Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Louisiana
- 11
- Schools
- $46,495
- Avg. Earnings
- 43%
- Avg. Graduation
- $13,314
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,574
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $34,042 at the low end to $61,251 at the top. That 1.8× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Louisiana State University-Shreveport offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $47,477 against $7,022 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Louisiana State University-Shreveport at $7,022 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $47,477, matching or exceeding the list average.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 70% of its students, well above the 43% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: graduates owe only 0.33× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($47,089 earnings), not the highest earner, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ($61,251). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Louisiana State University-Shreveport ($7,022/yr) and Grambling State University ($19,809/yr) produce graduates earning $47,477 and $41,109 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $12,787 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Louisiana State University-Shreveport outperforms Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $47K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Louisiana at Lafayette #1 overall | $47,089 ▲ +1% vs avg | $13,530 | 52% | 72 |
| 2 Nicholls State University #2 overall | $45,454 ▼ -2% vs avg | $12,947 | 54% | 71 |
| 3 University of New Orleans #3 overall | $47,872 ▲ +3% vs avg | $12,384 | 40% | 70 |
| $46,482 ▲ +0% vs avg | $13,154 | 45% | 70 | |
| $46,769 ▲ +1% vs avg | $13,466 | 52% | 69 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Louisiana
This analysis ranks 11 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,495 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 43% and an average net price of $13,314.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Louisiana State University-Shreveport — Net Price: $7,022 | Graduation Rate: 35%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — 70% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Median alumni earnings: $61,251
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$46,769
Median earnings (10yr)
42%
Median graduation rate
$13,154
Median net price
3.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Start with the medians across these 11 schools. Graduates earn a median of $46,769 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 42%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $13,154 a year with about $22,113 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 40% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 3.2%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $46,769 against a typical net price of $13,154. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette lands at #1 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $47,089 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,530 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Nicholls State University lands at #2 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $45,454 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,947 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of New Orleans lands at #3 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,872 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,384 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Southeastern Louisiana University lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $46,482 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,154 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Louisiana at Monroe lands at #5 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $46,769 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,466 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Baton Rouge, LA · 73% accepted · $19,151 net
Why it ranks #6
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College lands at #6 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $61,251 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,151 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #7
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #7 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,205 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,065 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Grambling State University lands at #8 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,109 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,809 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #9 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Louisiana Christian University lands at #10 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,700 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,113 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Southern University at New Orleans lands at #11 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $34,042 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,810 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 11 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a career in education, choosing the right college can make a significant difference. In Louisiana, several institutions stand out for their education programs, helping students prepare for a fulfilling profession. These schools share a commitment to training the next generation of educators, with varying outcomes that are worth exploring.
The best education colleges in Louisiana are distinguished by key outcomes like earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. The data reveals how well graduates fare in the job market and how effectively these programs support students from enrollment through completion. Each school on the list has its unique strengths, and understanding these metrics can help prospective students make informed decisions.
For instance, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge boasts impressive earnings of $61,251, with a graduation rate of 70%. In contrast, Louisiana State University-Alexandria has a lower earning potential of $42,205 and a graduation rate of just 35%. These differences highlight the importance of evaluating not just the programs, but also the financial implications as you plan for your future in education.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 7 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 3.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Grambling State University leads the group at 4.6%, with University of Louisiana at Monroe (3.7%) and Southern University at New Orleans (3.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 21.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Southern University at New Orleans enrolls the most, at 37.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 15.9% across the list, peaking at 20.1% at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.17, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Nicholls State University is highest at 1.40.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
One trend that emerges from the data is the clear distinction between the top-performing colleges and those that struggle. Louisiana State University's strong earning potential and graduation rate set it apart from Louisiana State University-Alexandria, which falls behind on both metrics. The difference in average earnings is $19,046, which could greatly impact a graduate's financial future.
As you weigh your options, consider what matters most to you. If financial aid is crucial, look closely at the net price and debt levels of each school. For students prioritizing program fit, visiting campuses can provide valuable insights into whether the environment aligns with your goals and values.
The stakes are high when selecting an education program, as the right choice can lead to a stable career and a better quality of life. With significant differences in earnings and graduation rates, one family's decision to invest in Louisiana State University could pave the way for financial security and career satisfaction for their child. Understanding these nuances helps families take a step closer to making the right choice.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in Louisiana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Louisiana ranking? +
University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Louisiana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $47,089 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 52% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $61,251 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,495 average across the 11 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Louisiana State University-Shreveport leads: graduates earn a median $47,477 against net price of about $7,022 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 70%, compared with a 43% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $13,314 a year across the 11 ranked schools with cost data. Louisiana State University-Shreveport is among the most affordable at roughly $7,022. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in Louisiana ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 11 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
