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Rural Colleges in Louisiana

6 schools in Louisiana. See our methodology.

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College stands out among rural Louisiana institutions with its remarkable 73% graduation rate, nearly double most comparable schools in the state. Six rural colleges across Louisiana serve 11,325 students with net prices ranging from $8,365 at LSU-Alexandria to $39,513 at Saint Joseph Seminary College. These schools prepare graduates for Louisiana's energy sector and manufacturing industries, where alumni earn between $29,734 and $42,205 annually. The TOPS scholarship program helps Louisiana residents afford public university tuition, making LSU-Alexandria particularly accessible. Technical colleges like Fletcher and Northshore focus on workforce development for the state's petrochemical corridor, while River Parishes Community College serves the industrial region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Despite lower completion rates at some institutions, these schools provide important pathways into Louisiana's oil, gas, and port industries.
6
Schools
$14,688
Avg. Net Price
$35,474
Avg. Earnings
40.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Louisiana

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 837 $9,847 73.0%
2 Rural-Fringe 4,414 $8,365 35.5%
3 Rural-Fringe 1,828 $9,774 31.1%
4 Rural-Fringe 2,156 $9,942 35.2%
5 Rural-Fringe 1,999 $10,689 25.5%
6 Rural-Fringe 91 $39,513 40.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College different from other rural schools?

Northwest Louisiana Technical achieves a 73% graduation rate with just 837 students, making it the highest-performing rural college in Louisiana. This rate significantly exceeds the 25.5-35.5% range typical of other technical colleges in the state, suggesting stronger student support and program completion.

How much do graduates from rural Louisiana colleges typically earn?

Rural Louisiana college graduates earn $29,734 to $42,205 annually, with LSU-Alexandria graduates leading at $42,205. River Parishes Community College graduates average $37,848, reflecting the strong job market in Louisiana's industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Is LSU-Alexandria affordable compared to other rural options?

LSU-Alexandria offers the lowest net price at $8,365 for its 4,414 students, nearly $1,500 less than most technical colleges. The TOPS scholarship program covers public university tuition for qualifying Louisiana residents, making it even more accessible.

Does Saint Joseph Seminary College offer good value despite higher costs?

Saint Joseph Seminary College charges $39,513 annually for 91 students but maintains a 40% graduation rate. Graduates earn $38,366 on average, though the specialized religious education focus makes direct comparisons with technical programs difficult.

Where do rural Louisiana college graduates find employment opportunities?

Graduates typically enter Louisiana's energy sector, petrochemical plants, and port operations. The state's oil and gas industry provides numerous opportunities, while technical college programs specifically train workers for refineries and manufacturing facilities along the Mississippi River.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.