2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Louisiana

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Tulane University of Louisiana	7283	13.98	1,400 – 1,510	50631	50220	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 7,283 Acceptance Rate 14.0% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $50,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,220
2	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	34242	73.33	1,180 – 1,370	21808	49218	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 75% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Louisiana State University and Agricultural &......Read more Undergraduates 34,242 Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,808 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,218
3	Loyola University New Orleans	3032	93.05	1,050 – 1,240	26150	34092	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 54% four......Read more Undergraduates 3,032 Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,092
4	Centenary College of Louisiana	693	55.74	1,050 – 1,210	25427	42821	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and the 65-acre campus that is home to more than 300 species of plant life....Read more Undergraduates 693 Acceptance Rate 55.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $25,427 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,821
5	Louisiana Tech University	11071	90.73	1,050 – 1,280	12593	44903	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA Found in Ruston, Louisiana Tech University’s acceptance rate is 91% and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 83% 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 Undergraduates 11,071 Acceptance Rate 90.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $12,593 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,903
6	Xavier University of Louisiana	2688	69.04	990 – 1,160	17874	40643	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,688 Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $17,874 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,643
7	Dillard University	1117	40.51	1,010 – 1,150	18551	28507	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Dillard University New Orleans, LA A highly selective school, Dillard University has an 8% 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. Undergraduates 1,117 Acceptance Rate 40.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $18,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,507
8	University of Louisiana at Monroe	6550	74.56	1,050 – 1,230	11160	40430	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA Located in Monroe, the University of Louisiana at Monroe accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. Approximately 86% of students attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe currently receive institutional......Read more Undergraduates 6,550 Acceptance Rate 74.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $11,160 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,430
9	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	13179	88.83	1,010 – 1,210	13443	42668	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA Found in Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 59% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 13,179 Acceptance Rate 88.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $13,443 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,668
10	New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary	770	66.77	--	20904	63721	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LA Undergraduates 770 Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,904 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
11	Nicholls State University	5612	96.02	940 – 1,130	11029	38829	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA Located in Thibodaux, Nicholls State University’s acceptance rate is 96%. Undergraduates have to pay $20 to apply. Approximately 54% of students attending Nicholls State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 5,612 Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score 940 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $11,029 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,829
12	Northwestern State University of Louisiana	7595	92.26	970 – 1,180	13156	39485	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA Found in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana accepts 92% of applicants. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 71% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 7,595 Acceptance Rate 92.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,156 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,485
13	McNeese State University	5560	67.55	1,040 – 1,180	11393	38713	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA Undergraduates 5,560 Acceptance Rate 67.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $11,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,713
14	Southeastern Louisiana University	13206	93.87	1,040 – 1,210	12007	37124	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA Found in Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University accepts 94% of applicants and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. About 53% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 13,206 Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,007 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,124
15	University of New Orleans	5476	66.77	1,040 – 1,210	11190	38410	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Based in New Orleans, the University of New Orleans’s acceptance rate is 67%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 92% 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 62%....Read more Undergraduates 5,476 Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,190 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,410
16	Louisiana State University-Shreveport	2548	82.72	1,010 – 1,180	7554	38467	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, LA Based in Shreveport, Louisiana State University-Shreveport accepts 83% of applicants and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 58% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 2,548 Acceptance Rate 82.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $7,554 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,467
17	Louisiana State University-Alexandria	5330	92.63	970 – 1,140	8081	37284	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, LA Based in Alexandria, Louisiana State University-Alexandria accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and . About 59% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 55% and its four year......Read more Undergraduates 5,330 Acceptance Rate 92.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $8,081 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,284
18	Grambling State University	4279	23.68	890 – 1,040	19092	25589	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Grambling State University Grambling, LA Undergraduates 4,279 Acceptance Rate 23.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $19,092 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,589
19	Louisiana Christian University	803	83.79	940 – 1,190	15470	40615	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Louisiana Christian University Pineville, LA Located in Pineville, Louisiana Christian University accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Louisiana Christian University currently receive institutional grant aid. 58% of students decide to stay at......Read more Undergraduates 803 Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $15,470 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,615
20	University of Holy Cross	806	99.01	890 – 1,080	14476	46296	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA Undergraduates 806 Acceptance Rate 99.0% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $14,476 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,296
21	Remington College-Shreveport Campus	342	71.79	--	30209	50742	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Remington College-Shreveport Campus Shreveport, LA Undergraduates 342 Acceptance Rate 71.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $30,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,742
22	Southern University and A & M College	6571	49.87	880 – 1,040	18937	33033	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA Located in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A & M College accepted 50% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $20 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 15% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,571 Acceptance Rate 49.9% SAT Score 880 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $18,937 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,033
23	Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University	862	82.94	970 – 1,140	15239	55851	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Baton Rouge, LA Found in Baton Rouge, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University accepts 83% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $35 to apply. About 49% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, there is a 75% first......Read more Undergraduates 862 Acceptance Rate 82.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $15,239 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,851
24	Southern University at New Orleans	1773	60.21	800 – 970	14825	29148	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, LA Based in New Orleans, Southern University at New Orleans’s acceptance rate is 60%. They request $20 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 40% of students at Southern University at New Orleans will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,773 Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 800 – 970 Avg. Net Price $14,825 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,148
25	Herzing University-New Orleans	361	89.13	--	20824	35295	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Louisiana Herzing University-New Orleans Metairie, LA Undergraduates 361 Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,824 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295