Best Universities in Louisiana

By | October 3, 2024

1. Tulane University

Overview of Tulane University

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in 1834, Tulane University is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in law, business, and public health. Tulane is a member of the Association of American Universities and is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, blending liberal arts with professional studies. It is also famous for its unique service-learning programs, integrating community service with academics.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #73 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Average SAT Score: 1340-1500

Extracurricular Activities

  • Tulane Green Wave Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Tulane Hullabaloo (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life
  • Tidal Wave (homecoming celebration)
  • Community Service and Public Health Initiatives

Famous Alumni

  1. Jerry Springer – TV host and former mayor of Cincinnati
  2. David Filo – Co-founder of Yahoo!
  3. Paul Michael Glaser – Actor, Starsky & Hutch
  4. Hoda Kotb – Co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show
  5. Huey Long – Former Governor of Louisiana

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Ochsner Health
  2. PwC
  3. Goldman Sachs
  4. Deloitte
  5. Shell Oil

2. Louisiana State University (LSU)

Overview of Louisiana State University

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Established in 1860, Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public flagship university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business. LSU is also recognized for its extensive research in coastal studies, energy, and environmental sciences. Its School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the top veterinary programs in the U.S. LSU’s sports teams, particularly its football program, have a national reputation.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #176 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 34,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Average SAT Score: 1130-1330

Extracurricular Activities

  • LSU Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government
  • Greek Life
  • Tiger TV (student-run television station)
  • LSU Marching Band

Famous Alumni

  1. Shaquille O’Neal – NBA Hall of Famer
  2. James Carville – Political strategist
  3. David Duke – Politician and former KKK leader
  4. Hubert Humphrey – Former U.S. Vice President
  5. Pistol Pete Maravich – NBA Hall of Famer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. ExxonMobil
  2. Ochsner Health
  3. Chevron
  4. Shell Oil
  5. Deloitte

3. University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette)

Overview of University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Founded in 1898, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, computer science, and nursing. UL Lafayette is a leader in applied research, particularly in areas related to energy, coastal sciences, and informatics. The university is home to the Louisiana Accelerator Center and offers extensive resources for research in high-performance computing.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 19,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050-1270

Extracurricular Activities

  • Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Cajun Code Fest (hackathon)
  • Cajun Marching Band
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Ali Landry – Actress and former Miss USA
  2. Jake Delhomme – Former NFL quarterback
  3. Kip Sonnier – Country music singer
  4. George Rodrigue – Artist, famous for the “Blue Dog” series
  5. Kathleen Blanco – Former Governor of Louisiana

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Schlumberger
  2. Halliburton
  3. Lafayette General Health
  4. Chevron
  5. CGI Group

4. Louisiana Tech University

Overview of Louisiana Tech University

Location: Ruston, Louisiana
Founded in 1894, Louisiana Tech University is a public research university known for its strong engineering, technology, and business programs. It has a significant reputation for innovation in fields such as nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and biomedical engineering. Louisiana Tech is also part of the University of Louisiana System and is committed to research in applied sciences and entrepreneurship.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Average SAT Score: 1060-1270

Extracurricular Activities

  • Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Engineering and Robotics Clubs
  • Greek Life
  • Theatre and Performing Arts

Famous Alumni

  1. Karl Malone – NBA Hall of Famer
  2. Terry Bradshaw – NFL Hall of Famer and sports commentator
  3. Trace Adkins – Country music singer
  4. Kim Mulkey – College basketball coach
  5. Willie Roaf – NFL Hall of Famer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Lockheed Martin
  2. Northrop Grumman
  3. ExxonMobil
  4. Louisiana Tech University
  5. Deloitte

5. Xavier University of Louisiana

Overview of Xavier University of Louisiana

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in 1925, Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, historically Black Catholic university. It is known for its excellence in preparing African American students for careers in medicine, pharmacy, and the health sciences. Xavier is the nation’s top producer of African American students who complete medical school and is recognized for its strong commitment to social justice.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Average SAT Score: 1020-1220

Extracurricular Activities

  • Xavier Gold Rush Athletics (NAIA)
  • Student Government Association
  • Service Learning Programs
  • Greek Life (Divine Nine)
  • Music Ensembles and Choir

Famous Alumni

  1. Regina Benjamin – Former U.S. Surgeon General
  2. Norman C. Francis – Former President of Xavier University
  3. DJ Khaled – Music producer (attended briefly)
  4. Valerie Jarrett – Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama
  5. LaToya Cantrell – Mayor of New Orleans

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Ochsner Health
  2. Walgreens
  3. CVS Health
  4. Loyola University Medical Center
  5. Boehringer Ingelheim

6. Southeastern Louisiana University

Overview of Southeastern Louisiana University

Location: Hammond, Louisiana
Founded in 1925, Southeastern Louisiana University is a public university known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. It is one of the largest universities in the state, and its College of Education is one of the leading teacher preparation programs in Louisiana. Southeastern also has strong ties to the regional economy, providing graduates who are highly sought after in the health care and education sectors.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #93 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Average SAT Score: 970-1160

Extracurricular Activities

  • Southeastern Lions Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life
  • Marching Band
  • Campus Outreach and Community Service Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Robin Roberts – Co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America
  2. Billy Kennedy – College basketball coach
  3. Louis Lipps – Former NFL player
  4. Kim Hunter Reed – Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education
  5. Troy Green – National Football League public relations executive

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. North Oaks Health System
  2. Tangipahoa Parish School System
  3. Entergy
  4. Southeastern Louisiana University
  5. Ochsner Health

7. University of New Orleans (UNO)

Overview of University of New Orleans

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Established in 1958, the University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public research university located in one of the country’s most vibrant cities. UNO is known for its programs in business administration, hospitality, and film, as well as its unique offerings in coastal sciences and naval architecture. The university has a strong commitment to urban research and serves as a key contributor to the cultural and economic development of New Orleans.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 8,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Average SAT Score: 1030-1240

Extracurricular Activities

  • Privateers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • UNO Film Club
  • Student Government Association
  • Jazz at the Sandbar (jazz performance program)
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Ellen DeGeneres – Comedian and TV host (attended briefly)
  2. Billy Slaughter – Actor
  3. Michael Tisserand – Author and journalist
  4. Irvin Mayfield – Grammy Award-winning jazz musician
  5. Patricia Clarkson – Academy Award-nominated actress

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Ochsner Health
  2. Entergy
  3. Walt Disney Studios
  4. Chevron
  5. Shell Oil

8. McNeese State University

Overview of McNeese State University

Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
McNeese State University, founded in 1939, is a public university known for its programs in engineering, nursing, and business. Located in the industrial hub of Southwest Louisiana, McNeese has strong ties to the petrochemical industry and is recognized for its hands-on approach to education, particularly in engineering and agriculture.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 7,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1160

Extracurricular Activities

  • McNeese Cowboys Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life
  • ROTC Programs
  • Business and Engineering Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Joe Dumars – NBA Hall of Famer
  2. Gil Dozier – Former Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture
  3. Sammy Kershaw – Country music singer
  4. Zachary Levi – Actor, Shazam!
  5. Mark Abraham – Louisiana State Representative

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Phillips 66
  2. Citgo Petroleum
  3. Entergy
  4. Lake Charles Memorial Health System
  5. McNeese State University

9. Nicholls State University

Overview of Nicholls State University

Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Nicholls State University, founded in 1948, is a public university in the heart of Cajun Country. It is known for its programs in culinary arts, marine biology, and nursing. Nicholls’ Chef John Folse Culinary Institute is one of the most recognized culinary schools in the U.S., and the university has strong ties to the oil and gas industries along the Gulf Coast.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 6,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Average SAT Score: 950-1160

Extracurricular Activities

  • Nicholls Colonels Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Chef John Folse Culinary Institute Events
  • Greek Life
  • Student Government Association
  • Marching Band

Famous Alumni

  1. Marc Broussard – Musician
  2. Terry Mathews – Former MLB player
  3. Keith Champagne – Comic book artist and writer
  4. Ed Orgeron – Former LSU football coach
  5. John Besh – Celebrity chef

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Thibodaux Regional Health System
  2. Nicholls State University
  3. Chevron
  4. Shell Oil
  5. Ochsner Health

10. Grambling State University

Overview of Grambling State University

Location: Grambling, Louisiana
Grambling State University, founded in 1901, is a public historically Black university (HBCU) known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and computer science. Grambling has a rich cultural history and is home to one of the nation’s most famous marching bands, the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band. The university’s football program, coached by the legendary Eddie Robinson, has produced numerous NFL players.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #42 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 5,200
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Average SAT Score: 870-1060

Extracurricular Activities

  • Grambling Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Tiger Marching Band
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life (Divine Nine)
  • Drama and Performing Arts Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Eddie Robinson – Legendary football coach
  2. Doug Williams – First African American Super Bowl-winning quarterback
  3. Erykah Badu – Grammy Award-winning singer
  4. Willis Reed – NBA Hall of Famer
  5. Lou Brock – MLB Hall of Famer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. IBM
  2. Entergy
  3. Ochsner Health
  4. Boeing
  5. Grambling State University