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Nearly every college in Louisiana welcomes three out of four applicants, with some accepting virtually all students who apply. Southeastern Louisiana University admits 99% of applicants while maintaining a net price of just $12,174, while Nicholls State University accepts 98% with similar affordability at $12,091 annually. These acceptance rates reflect Louisiana's commitment to accessible higher education, supported by the TOPS scholarship program that covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying residents. The state's economy, built around petrochemical plants, offshore drilling, and major shipping ports, creates steady demand for graduates across fields from engineering to business. Louisiana State University leads with 29,207 students and a 76% acceptance rate, producing graduates earning $61,251 annually. Even smaller institutions like University of Holy Cross admit 87% of applicants, while specialized schools such as Chamberlain University focus on healthcare training with graduates earning $92,405. This combination of accessible admissions and strong job placement reflects Louisiana's practical approach to workforce development, where oil refineries, chemical plants, and port operations provide career opportunities for graduates at every level.
17
Schools
$16,918
Avg. Net Price
$50,358
Avg. Earnings
46.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Louisiana

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 99.0% 9,514 $12,174 44.8%
2 98.4% 4,772 $12,091 54.3%
3 97.9% 5,840 $13,809 44.6%
4 95.2% 2,534 $18,285 50.2%
5 95.0% 361 $21,090 28.6%
6 93.5% 1,095 $15,260 17.9%
7 88.9% 2,150 $8,130 33.2%
8 87.4% 405 $16,780 35.8%
9 84.8% 826 $17,797 51.3%
10 80.0% 516 $36,972
11 79.9% 1,111 $18,553 45.1%
12 78.1% 2,999 $22,762 67.4%
13 75.7% 29,207 $20,015 71.0%
14 74.6% 750 $16,874 41.3%
15 74.6% 12,269 $14,118 52.0%
16 71.2% 4,846 $11,257 52.0%
17 70.1% 4,891 $11,633 50.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana colleges so accessible to students?

Most Louisiana colleges accept 70-99% of applicants, with schools like Southeastern Louisiana University admitting 99% of students. The state's TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition at public universities, making education affordable with net prices ranging from $8,130 to $22,762 at most institutions.

How do graduation rates compare at high-acceptance Louisiana schools?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 33% at LSU-Shreveport to 71% at LSU's main campus. Mid-tier performers like McNeese State and University of Louisiana at Lafayette both achieve 52% graduation rates while maintaining acceptance rates above 70%.

Is job placement strong for Louisiana college graduates?

Louisiana graduates earn between $34,042 and $92,405 annually, reflecting the state's oil, petrochemical, and shipping industries. Healthcare-focused Chamberlain University graduates average $92,405, while regional universities typically produce graduates earning $45,000-$50,000 in their first jobs.

Does school size affect acceptance rates in Louisiana?

Large universities like LSU (29,207 students) accept 76% of applicants, while smaller schools often accept even more. Nicholls State with 4,772 students admits 98%, and tiny University of Holy Cross with just 405 students accepts 87% of applicants.

Where can students find the best value among accessible Louisiana colleges?

LSU-Shreveport offers the lowest net price at $8,130 with 89% acceptance, though graduation rates are lower at 33%. For better outcomes, McNeese State provides strong value at $11,257 with 52% graduation rates and $46,453 average earnings.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.