Top Universities in Louisiana 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
Table of Contents
Thinking about college in the US South? Let us introduce you to Louisiana—a place where quality education, vibrant culture, and great food come together. Whether you’re dreaming of studying business in Baton Rouge, medicine in New Orleans, or engineering in Lafayette, this state offers something for every student.
Universities here are not just affordable—with tuition starting at around $8,000/year—they’re also nationally ranked for academic excellence and career readiness. Ready to explore your options? Let’s break down the top universities in Louisiana for 2025—so you can find the perfect place to start your future.
What Are the Top Universities in Louisiana for Students in 2025?
Thinking about studying in Louisiana? You’re not alone! Over 230,000 students are currently enrolled in colleges across the state—and it’s easy to see why. Louisiana is a great place to study if you’re looking for strong academic programs, affordable tuition, and a vibrant cultural scene.
In 2025, Louisiana is home to some of the best universities in the South, whether you’re looking for a prestigious private school, a large public university, or a close-knit liberal arts campus. Tuition for in-state students is quite affordable—usually between $8,000 and $16,000 per year—and many schools have high job placement rates and top-ranked programs in fields like law, engineering, business, nursing, and the arts. Here’s a simple breakdown of the top universities in Louisiana in 2025:
| University Name | Why It’s a Top Pick in 2025 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans Ranked #63 in the U.S. Around 14,500 students Tuition: ~$65,000/year Acceptance Rate: ~10% Best for: Law, Medicine, Business, Public Health |
| Louisiana State University (LSU) | Baton Rouge Ranked #179 in the U.S. Around 35,000 students In-state Tuition: ~$11,954/year Out-of-state Tuition: ~$28,627/year Acceptance Rate: ~74% Best for: Engineering, Mass Communication, Business, Agriculture |
| Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans Ranked #244 in the U.S. About 4,500 students Tuition: ~$46,080/year Acceptance Rate: ~72% Known for: Liberal Arts, Music, Business, Law Small class sizes (12:1 student-faculty ratio) |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette Ranked #377 in the U.S. Around 19,000 students In-state Tuition: ~$10,382/year Out-of-state Tuition: ~$24,110/year Known for: Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, Cultural Studies Graduation Rate: ~53% |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) | Monroe Ranked #352 in the U.S. Around 8,500 students In-state Tuition: ~$9,254/year Out-of-state Tuition: ~$21,182/year Best for: Health Sciences, Business, Education Student-faculty ratio: 16:1 |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux Ranked #72 in the South (Regional) Around 6,200 students In-state Tuition: ~$8,399/year Out-of-state Tuition: ~$9,039/year Famous for: Nursing, Culinary Arts, Marine Science |
Why Should You Choose Louisiana State University in 2025?
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable, and well-respected university, Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge is a great pick for 2025. It’s the flagship public university of Louisiana and offers a mix of top academics, exciting campus life, and real-world career support. In 2025, LSU is ranked #179 among national universities (U.S. News & World Report) and has a large, diverse student community of over 30,000 students from all over the world.
LSU is especially strong in areas like Engineering, Business, Mass Communication, Biological Sciences, and Agriculture. It’s also known for major research projects, especially in coastal studies, cybersecurity, and biomedical sciences. And when it’s time to graduate? LSU does a great job preparing students for success—with 86% of graduates getting jobs or going to grad school within six months! Following are the key details of Louisiana State University:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Baton Rouge, Louisiana – full of job opportunities, culture, and Cajun food! |
| Top Programs | Engineering, Business, Mass Communication, Biological Sciences, Public Administration |
| Tuition | In-state: ~$11,962/year Out-of-state: ~$28,639/year |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 20:1 |
| Campus Life | 350+ clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, student media, Greek life, service projects |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Louisiana State University | Flatiron, Lark Baton Rouge, The Venue, Ion Baton Rouge, Alight Baton Rouge, Redpoint Baton Rouge |
| Website | www.lsu.edu |
What Makes Tulane University a Top Private University in 2025?
Tulane University in New Orleans is ranked #63 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, and it’s one of the most respected private universities in the South. It’s home to around 13,000 students, including undergraduates, grad students, and professionals. What makes Tulane stand out? It’s known across the country for its schools of Law, Medicine, Business, and Public Health.
You’ll also find 200+ student clubs, a strong Greek life, and study abroad opportunities in more than 40 countries. Plus, with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, you’ll get lots of attention and support from your professors. Tulane is highly selective, accepting about 10% of applicants, but if you get in, you’ll be part of a vibrant, energetic campus in one of the most fun and culturally rich cities in the U.S. Following are the key details of Tulane University:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana – famous for music, food, festivals, and culture |
| Top Programs | Law, Medicine, Business, Public Health, Architecture, Environmental Studies |
| Tuition | ~$65,538/year |
| Career Outcomes | 92% of grads employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Campus Life | 200+ student groups, Division I sports (Tulane Green Wave), vibrant events |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Tulane University | Coliseum St – 1323892, St Andrew St – 1433088 |
| Official Website | www.tulane.edu |
Is Loyola University New Orleans a Good Option for Students in 2025?
Yes—Loyola University New Orleans is a great choice if you’re looking for a college that’s creative, community-driven, and offers personal attention. Loyola is a Jesuit private university that blends liberal arts learning with professional career programs. In 2025, Loyola is ranked #244 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. It’s especially popular for its Music Industry Studies, Law, Business, and Nursing degrees.
If you’re thinking of working in the music, arts, or healthcare fields, Loyola gives you both strong academic and real-world experience. With about 5,000 students, Loyola feels small and close-knit, which means you’ll get to know your professors (thanks to a low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and feel part of a supportive campus community. Following are the key details of Loyola University New Orleans:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana – near concerts, festivals, art, and business opportunities |
| Tuition (2024–25) | ~$43,498/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~73% – moderately selective |
| Graduate Outcomes | ~89% employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation |
| Global & Local Opportunities | Study abroad in 30+ countries; strong partnerships with music, business, and healthcare sectors |
| Campus Life | 100+ student clubs, live performances, Jesuit values, community service projects |
| Official Website | www.loyno.edu |
Why Should You Consider the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2025?
If you’re searching for a university that’s affordable, welcoming, and packed with learning opportunities, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) could be just what you need in 2025. Located in the lively city of Lafayette, known for its food, music, and Cajun culture, this public research university gives you both a great education and a fun, supportive environment. In 2025, UL Lafayette is ranked #377 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
The school is well known for its strong programs in Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Computer Science. It also has Louisiana’s only nationally accredited Informatics program and one of the top research centers in the state. With about 19,000 students, UL Lafayette gives you the benefits of a large campus—but still keeps classes small enough (thanks to a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio) so you can connect with your professors. Following are the key details of University of Louisiana at Lafayette:
| Aspect | Details |
| Top Programs | Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, Business, Informatics |
| Tuition (2024–25) | In-state: ~$10,382/year Out-of-state: ~$24,110/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~67% – moderately selective |
| Graduate Outcomes | ~86% of grads employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Research Strength | Carnegie R2 – High Research Activity |
| Campus Life | 200+ student organizations, intramural sports, cultural events |
| Top Student Accommodation Near University of Louisiana at Lafayette | The pointe at pinhook, University House Acadiana |
| Official Website | www.louisiana.edu |
What Are the Benefits of Studying at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2025?
If you’re looking for a university that’s affordable, supportive, and focused on helping you succeed in your career, then the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a great choice for 2025. Located in Monroe, a peaceful and budget-friendly city in northeast Louisiana, ULM is a public university that really cares about student success. ULM is especially strong in healthcare and business fields.
It’s home to Louisiana’s only public pharmacy school, making it the top pick for students who want to go into pharmacy, nursing, or other health professions. The university also has great programs in Business, Education, and Radiologic Technology. In 2025, ULM is ranked #352 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report. With around 9,000 students, it’s not too big or too small, and the 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors are easy to reach and ready to help. Following are the key details of University of Louisiana at Monroe:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Monroe, Louisiana – a quiet, affordable town with a supportive college atmosphere |
| Total Students | ~9,000 (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Top Programs | Pharmacy, Nursing, Business, Education, Radiologic Technology |
| Tuition (2024–25) | In-state: ~$9,254/year Out-of-state: ~$21,074/year |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 – small enough for personal academic support |
| Career Outcomes | ~84% of graduates employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Academic Highlights | Only public pharmacy school in Louisiana; strong clinical training |
| Online Learning | 30+ online programs for flexible learning options |
| Campus Life | 150+ student organizations, Greek life, NCAA D1 sports, community service |
| Website | www.ulm.edu |
Is Nicholls State University Worth It for Students in 2025?
Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana is perfect for students who want smaller class sizes, a tight-knit community, and career-ready programs in fields that are in high demand. In 2025, Nicholls is ranked #72 in Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report. It’s especially well known for its Nursing, Business, Education, and Culinary Arts programs. In fact, it’s home to the John Folse Culinary Institute, one of the top culinary schools in the southern U.S. that actually offers a degree.
With around 6,500 students, Nicholls has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means you’ll get more direct attention from your professors. The campus has a friendly, close-knit feel, with more than 100 student clubs, internship opportunities, and leadership programs that prepare students for success beyond graduation. Following are the key details of Nicholls State University:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Thibodaux, Louisiana – a peaceful student town near Baton Rouge and New Orleans |
| Top Programs | Nursing, Culinary Arts, Business, Education, Marine Biology |
| Tuition (2024–25) | In-state: ~$7,946/year Out-of-state: ~$9,039/year |
| Graduate Outcomes | ~83% of grads employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Culinary Excellence | Home to the John Folse Culinary Institute – one of the top degree-awarding culinary schools in the South |
| Website | www.nicholls.edu |
Conclusion
From the lively streets of New Orleans to the peaceful charm of Thibodaux, Louisiana is full of universities that combine academic excellence with real-world career prep. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get a great education. With affordable tuition, supportive professors, and diverse learning experiences, studying in Louisiana is not just smart—it’s exciting.
No matter where you choose, one thing is certain: your journey in Louisiana will be as rich in opportunity as it is in culture. So, what’s your next step? Let University Living help you find safe, fully furnished student housing near your chosen university—so you can settle in and start strong!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best universities in Louisiana in 2025?
According to the 2025 rankings, the top universities in Louisiana include:
Tulane University (Ranked #63 nationally)
Louisiana State University (LSU) (Ranked #179 nationally)
Loyola University New Orleans (Ranked #244 nationally)
University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) (Ranked #352 nationally)
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) (Ranked #377 nationally)
Nicholls State University (Ranked #72 in Regional Universities South)
What is the average tuition for universities in Louisiana?
Tuition varies by institution and residency status:
Tulane University: Approximately $68,678 per year
LSU: In-state: ~$11,954/year; Out-of-state: ~$28,632/year
UL Lafayette: In-state: ~$9,680/year; Out-of-state: ~$24,856/year
ULM: In-state: ~$9,254/year; Out-of-state: ~$21,074/year
Nicholls State University: In-state: ~$7,946/year; Out-of-state: ~$9,039/year
What are the admission requirements for Louisiana universities?
Admission criteria vary:
LSU: Test-optional; applicants can choose whether to submit ACT/SAT scores.
UL Lafayette: Requires a minimum 2.0 GPA and specific ACT/SAT scores or completion of the Louisiana Board of Regents Core 4 Curriculum.
ULM: Requires a minimum 2.35 GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
Nicholls State University: Requires a minimum 2.35 GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
Which university in Louisiana is best for Engineering and Business in 2025?
Louisiana State University (LSU) and UL Lafayette are top choices:
LSU: Strong in Engineering, Business, Mass Communication
UL Lafayette: Known for Engineering, Business, and Informatics
