2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Tulane University of Louisiana	93	13.98	1,400 – 1,510	47427	50220	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA The Tulane University of Louisiana opened in 1834 as the public Medical College of Louisiana, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the country. It became a full university in 1847 and went private in 1884. Tulane is extremely selective, accepting only 4,560 our of 32,600 applications. First Year Retention Rate 93 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 14.0% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $47,427 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,220
2	New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary	92	65.32	--	14164	63721	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LA Found in New Orleans, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary accepts 65% of applicants. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 24% of students attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid. At New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, there is a 92%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 13.6% Acceptance Rate 65.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,164 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
3	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	85	73.33	1,180 – 1,370	21430	49218	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA Found in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College’s acceptance rate is 73% and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 76% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Louisiana State University and Agricultural &......Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,430 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,218
4	Louisiana State University-Shreveport	83	50.55	980 – 1,190	7287	38467	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, LA Based in Shreveport, Louisiana State University-Shreveport accepts 51% of applicants and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 64% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 31.7% Acceptance Rate 50.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $7,287 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,467
5	Louisiana Tech University	82	86.4	1,090 – 1,290	12325	44903	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA Found in Ruston, Louisiana Tech University’s acceptance rate is 86% and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 78% of students attending Louisiana Tech University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 82%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $12,325 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,903
6	Loyola University New Orleans	80	93.05	1,070 – 1,240	26291	34092	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA Located in New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans accepts 93% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of students at Loyola University New Orleans currently receive grant aid from the school. At Loyola University New Orleans, there is a 80% first year retention rate and a 58% four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,291 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,092
7	Dillard University	78	41.86	970 – 1,140	21842	28507	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Dillard University New Orleans, LA A highly selective school, Dillard University has an 6% yield. While Dillard opened in 1930, it has roots dating back to 1868. The school motto is “Ex Fide, Fortis,” which means “Strong Through Faith.” It’s affiliated with both the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ. First Year Retention Rate 78 % 11.4% Acceptance Rate 41.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $21,842 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,507
8	Nicholls State University	77	90.8	1,010 – 1,190	12298	38829	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA Located in Thibodaux, Nicholls State University’s acceptance rate is 91%. Undergraduates have to pay $20 to apply. Approximately 53% of students attending Nicholls State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 90.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $12,298 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,829
9	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	74	87.01	1,140 – 1,310	13017	42668	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA Found in Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 62% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $13,017 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,668
10	Southeastern Louisiana University	73	99.31	970 – 1,180	13116	37124	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA Found in Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University accepts 99% of applicants and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. About 80% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 3.9% Acceptance Rate 99.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,116 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,124
11	University of Louisiana at Monroe	73	84.75	1,000 – 1,210	13648	40430	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA Located in Monroe, the University of Louisiana at Monroe accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. Approximately 80% of students attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe currently receive institutional......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 5.2% Acceptance Rate 84.8% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $13,648 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,430
12	Xavier University of Louisiana	72	69.04	990 – 1,160	17162	40643	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic HBCU. It opened first as a high school in 1915, becoming a university in 1925. XULA has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many students major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. 307 athletes are known as the Golf Rush and Gold Nuggets....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $17,162 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,643
13	Northwestern State University of Louisiana	71	92.54	970 – 1,180	13134	39485	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA Found in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana accepts 93% of applicants. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 69% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 92.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,134 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,485
14	University of Holy Cross	71	73.66	890 – 1,080	14420	46296	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA Based in New Orleans, the University of Holy Cross’s acceptance rate is 74%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 76% of students at the University of Holy Cross will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 73.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $14,420 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,296
15	Centenary College of Louisiana	70	55.74	1,050 – 1,210	25953	42821	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, LA The Centenary College of Louisiana is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi, having been founded in 1885. Students can benefit from a 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and the 65-acre campus that is home to more than 300 species of plant life. Many students major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. First Year Retention Rate 70 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 55.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $25,953 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,821
16	Louisiana State University-Alexandria	70	92.08	940 – 1,120	8296	37284	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, LA Based in Alexandria, Louisiana State University-Alexandria accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and . About 48% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 92.1% SAT Score 940 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $8,296 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,284
17	McNeese State University	68	78.27	970 – 1,150	12430	38713	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA Based in Lake Charles, McNeese State University’s acceptance rate is 78%. Undergraduates have to send in $20 to apply. About 44% of students attending McNeese State University will receive institutional grant aid. At McNeese State University, there is a 68% first year retention rate and around 28% of students will earn a......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 4.2% Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $12,430 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,713
18	University of New Orleans	67	74.31	930 – 1,150	12258	38410	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Based in New Orleans, the University of New Orleans’s acceptance rate is 74%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 60% of students at the University of New Orleans currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 67%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 74.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $12,258 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,410
19	Grambling State University	66	44.86	870 – 1,030	17018	25589	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Grambling State University Grambling, LA Located in Grambling, Grambling State University’s acceptance rate is 45% and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 43% of students attending Grambling State University will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 66%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 13.2% Acceptance Rate 44.9% SAT Score 870 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $17,018 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,589
20	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University	64	98.7	1,040 – 1,180	16432	55851	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, LA Found in Baton Rouge, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University accepts 99% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 41% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, there is a 64%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 98.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,432 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,851
21	Southern University and A & M College	60	35.12	840 – 1,020	18353	33033	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA Located in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A & M College accepted 35% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 16% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 35.1% SAT Score 840 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $18,353 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,033
22	Louisiana Christian University	52	77.19	980 – 1,150	17011	40615	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Louisiana Christian University Pineville, LA Located in Pineville, Louisiana Christian University accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 71% of students at Louisiana Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid. 52% of students decide to stay at Louisiana......Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 14.8% Acceptance Rate 77.2% SAT Score 980 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $17,011 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,615
23	Southern University at New Orleans	52	78.9	850 – 1,050	14480	29148	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Louisiana Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, LA Based in New Orleans, Southern University at New Orleans’s acceptance rate is 79%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 33% of students at Southern University at New Orleans will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % 8.3% Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 850 – 1,050 Avg. Net Price $14,480 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,148