Louisiana recognizes that the shift towards online and hybrid education represents an opportunity for students all over the world to merge technology with learning solutions at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. According to a recent survey, nearly 34% of students in the U.S. took at least one course online in 2014, and Louisiana intends to continue supporting the trend. For instance, Louisiana has organized its own directory of online learning providers. Featuring institutions from the Louisiana Community and Technical College, as well as three different university systems in the state, the Louisiana Online portal demonstrates the state's commitment to giving residents universal access to flexible learning options.
Louisiana was hit hard by the recession, and the education system certainly suffered for it. The state's inflation-adjusted tuition increased a hefty 62% between 2009-10 and 2014-15, the highest spike in the country. This hike in rates, however, comes as little surprise considering that state funding for Louisiana's higher education decreased more than in any other state over the course of that same five year period, down 38% in just five years. Public institutions in Louisiana only saw a 6% increase in enrollment during this time, despite published tuition rates that were still lower than the average for the U.S. Despite recent woes, online learning in Louisiana offers students across the country and the world the chance to take advantage of low to moderate tuition rates, and to benefit from a one-of-a-kind education infused with all the culture and zeal the Bayou State has to offer.
Students who would like to learn more about Louisiana's distance programs are welcome to explore our complete listing of schools' online offerings in the state. There are nearly 50 colleges and universities in Louisiana that offer courses online. Be sure to check out the information we have gathered below pertaining to tuition, enrollment and graduation rates in Louisiana, as well as more than 170 scholarship opportunities.
Featured Online Programs
42 Colleges in Louisiana
Career Technical College-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA · Tuition & fees: $9,549
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Louisiana Student Tuition Assistance and Revenue Trust: The START program is a type of 529 college savings program specific to Louisiana; and like all 529 plans it is regulated by the IRS and provides tax benefits. Students meeting Louisiana residency requirements may enroll in this college savings plan in order to save money for tuition, books, fees, and college housing.
- Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance: This state organization oversees several student assistance programs, including START. It also connects students to merit-based scholarships.
Education Nonprofits
- Stand for Louisiana: Members of this nonprofit work to improve educational access for students across the state, beginning in pre-kindergarten and continuing on up to college and university. They have several local offices throughout the state.
- Louisiana Grant Watch: This organization brings together nonprofits, both educational and non, that are offering grants for students and student organizations. It can support low income students looking for a way to pay for college.
- Institute for College Access & Success: This nonprofit is dedicated to helping students "from all backgrounds" find and attend an institution of higher education. While they work nationally, the institute has conducted extensive work with Louisiana residents and schools.
Higher Education News
- Shreveport Times Higher Education: One of Louisiana's most recognized papers includes a full section devoted to higher education, pulling together faculty awards, court cases, and university trends.
- Board of Regents news: This board, which regulates higher education in the state, maintains a database of new and archived press releases and articles on college and university happenings in the state.
- Edweek Louisiana: This national publication includes a state-specific search function, which brings up a host of recent news on education in Louisiana, covering topics ranging from vouchers to testing to state legislation.