Choosing a college in Louisiana doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Louisiana are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Louisiana , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 20 four-year Louisiana Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $23,540, reflecting a -0.71% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 20 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 10 colleges, while tuition decreased at 2 colleges.
Louisiana State University-Shreveport ranks as the least expensive Louisiana colleges. With tuition and fees at just $7,327, Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Nicholls State University at$9,242 and McNeese State University at$9,989 both consistently recognized among the Louisiana Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Louisiana Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 70.54%, and the average SAT score is 1,030, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 10 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, LAPublic, 4-year | $7,327 ($7,327) $13,154 | $7,349 ($7,349) $12,497 | 50.55% | 10,749 | 1,090 | 38.00% | 30 to 1 |
| 2 1 | Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LAPublic, 4-year | $9,242 ($8,149) $24 | $9,329 ($8,236) $18 | 90.80% | 6,043 | 1,080 | 54.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 3 1 | McNeese State University Lake Charles, LAPublic, 4-year | $9,989 ($8,489) $29 | $10,002 ($8,502) $5 | 78.27% | 6,241 | 1,050 | 47.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 4 1 | University of New Orleans New Orleans, LAPublic, 4-year | $14,008 ($9,172) - | $13,678 ($9,108) - | 74.31% | 6,501 | 1,080 | 38.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 5 1 | University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LAPrivate, 4-year | $16,576 $416 | $15,406 $56 | 73.66% | 802 | - | 49.00% | 7 to 1 |
| 6 - | Grambling State University Grambling, LAPublic, 4-year | $16,706 ($7,683) - | $16,439 ($7,416) - | 44.86% | 5,150 | 920 | 36.00% | 25 to 1 |
| 7 - | Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LAPublic, 4-year | $16,866 ($10,125) - | $12,726 ($7,995) - | 86.40% | 11,873 | 1,210 | 64.00% | 21 to 1 |
| 8 3 | Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, LAPublic, 4-year | $16,954 ($8,054) $564 | $16,686 ($9,744) $564 | 78.90% | 2,468 | 910 | 13.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LAPublic, 4-year | $17,272 ($9,922) $80 | $17,184 ($10,738) $80 | 35.12% | 8,279 | 900 | 27.00% | 21 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LAPublic, 4-year | $19,652 ($8,864) - | $20,546 ($9,758) - | 92.54% | 8,523 | 1,030 | 43.00% | 16 to 1 |
| Average | $14,459 ($8,643) | $13,935 ($8,761) | 70.54% | 6,663 | 1,030 | 40.90% | 19 to 1 |