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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Louisiana

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Louisiana's teacher preparation programs show striking cost differences between public and private options, with Louisiana State University-Shreveport leading at just $8,130 net price while Xavier University reaches $18,285. The state's TOPS scholarship program helps qualifying students attend public universities tuition-free, making teacher education particularly accessible. Louisiana's growing education sector benefits from the state's economic stability in oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, which provide steady tax revenue for public school funding. Teacher education graduates earn between $37,928 and $42,548 annually, reflecting the state's moderate cost of living and competitive teacher salaries. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 11 of the 15 schools charging under $15,000 net price. The graduation rates vary significantly, from Louisiana State University-Eunice at 13.9% to Louisiana Tech University at 57.6%, suggesting students should weigh completion likelihood against upfront costs when selecting programs.
20
Programs
$8,130 – $43,939
Net Price Range
$39,983
Avg. Program Earnings
45.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
2 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%
3 $9,619 $4,730 13.9%
4 $11,147 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
5 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
6 $11,633 $9,190 50.6% 70.1%
7 $12,091 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
8 $12,174 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
9 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
10 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
11 $14,118 $10,418 52.0% 74.6%
12 $15,260 $7,490 17.9% 93.5%
13 $16,780 $16,160 35.8% 87.4%
14 $16,874 $19,740 41.3% 74.6%
15 $18,285 $27,868 50.2% 95.2%
16 $19,125 $7,683 32.3% 42.4%
17 $19,740 $9,940 28.5% 53.9%
18 $20,015 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
19 $25,159 $40,000 59.3% 63.7%
20 $43,939 $65,538 88.9% 11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana teacher education programs so affordable compared to other states?

Louisiana's TOPS scholarship covers tuition at public universities for qualifying students, dramatically reducing costs. The state's 11 public universities in this field average just $11,419 in net price. Louisiana's low cost of living also helps keep total educational expenses manageable. Public funding from the state's oil and gas tax revenue supports these institutions.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Louisiana teacher education?

Higher-cost programs often show better completion rates, with Louisiana Tech University charging $12,209 but achieving a 57.6% graduation rate. In contrast, Louisiana State University-Eunice costs only $9,619 but graduates just 13.9% of students. McNeese State University offers a middle ground at $11,257 with a strong 52% graduation rate. Students should consider long-term success rates alongside upfront savings.

Is there a significant difference between public and private teacher education programs in Louisiana?

Private programs cost significantly more, with University of Holy Cross at $16,780 and Louisiana Christian University at $16,874 compared to public averages around $11,400. However, private schools often maintain smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. Graduate debt levels remain relatively similar across sectors, ranging from $18,744 to $25,298. Earnings potential shows minimal variation between public and private graduates.

Does Louisiana's job market support teacher education graduates effectively?

Louisiana teacher education graduates earn between $37,928 and $42,548 annually, reflecting stable demand in the state's education sector. The state's economic base in oil, petrochemicals, and port operations provides steady tax revenue supporting public schools. Louisiana's moderate cost of living makes these salaries more competitive than they appear. Urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge offer additional opportunities in private and charter schools.

Where can students find the best value in Louisiana teacher education programs?

Louisiana State University-Alexandria offers strong value at $8,365 net price with graduates earning $42,235 annually, the highest in the field. Louisiana Tech University provides strong outcomes at $12,209 with a 57.6% graduation rate and $40,446 average earnings. McNeese State University balances affordability at $11,257 with solid 52% completion rates. These three schools combine reasonable costs with strong employment outcomes.

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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.