Rankings / By State (Affordable)
Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana
- 39
- Schools
- $41,945
- Avg. Earnings
- 43%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,323
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,214
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $29,558 at the low end to $63,268 at the top. That 2.1× 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.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Central Louisiana Technical Community College, at $5,702 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Tulane University of Louisiana graduates 88% 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 Central Louisiana Technical Community College: graduates owe only 0.24× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Louisiana State University-Shreveport ($47,477 earnings), not the highest earner, Tulane University of Louisiana ($63,268). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Central Louisiana Technical Community College ($5,702/yr) and Tulane University of Louisiana ($39,949/yr) produce graduates earning $29,558 and $63,268 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $34,247 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Louisiana State University-Shreveport outperforms Tulane University of Louisiana: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Louisiana State University-Shreveport and Tulane University of Louisiana. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
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 $42K 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 2026-06-15
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 Louisiana State University-Shreveport #1 overall | $47,477 ▲ +13% vs avg | $7,022 | 35% | 81 |
| 2 Louisiana State University at Alexandria #2 overall | $42,205 ▲ +1% vs avg | $7,065 | 35% | 80 |
| 3 | $29,558 ▼ -30% vs avg | $5,702 | 72% | 78 |
| $52,279 ▲ +25% vs avg | $11,864 | 61% | 76 | |
| $33,305 ▼ -21% vs avg | $9,747 | 23% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana
This analysis ranks 39 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $41,945 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 43% and an average net price of $15,323.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Louisiana State University-Shreveport — Net Price: $7,022 | Graduation Rate: 35%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Tulane University of Louisiana — 88% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Tulane University of Louisiana — Median alumni earnings: $63,268
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Affordability & ROI Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about getting a real return on a degree?
$41,657
Median earnings (10yr)
42%
Median graduation rate
$13,113
Median net price
2.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Value rankings exist to show where students get the most for their money. The answer is rarely the cheapest school or the one with the highest earnings. It is the intersection of low cost and strong outcomes, which is what our methodology is built to surface. The schools at the top of this list show that affordability and results can coexist.
Across the 39 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $41,657 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 42%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $13,113 a year, with about $21,500 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 46% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.9%.
The schools that win on value are the ones where net price and earnings form the tightest ratio. Median net price runs $13,113 and graduates earn a median of $41,657. That ratio, not prestige or selectivity, is the truest measure of what a degree is worth.
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
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #1 with a 81/100 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, 13% 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
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #2
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #2 with a 80/100 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, 1% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Central Louisiana Technical Community College lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $29,558 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,702 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 #4
Louisiana Tech University lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $52,279 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,864 a year, well under the field. 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
Delgado Community College lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $33,305 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,747 a year, well under 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 #6
Louisiana Delta Community College lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $30,438 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,702 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 #7
University of New Orleans lands at #7 with a 73/100 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, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,384 a year, well under the field. 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 #8
Baton Rouge Community College lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $34,581 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,474 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 #9
SOWELA Technical Community College lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $32,303 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,525 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 #10
McNeese State University lands at #10 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $46,453 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,493 a year, well under the field. 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 #11
River Parishes Community College lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $37,848 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,756 a year, well under 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
Why it ranks #12
Nicholls State University lands at #12 with a 72/100 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, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,947 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Southeastern Louisiana University lands at #13 with a 71/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Louisiana State University-Eunice lands at #14 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $36,498 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,421 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Louisiana at Lafayette lands at #15 with a 71/100 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, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,530 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
University of Louisiana at Monroe lands at #16 with a 71/100 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, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,466 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Fletcher Technical Community College lands at #17 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $32,189 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,527 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Northshore Technical Community College lands at #18 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (33/100). Graduates earn a median $29,734 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,773 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Louisiana Christian University lands at #19 with a 69/100 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, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,113 a year, well under the field. 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 #20
Nunez Community College lands at #20 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $35,343 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,529 a year, well under 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
Natchitoches, LA · 93% accepted · $13,606 net
Why it ranks #21
Northwestern State University of Louisiana lands at #21 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (63/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $47,021 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,606 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Southern University at New Orleans lands at #22 with a 68/100 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, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,810 a year. 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
Why it ranks #23
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College lands at #23 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (17/100). Graduates earn a median $32,503 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,256 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
South Louisiana Community College lands at #24 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $31,432 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,564 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
University of Holy Cross lands at #25 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (30/100). Graduates earn a median $49,316 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,635 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 #26
Xavier University of Louisiana lands at #26 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,184 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,127 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary lands at #27 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (77/100). Net price runs $10,829 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Baton Rouge, LA · 99% accepted · $18,552 net
Why it ranks #28
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University lands at #28 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $59,419 a decade after enrolling, 42% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,552 a year, above the field. 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 #29
Grambling State University lands at #29 with a 59/100 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, 2% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Baton Rouge, LA · 73% accepted · $19,151 net
Why it ranks #30
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College lands at #30 with a 58/100 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, 46% 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
Baton Rouge, LA · 35% accepted · $20,077 net
Why it ranks #31
Southern University and A & M College lands at #31 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,371 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,077 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Dillard University lands at #32 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,196 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,094 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
Why it ranks #33
Herzing University-New Orleans lands at #33 with a 52/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,269 a year, above the field. 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 #34
Centenary College of Louisiana lands at #34 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $50,330 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,624 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Loyola University New Orleans lands at #35 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $52,927 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,696 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Remington College-Baton Rouge Campus lands at #36 with a 47/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $31,349 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,003 a year, above the field. 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 #37
Remington College-Lafayette Campus lands at #37 with a 36/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $31,349 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,592 a year, above the field. 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 #38
Remington College-Shreveport Campus lands at #38 with a 34/100 composite, led by academic quality (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $31,349 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,758 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
Why it ranks #39
Tulane University of Louisiana lands at #39 with a 19/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $63,268 a decade after enrolling, 51% above this list's average, and net price runs $39,949 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 39 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing an affordable college can have a significant impact on both your finances and future career. In Louisiana, several institutions stand out for their low net prices, helping students avoid heavy debt while pursuing their education. This list highlights colleges where the average net price is particularly manageable, opening doors for many families looking for cost-effective options.
What sets these schools apart is not just the price tag but the balance of earnings potential, graduation rates, and student debt. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from schools on this list is $41,945, which indicates a solid return on investment. However, it's essential to look closely at the graduation rates and debt levels as well, as they provide insight into long-term outcomes for students.
Take Louisiana State University-Shreveport, which has a net price of $7,022 and average earnings of $47,477, compared to Central Louisiana Technical Community College, with a lower net price of $5,702 but average earnings of $29,558. This contrast illustrates the tradeoff between immediate costs and potential future earnings, guiding students to make informed choices as they consider their options.
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 16 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Xavier University of Louisiana leads the group at 5.3%, with Dillard University (5%) and Grambling State University (4.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 18.4% 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 17.8% across the list, peaking at 31.5% at Xavier University of Louisiana.
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 1.21, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Centenary College of Louisiana is highest at 1.68.
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
When comparing Louisiana colleges, it's crucial to notice the stark differences in outcomes among schools. For instance, Louisiana State University-Shreveport not only has a higher average earnings potential at $47,477 but also a higher debt burden at $22,500 compared to Central Louisiana Technical Community College's lower earnings of $29,558 and significantly lower debt of $7,000. This shows that while LSUS may offer higher earnings, the debt incurred could affect graduates’ financial stability after college.
After reviewing the rankings, consider what matters most to you. Weigh factors like location, program availability, and campus culture against the financial data you've seen. For example, if low debt is a top priority, Central Louisiana Technical Community College could be a better fit despite its lower earnings potential. Understanding your personal priorities will help you make a more informed choice.
Ultimately, the data reflects the broader reality of navigating from college to stable employment. The decision to invest in education carries weight, with implications for financial security and quality of life. Each family's situation is unique, and this data serves as a tool to help guide thoughtful discussions about the path forward.
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
Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana ranking? +
Louisiana State University-Shreveport in Shreveport, LA ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $47,477 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 35% 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? +
Tulane University of Louisiana posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,268 ten years after enrollment, well above the $41,945 average across the 38 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? +
Tulane University of Louisiana has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 88%, 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 $15,323 a year across the 39 ranked schools with cost data. Central Louisiana Technical Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,702. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable 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 39 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
