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NCAA Division I Colleges in Louisiana

12 schools in Louisiana. See our methodology.

Tulane University stands as Louisiana's most selective institution with just 11.45% acceptance rate, while graduates across the state's 12 Division I schools earn between $41,109 and $63,268 annually. The numbers reveal stark contrasts within Louisiana higher education. Three schools accept over 97% of applicants, yet graduation rates span from 28.5% to 88.9%. State residents benefit significantly from the TOPS scholarship program, which covers full tuition at public universities like LSU where 29,207 students pay $20,015 net annually. Louisiana's economy drives much of this educational market. Oil, gas, and petrochemical industries create demand for engineering and technical programs, particularly strong at Louisiana Tech and LSU. The Port of New Orleans and related logistics operations fuel business programs statewide. Students at schools like University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State often transition directly into regional energy companies or manufacturing plants. Geographic distribution matters too. New Orleans offers two distinct options: Tulane's private, highly selective environment versus University of New Orleans with 69.76% acceptance and $11,147 net cost. Rural locations like Grambling and Ruston serve different populations but connect to the same economic ecosystem. The TOPS program levels the playing field considerably, making schools like Southeastern Louisiana University and Nicholls State accessible to most Louisiana residents regardless of family income.
12
Schools
$16,771
Avg. Net Price
$49,035
Avg. Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Louisiana

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 7,759 $43,939 88.9% 11.5%
2 29,207 $20,015 71.0% 75.7%
3 7,819 $12,209 57.6% 62.4%
4 4,846 $11,257 52.0% 71.2%
5 4,891 $11,633 50.6% 70.1%
6 12,269 $14,118 52.0% 74.6%
7 4,144 $19,125 32.3% 42.4%
8 4,479 $11,147 42.5% 69.8%
9 4,772 $12,091 54.3% 98.4%
10 5,323 $19,740 28.5% 53.9%
11 5,840 $13,809 44.6% 97.9%
12 9,514 $12,174 44.8% 99.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tulane University different from other Louisiana colleges?

Tulane accepts only 11.45% of applicants and costs $43,939 annually, nearly double any other Louisiana school. Its 88.9% graduation rate leads the state, and graduates earn $63,268 on average. This private New Orleans university operates on a completely different scale than the state's public institutions.

How does the TOPS scholarship affect college costs in Louisiana?

TOPS covers full tuition at Louisiana public universities, making schools like LSU, Louisiana Tech, and UL Lafayette extremely affordable. Students pay only room, board, and fees, resulting in net costs between $11,147 and $20,015 across most public institutions in the state.

Does LSU offer better value than smaller Louisiana universities?

LSU graduates earn $61,251 annually, second only to Tulane, while maintaining 75.72% acceptance and $20,015 net cost. With 29,207 students, it provides research opportunities and alumni networks smaller schools like McNeese State (4,846 students) or UL Monroe (4,891 students) cannot match.

What explains the wide graduation rate differences among Louisiana colleges?

Graduation rates range from Southern University's 28.5% to Tulane's 88.9%. Acceptance rates correlate strongly with completion. Schools accepting over 95% of students typically graduate 40-55% while more selective institutions like Tulane and Grambling achieve much higher completion rates.

Which Louisiana universities connect best to local job markets?

Louisiana Tech in Ruston produces graduates earning $52,279 in engineering and technology fields. LSU's Baton Rouge location provides direct access to petrochemical companies and state government. McNeese State in Lake Charles serves the refining industry, with graduates earning $46,453 annually in regional energy jobs.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Louisiana Cheapest Programs in Louisiana

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.