.9%. The TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying students, making schools like LSU-Shreveport and LSU-Alexandria particularly attractive. With oil and gas companies, shipping ports, and chemical plants driving the state economy, mathematics graduates find applications in everything from logistics optimization to environmental monitoring. Most programs maintain high acceptance rates above 70%, though Louisiana Tech and Grambling State prove more selective at 62% and 42% respectively.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$42,682

Avg. Program Earnings

48.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Mathematics 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	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874	$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
13	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285	$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
14	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
15	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
16	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
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	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159	$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
20	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes LSU-Shreveport the cheapest option for mathematics students?

LSU-Shreveport's $8,130 net cost combines low in-state tuition of $7,327 with generous financial aid packages. The university maintains an 88.91% acceptance rate, making admission accessible for most applicants. However, students should consider the 33.20% graduation rate when weighing cost against completion likelihood.

How do public and private mathematics programs compare in Louisiana?

Public universities average around $12,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Xavier University ($18,285) and Dillard University ($18,553) cost significantly more. Private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more individual attention. Louisiana Christian University offers the lowest private option at $16,874 net cost.

Is the TOPS scholarship worth pursuing for mathematics majors?

TOPS covers full tuition at public Louisiana universities for qualifying students, potentially saving thousands annually. With in-state tuition ranging from $7,050 at LSU-Alexandria to $10,418 at UL Lafayette, the scholarship makes public options extremely affordable. Students must maintain specific GPA and ACT score requirements to qualify and retain the award.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Louisiana mathematics programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. Louisiana Tech at $12,209 achieves a 57.60% graduation rate, while Southern University at New Orleans costs $15,260 but graduates only 17.90% of students. McNeese State offers good value with 52% graduation rate at $11,257 net cost.

Where do Louisiana mathematics graduates typically find employment?

Louisiana's oil and gas industry employs mathematicians in reservoir modeling and risk analysis, with major companies along the Gulf Coast. Petrochemical plants use mathematical modeling for process optimization and safety analysis. Port operations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge need logistics specialists for cargo optimization and supply chain management.

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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.