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Best Nursing Schools in Louisiana: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 22, 2026

Louisiana offers 20 nursing programs across universities and community colleges, with tuition ranging from $4,159–$47,240 annually. Discover the best fit for your career goals and budget.

Overview of Nursing Education in Louisiana

Louisiana's nursing education landscape is diverse and accessible, with 20 accredited nursing programs spread across the state—9 community colleges offering Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and 11 universities offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Louisiana provides multiple pathways into nursing.

The state's nursing programs range dramatically in cost and selectivity. In-state tuition at public community colleges averages around $4,400 per year, while public universities average $8,800–$10,400 annually. Private institutions like Loyola University New Orleans charge significantly more at $47,240 per year, but offer higher graduation rates and stronger earning potential for advanced degrees.

Louisiana nursing graduates earn competitive salaries: Associate's degree holders average $56,000–$72,000 annually, while Master's degree graduates earn $94,000–$129,000 per year depending on the institution and specialization. This earning potential makes nursing an excellent career investment, even with upfront education costs.

Top University Nursing Programs in Louisiana

Highest-Earning Programs (Master's Degree Focus)

McNeese State University (Lake Charles) leads Louisiana in nursing graduate earnings at $105,678 annually for Master's degree holders. Located in Southwest Louisiana, McNeese charges $8,460 per year in-state tuition with a 67.5% acceptance rate and 49.4% graduation rate. This is an excellent value option for students seeking advanced practice nursing credentials.

Loyola University New Orleans offers the highest earning potential at $129,523 annually for doctoral degree graduates, though tuition is steep at $47,240 per year. With an 87.7% acceptance rate and 67.3% graduation rate—the highest among Louisiana universities—Loyola is ideal if you can afford the investment and plan to pursue doctoral-level nursing (DNP or PhD). The school's location in New Orleans provides access to major medical centers and research institutions.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette produces Master's degree graduates earning $100,684 annually with affordable in-state tuition of $10,418 per year. The school has a high 88.8% acceptance rate, though the 51.6% graduation rate suggests you'll need strong academic preparation. With an enrollment of 12,269, UL Lafayette is one of Louisiana's largest nursing programs.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Natchitoches) offers excellent value with Master's graduates earning $97,402 annually and in-state tuition of just $8,864 per year. The school has a very accessible 93.7% acceptance rate and 45.5% graduation rate, making it a good option for students with moderate academic records.

Strong Programs with Solid Earnings

Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond) produces Master's degree graduates earning $95,010 annually with in-state tuition of $8,373 per year—among the most affordable in the state. The 94.3% acceptance rate makes it highly accessible, though the 44.3% graduation rate indicates you should be prepared for rigorous coursework.

University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates earn $95,504 annually with Master's degrees, charging $9,190 per year in-state tuition. The 74.6% acceptance rate and 50.7% graduation rate suggest moderate competitiveness.

Nicholls State University (Thibodaux) offers the best combination of affordability and accessibility: $8,173 in-state tuition, 96.0% acceptance rate (highest in the state), and 50.0% graduation rate. Master's graduates earn $99,390 annually. This is an excellent option if you want minimal admission barriers and lower costs.

Southern University and A & M College (Baton Rouge) is Louisiana's only HBCU with a nursing program, serving an important role in nursing diversity. However, it's the most selective program in the state with a 49.9% acceptance rate. Tuition is $9,940 per year, and Master's graduates earn $94,690 annually. The 29.3% graduation rate is notably low, indicating this program requires strong academic preparation and persistence.

Grambling State University (Grambling) is Louisiana's most selective nursing program with a 23.7% acceptance rate. It's an HBCU with in-state tuition of $7,683 per year. Master's graduates earn $98,727 annually, and the program serves an important role in increasing nursing diversity in Louisiana.

Bachelor's Degree Focus

Louisiana State University-Alexandria focuses on Bachelor's degree preparation with graduates earning $82,919 annually. Tuition is the lowest among 4-year universities at $7,050 per year, and the 92.6% acceptance rate makes it highly accessible. However, the 33.3% graduation rate is concerning and suggests significant academic support may be needed.

Louisiana Tech University (Ruston) offers Associate's degree nursing programs with graduates earning $54,877 annually. In-state tuition is $10,125 per year, and the program has a 72.6% acceptance rate with a strong 58.8% graduation rate—the highest among all Louisiana nursing programs. This indicates strong student support and academic preparation.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Louisiana's 9 community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at dramatically lower costs than universities—typically $4,159–$4,958 per year in-state tuition. This pathway is ideal if you want to:

Enter the workforce quickly (2 years vs. 4)
Minimize education debt (often 50% less than university programs)
Test your commitment before investing in a Bachelor's degree
Work as an RN immediately (ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam as BSN graduates)

Top Community College Options

Delgado Community College (New Orleans) is Louisiana's largest community college nursing program with 11,182 total students. ADN graduates earn $56,218 annually with tuition of just $4,678 per year. Located in New Orleans, Delgado provides access to major medical centers for clinical training.

Baton Rouge Community College offers in-state tuition of $4,221 per year with ADN graduates earning $56,514 annually. This is an excellent value option in the state capital.

SOWELA Technical Community College (Lake Charles) stands out with ADN graduates earning $72,690 annually—significantly higher than other community college programs. In-state tuition is $4,265 per year, making this an exceptional value if you're in Southwest Louisiana.

Bossier Parish Community College (Bossier City) offers tuition of $4,283 per year with ADN graduates earning $62,554 annually—above the community college average.

Southern University at Shreveport charges $4,958 per year (highest among community colleges) with ADN graduates earning $66,930 annually.

Other accessible community college options include:

South Louisiana Community College (Lafayette): $4,210/yr, graduates earn $54,010
Louisiana Delta Community College (Monroe): $4,159/yr, graduates earn $56,970
Louisiana State University-Eunice: $4,730/yr, graduates earn $59,873
Fletcher Technical Community College (Schriever): $4,219/yr, graduates earn $58,799

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Goals

Want to maximize earning potential? Target universities offering Master's degree programs, particularly McNeese State University, Loyola University New Orleans, or University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Master's degree graduates earn $94,000–$129,000 annually compared to $56,000–$72,000 for Associate's degree holders.

Need to minimize costs? Louisiana's community colleges offer tuition under $4,700 per year. You can complete your ADN in 2 years and enter the workforce, then pursue a Bachelor's degree part-time or later through RN-to-BSN programs.

Concerned about admission? Nicholls State University (96.0% acceptance), Southeastern Louisiana University (94.3%), and Northwestern State University (93.7%) are highly accessible while still offering quality education.

Want strong graduation support? Louisiana Tech University has the highest graduation rate at 58.8%, followed by Loyola University New Orleans at 67.3%. These schools invest heavily in student success.

Geographic Considerations

Louisiana's nursing programs are distributed across the state:

New Orleans area: Delgado Community College, Loyola University New Orleans
Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge Community College, Southern University and A & M College
North Louisiana: Grambling State University, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana Delta Community College
Southwest Louisiana: McNeese State University, SOWELA Technical Community College
Central Louisiana: Louisiana State University-Alexandria, Northwestern State University
Southeast Louisiana: Southeastern Louisiana University, Nicholls State University

Consider proximity to your home, family obligations, and where you want to work after graduation.

Admission Strength

If you have strong test scores and GPA, consider more selective programs like Grambling State University (23.7% acceptance) or Southern University and A & M College (49.9% acceptance). These programs may offer better resources and networking.

If your academic record is moderate, highly accessible programs like Nicholls State University (96.0% acceptance) or Southeastern Louisiana University (94.3% acceptance) are excellent choices—admission selectivity doesn't determine nursing quality.

Nursing Job Market in Louisiana

Louisiana faces a significant nursing shortage. The state's healthcare system—particularly in rural areas—desperately needs nurses. This means:

Strong job security for nursing graduates
Competitive salaries compared to other states
Sign-on bonuses and loan forgiveness programs available
Flexible scheduling and travel nursing opportunities

Major employers include:

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans)
Ochsner Health System (statewide)
Tulane University Hospital
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Rural hospitals throughout the state

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for registered nurses nationally through 2032, but Louisiana's growth is expected to exceed this due to an aging population and healthcare workforce shortages.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Louisiana

Federal Aid (Available to All Students)

Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year (2024-25) for low-income students—doesn't require repayment
Federal Student Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans up to $31,000 total for undergraduates
Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities on campus

Louisiana-Specific Programs

GRAD Act: Louisiana's tuition assistance program for undergraduate residents at public universities
Workforce Development Grants: Available for healthcare careers in high-need areas
Loan Forgiveness Programs: Louisiana offers forgiveness for nurses working in rural or underserved areas

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

American Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships: $2,500–$6,000
National Student Nurses Association Scholarships: $1,000–$5,000
Hospital-Based Scholarships: Many Louisiana health systems offer scholarships for future employees

School-Based Aid

Contact financial aid offices at your chosen program. Many offer:

Institutional grants and scholarships
Payment plans (interest-free)
Work-study positions in campus health centers

Pro tip: Community college students can complete their ADN with minimal debt, then pursue a Bachelor's degree while working as an RN—spreading costs over time while earning salary.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

You've learned about Louisiana's 20 nursing programs, but the best choice depends on your specific situation—location, budget, academic strength, and career goals.

Compare all Louisiana nursing programs on GradeToGrad to:

Filter by tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate
View detailed program information side-by-side
Read reviews from current and former nursing students
Explore career outcomes and salary data
Connect with admissions counselors

Take the next step in your nursing education journey. Your ideal program is waiting.