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Urban Colleges in Louisiana

43 schools in Louisiana. See our methodology.

Tulane University stands apart from Louisiana's urban college market with an 11.45% acceptance rate and $63,268 median earnings, making it the state's most selective institution among 43 urban campuses. The contrast with other options is striking - while Tulane charges $43,939 net annually, students at Central Louisiana Technical Community College pay just $5,497 yet achieve a remarkable 75.2% graduation rate. Louisiana State University bridges this gap effectively, enrolling 29,207 students at $20,015 net cost with strong 71% graduation outcomes. The TOPS scholarship program makes public universities particularly attractive for Louisiana residents, covering full tuition at schools like LSU and University of Louisiana at Lafayette. These urban campuses serve key industries including petrochemicals and port operations, with technical colleges like SOWELA preparing graduates for $32,303 median earnings in industrial sectors. The earnings range spans from $29,558 to $63,268, reflecting Louisiana's economic diversity from technical trades to professional services. Community colleges show mixed results, with Baton Rouge Community College enrolling 8,003 students but achieving only 27.5% graduation rates, while smaller specialized programs like Academy of Interactive Entertainment achieve perfect 100% completion rates with just 113 students.
43
Schools
$17,410
Avg. Net Price
$42,870
Avg. Earnings
45.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Louisiana

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 7,759 $43,939 88.9%
2 City-Midsize 29,207 $20,015 71.0%
3 City-Small 1,100 $5,497 75.2%
4 City-Midsize 113 $33,319 100.0%
5 City-Small 4,846 $11,257 52.0%
6 City-Small 4,891 $11,633 50.6%
7 City-Midsize 12,269 $14,118 52.0%
8 City-Small 2,979 $8,861 43.2%
9 City-Midsize 826 $17,797 51.3%
10 City-Large 4,479 $11,147 42.5%
11 City-Small 4,772 $12,091 54.3%
12 City-Midsize 5,323 $19,740 28.5%
13 City-Midsize 8,003 $10,171 27.5%
14 City-Midsize 4,837 $9,684 30.0%
15 City-Midsize 615 $25,159 59.3%
16 City-Small 2,933 $8,306 27.7%
17 City-Large 11,182 $11,926 22.1%
18 City-Small 9,514 $12,174 44.8%
19 City-Midsize 13 $11,872 100.0%
20 City-Large 2,999 $22,762 67.4%
21 City-Midsize 2,150 $8,130 33.2%
22 City-Small 5,046 $9,840 13.0%
23 City-Midsize 247 $28,875 36.0%
24 City-Large 405 $16,780 35.8%
25 City-Large 2,534 $18,285 50.2%
26 City-Midsize 138 $22,851 26.6%
27 City-Large 1,111 $18,553 45.1%
28 City-Midsize 1,974 $12,890 7.2%
29 City-Midsize 104 89.3%
30 City-Midsize 342 $30,248 25.9%
31 City-Large 770 40.7%
32 City-Large 843
33 City-Midsize 361 $21,090 28.6%
34 City-Midsize 288 $19,590 40.5%
35 City-Midsize 20
36 City-Large 1,095 $15,260 17.9%
37 City-Midsize 584 $22,581 45.8%
38 City-Small 111 $20,440 36.6%
39 City-Large
40 City-Small 479 $22,485 32.5%
41 City-Large 108
42 City-Midsize 648
43 City-Large 447

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tulane University different from other Louisiana urban colleges?

Tulane accepts only 11.45% of applicants and produces graduates earning $63,268 median salary, both highest among Louisiana urban colleges. With 7,759 students paying $43,939 net annually, it operates more like elite private universities than typical state schools.

How does the TOPS scholarship affect college costs in Louisiana cities?

TOPS covers public university tuition, making schools like LSU ($20,015 net) and University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($14,118 net) more affordable for residents. This explains why 29,207 students choose LSU despite other urban options.

Is Louisiana State University worth the cost compared to community colleges?

LSU graduates earn $61,251 median salary for $20,015 annual cost, while community college graduates earn $31,432-$34,581 for $9,684-$10,171 cost. LSU also maintains 71% graduation rate versus 27.5-30% at most community colleges.

Does school size affect graduation rates in Louisiana urban colleges?

Size shows mixed correlation with success. Small Academy of Interactive Entertainment achieves 100% graduation rate with 113 students, while large Baton Rouge Community College graduates only 27.5% of its 8,003 students. Mid-size schools often perform best.

What career outcomes can students expect from Louisiana technical colleges?

Technical college graduates earn $29,558-$32,303 median salaries, serving Louisiana's petrochemical and industrial sectors. Central Louisiana Technical achieves 75.2% graduation rate, while SOWELA graduates 43.2% of its 2,979 students into regional industries.

Where do Louisiana urban colleges offer the best value for money?

Central Louisiana Technical provides strong value at $5,497 cost with 75.2% graduation rate. Among universities, University of New Orleans offers $11,147 net cost with graduates earning $47,872, while McNeese State costs $11,257 for $46,453 median earnings.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.