Best Universities in Louisiana

Top 10 Universities in Louisiana

Louisiana boasts several prestigious universities offering diverse academic programs and vibrant campus experiences. Here are the top 10 universities in Louisiana along with their overviews and relevant details:

Tulane University

Tulane University, founded in 1834, is a private research university located in New Orleans. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and public health. With a commitment to service and innovation, Tulane offers students a dynamic learning environment in one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #42 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 14,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Tulane offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including business, law, public health, liberal arts, and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 12%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1450.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community Service Organizations
2. Greek Life
3. Performing Arts Groups
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Outdoor Recreation Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Paul Tulane (Philanthropist)
2. Paul Morphy (Chess Grandmaster)
3. Ellen DeGeneres (Comedian and TV Host)
4. Peyton Manning (NFL Quarterback)
5. David Filo (Co-Founder of Yahoo!)

Top Employers:

1. Ochsner Health System
2. Chevron Corporation
3. Entergy Corporation
4. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
5. Teach for America

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Louisiana State University (LSU), founded in 1853, is a public research university located in Baton Rouge. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. With a sprawling campus and a rich tradition of academic excellence and athletic achievement, LSU offers students a vibrant and inclusive community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #153 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 34,000 students

Degrees Offered:

LSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, business, liberal arts, and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 75%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1230.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Tailgating and Football Games
2. Greek Life
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
5. Research and Academic Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Shaquille O’Neal (NBA Hall of Famer)
2. James Carville (Political Strategist)
3. David Duke (Former KKK Leader and Politician)
4. Donna Brazile (Political Commentator)
5. Hubert Humphrey (Former Vice President of the United States)

Top Employers:

1. ExxonMobil
2. IBM
3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
4. Dow Chemical Company
5. Louisiana State Government

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University, founded in 1894, is a public research university located in Ruston. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and business. With a focus on innovation and hands-on learning, Louisiana Tech prepares students for success in their careers and beyond.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #258 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Louisiana Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, business, education, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 65%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1190.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Engineering and Technology Clubs
2. Greek Life
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
5. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Terry Bradshaw (NFL Hall of Famer)
2. Karl Malone (NBA Hall of Famer)
3. Phil Robertson (Reality TV Star)
4. Trace Adkins (Country Music Artist)
5. Tim Rattay (NFL Quarterback)

Top Employers:

1. IBM
2. CenturyLink
3. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
4. Louisiana Tech University
5. Northrop Grumman Corporation

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette), founded in 1898, is a public research university located in Lafayette. It is known for its strong programs in nursing, computer science, and architecture. With a diverse student body and a focus on cultural enrichment, UL Lafayette offers students a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #298 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 19,000 students

Degrees Offered:

UL Lafayette offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including nursing, computer science, architecture, business, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 57%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Cajun and Zydeco Music Clubs
2. Greek Life
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
5. Outdoor Recreation Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Ali Landry (Actress and Model)
2. Charles Boustany (Former U.S. Congressman)
3. Elijah McGuire (NFL Player)
4. Mark Hudspeth (College Football Coach)
5. Buddy Roemer (Former Governor of Louisiana)

Top Employers:

1. CGI Group Inc.
2. LHC Group
3. Acadian Companies
4. UL Lafayette
5. Lafayette Parish School System

Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, founded in 1925, is a private historically black university located in New Orleans. It is known for its strong programs in pharmacy, biology, and public health. With a commitment to social justice and community service, Xavier provides students with a transformative educational experience rooted in the Catholic tradition.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #3 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,000 students

Degrees Offered:

Xavier offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including pharmacy, biology, public health, education, and the liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 54%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Community Service Organizations
2. Research and Academic Clubs
3. Performing Arts Groups
4. Greek Life
5. Health Professions Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Norman Francis (Educator and Civil Rights Leader)
2. Sydney Barthelemy (Former Mayor of New Orleans)
3. Alfred C. Hughes (Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans)
4. Harold Doley (Former U.S. Ambassador)
5. Michael Early (Former Judge)

Top Employers:

1. Ochsner Health System
2. Tulane University
3. Entergy Corporation
4. Xavier University of Louisiana
5. Chevron Corporation

Southern University and A&M College

Southern University and A&M College (SU), founded in 1880, is a public historically black university located in Baton Rouge. It is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and criminal justice. With a legacy of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice, SU provides students with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 7,000 students

Degrees Offered:

SU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including nursing, education, criminal justice, business, and the liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 40%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1000.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Greek Life
2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
3. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
4. Performing Arts Groups
5. Athletics and Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Avery Johnson (Former NBA Player and Coach)
2. Mel Blount (NFL Hall of Famer)
3. Dolph Briscoe (Former Governor of Texas)
4. Lou Brock (MLB Hall of Famer)
5. Claude Brown (Author)

Top Employers:

1. ExxonMobil
2. IBM
3. Southern University and A&M College
4. Entergy Corporation
5. Louisiana State Government

Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans, founded in 1904, is a private Jesuit university located in New Orleans. It is known for its strong programs in law, music, and business. With a commitment to academic excellence and social justice, Loyola provides students with a transformative educational experience grounded in the Jesuit tradition.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #124 in Regional Universities South (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 4,500 students

Degrees Offered:

Loyola offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including law, music, business, liberal arts, and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 90%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Music and Performing Arts Groups
2. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
3. Greek Life
4. Research and Academic Clubs
5. Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Harry Connick Jr. (Musician and Actor)
2. Norman Francis (Educator and Civil Rights Leader)
3. Patricia Clarkson (Actress)
4. Wendell Pierce (Actor)
5. Hoda Kotb (Journalist and TV Host)

Top Employers:

1. Ochsner Health System
2. Tulane University
3. Entergy Corporation
4. Chevron Corporation
5. Loyola University New Orleans

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans (UNO), founded in 1958, is a public research university located in New Orleans. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and urban planning. With a diverse student body and a commitment to innovation, UNO offers students a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 8,000 students

Degrees Offered:

UNO offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, liberal arts, education, and the sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 60%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Research and Academic Clubs
2. Greek Life
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
5. Athletics and Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Harry Shearer (Actor and Comedian)
2. Anthony Mackie (Actor)
3. Aaron Broussard (Former Politician)
4. Ron Maestri (College Baseball Coach)
5. Mira Sorvino (Actress)

Top Employers:

1. Ochsner Health System
2. Tulane University
3. Entergy Corporation
4. Chevron Corporation
5. University of New Orleans

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU), founded in 1925, is a public university located in Hammond. It is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. With a focus on student success and community engagement, SELU provides students with opportunities for academic and personal growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 15,000 students

Degrees Offered:

SELU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including education, nursing, business, liberal arts, and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 90%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1050.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Greek Life
2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
3. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
4. Performing Arts Groups
5. Athletics and Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Tim Johnson (NFL Player)
2. Brett Laxton (MLB Player)
3. Johnny Hector (Former NFL Player)
4. Mike Smith (Country Music Artist)
5. Fayard Nicholas (Tap Dancer)

Top Employers:

1. North Oaks Health System
2. Chevron Corporation
3. Tangipahoa Parish School System
4. Southeastern Louisiana University
5. Walmart

Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College of Louisiana, founded in 1825, is a private liberal arts college located in Shreveport. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. With a focus on personalized education and experiential learning, Centenary provides students with a transformative educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #138 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 600 students

Degrees Offered:

Centenary offers undergraduate programs in various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 70%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Performing Arts Groups
2. Research and Academic Clubs
3. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
4. Greek Life
5. Outdoor Recreation Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Ralph Perlman (Physicist)
2. Ed Nelson (Actor)
3. Marshall Brown (Former Mayor of Shreveport)
4. Matt Logelin (Author)
5. C. “Tad” Campbell (Former U.S. Congressman)

Top Employers:

1. Willis-Knighton Health System
2. Centenary College of Louisiana
3. Caddo Parish School Board
4. Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
5. Louisiana State Government