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Small Colleges in Louisiana

48 schools in Louisiana. See our methodology.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment stands out among Louisiana's 48 small colleges with a perfect 100% graduation rate and the state's highest net price at $33,319. This Lafayette-based gaming and animation school accepts just 42.59% of applicants, making it more selective than most public universities. At the opposite end, Central Louisiana Technical Community College in Alexandria costs students only $5,497 annually while maintaining a solid 75.2% graduation rate. The state's technical colleges align closely with Louisiana's industrial economy, preparing graduates for careers in petrochemical plants, offshore drilling operations, and the Port of South Louisiana. Graduates from these institutions earn between $29,558 and $68,342, with ITI Technical College leading at the higher end. The TOPS scholarship program makes public options particularly attractive, covering full tuition at state universities like McNeese State and University of Louisiana at Monroe. Louisiana's small college market reflects the state's economic priorities, with technical programs feeding directly into oil, gas, and maritime industries that drive the regional economy.
48
Schools
$17,601
Avg. Net Price
$42,308
Avg. Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Louisiana

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 90 $29,765 90.5% 50.0%
2 513 $19,862 55.6%
3 837 $9,847 73.0%
4 1,100 $5,497 75.2%
5 113 $33,319 100.0% 42.6%
6 4,846 $11,257 52.0% 71.2%
7 4,891 $11,633 50.6% 70.1%
8 2,979 $8,861 43.2%
9 826 $17,797 51.3% 84.8%
10 4,144 $19,125 32.3% 42.4%
11 4,479 $11,147 42.5% 69.8%
12 4,414 $8,365 35.5% 57.7%
13 1,828 $9,774 31.1%
14 2,156 $9,942 35.2%
15 461 $23,826 45.0%
16 4,772 $12,091 54.3% 98.4%
17 4,837 $9,684 30.0%
18 615 $25,159 59.3% 63.7%
19 750 $16,874 41.3% 74.6%
20 2,933 $8,306 27.7%
21 1,999 $10,689 25.5%
22 516 $36,972 80.0%
23 13 $11,872 100.0% 42.9%
24 2,999 $22,762 67.4% 78.1%
25 91 $39,513 40.0%
26 1,495 $10,017 17.9%
27 2,150 $8,130 33.2% 88.9%
28 2,617 $9,619 13.9%
29 247 $28,875 36.0%
30 405 $16,780 35.8% 87.4%
31 2,534 $18,285 50.2% 95.2%
32 138 $22,851 26.6%
33 1,111 $18,553 45.1% 79.9%
34 1,974 $12,890 7.2%
35 104 89.3%
36 342 $30,248 25.9%
37 770 40.7%
38 843
39 361 $21,090 28.6% 95.0%
40 288 $19,590 40.5%
41 20
42 1,095 $15,260 17.9% 93.5%
43 584 $22,581 45.8%
44 111 $20,440 36.6%
45 479 $22,485 32.5%
46 108
47 648
48 447

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana's technical colleges particularly affordable?

State funding keeps technical college costs low, with Central Louisiana Technical Community College charging just $5,497 annually. The TOPS scholarship program covers public university tuition for qualifying students, making schools like McNeese State University effectively tuition-free for many Louisiana residents. These institutions receive additional state support due to their role in workforce development.

How do graduation rates compare across different types of small colleges?

Specialized schools lead in completion rates, with Academy of Interactive Entertainment achieving 100% and Louisiana Culinary Institute reaching 90.5%. Technical colleges average around 50-75%, while traditional four-year universities like McNeese State hover near 52%. Smaller enrollment typically correlates with higher graduation rates in this state data.

Where do graduates from these schools typically find employment?

Louisiana's industrial economy provides clear career paths for graduates. Technical college alumni often work in petrochemical facilities along the Mississippi River, offshore oil platforms, or port operations. ITI Technical College graduates earn $68,342 on average, reflecting demand for skilled technicians in energy sector jobs throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Does enrollment size affect student outcomes at Louisiana colleges?

Smaller programs often show better results. Schools with under 1,000 students like Louisiana Culinary Institute (90 enrolled) achieve 90.5% graduation rates. However, larger institutions like University of Louisiana at Monroe with 4,891 students still maintain reasonable 50.6% completion rates while offering more program variety and resources.

What explains the wide range in post-graduation earnings?

Program focus drives earning differences significantly. ITI Technical College graduates average $68,342 in technical fields, while liberal arts programs produce lower initial salaries around $29,558. Healthcare-focused Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University graduates earn $59,419, reflecting strong demand for medical professionals in Louisiana's healthcare systems.

How selective are Louisiana's small colleges for admissions?

Most schools accept 70-85% of applicants, making admission accessible for qualified students. Academy of Interactive Entertainment proves most selective at 42.59% acceptance, while public universities like McNeese State accept 71.24%. Technical colleges typically maintain open enrollment policies, focusing on placement rather than exclusivity for their 98.4% acceptance rates.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.