A distance learning program from one of the Louisiana online colleges is a valuable asset to many residents of the “The Pelican State,” such as working adults. An average individual works almost nine hours per day, as noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This isn’t counting their drive time to and from their place of employment. For these individuals, trying to manage to attend classes each week isn’t that simple. Sometimes, colleges don’t offer convenient hours while some adults are just too tired or may not be able to adhere to a set schedule. Louisiana online schools provide working adults with the ability to attend school on a schedule that works for them. 

Other non-traditional students benefit from Louisiana online colleges as well, including single parents and parents in general. A parent has plenty of responsibilities to tend to with a child. Trying to find a babysitter and paying for one so a person can attend school is costly and difficult. Online education brings the classroom to these individuals, so they can work around taking care of their children. 

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Louisiana

All of the best online colleges in Louisiana are selected based on a reputation for solid ROIs. They are accredited regionally or nationally, a basic standard of value for Value Colleges. All schools offer programs that can be earned fully online, and some include partial online programs such as certificates and hybrid courses. We have listed schools by how many online bachelor’s programs they offer.

1. University of Louisiana at Monroe

When you are looking for the best online colleges in Louisiana, you want to consider the University of Louisiana at Monroe. ULM offers 16 online degree programs that allow students to study topics ranging from criminal justice to marketing and management. Students are able to focus on accomplishing their goals for their careers while working on a degree when they have time.

A key advantage of working with the University of Louisiana at Monroe is the availability of student financial aid. The school helps students identify appropriate grants and loans that may assist with the cost of tuition. It also helps students clarify their options for a reimbursement program through an employer if students are already working. Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe have options to accelerate their course material through the online program and cut back on the time required for their degrees. 

Number of Online Programs: 16

school website

2. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University is one of the best online colleges in Louisiana for students who want to work at their own pace. The school offers nine online undergraduate degree programs that help students with their career goals. Furthermore, the school offers minors that enhance student skills and abilities to improve their opportunities when moving into the workforce.

Nicholls State University stands apart from other programs by offering scholarships through the school. The scholarships available to a student may vary based on academic performance and the specific standards set by the scholarship program. The school helps students identify scholarships that may work with their goals. The scholarships are broken down based on whether a student is continuing in a program or entering college as a freshman student. The online courses are available in eight-week sessions, so students can accelerate the process of obtaining a degree and finish their bachelor’s degree in three years.

Number of Online Programs: 9

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3. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans is an excellent online school for students who have complex schedules that limit their time for traditional classes. The school offers seven online degree programs that allow students to prepare for the challenges of their career goals. The school gives students a strong foundation in their studies and ensures that they are ready to work in a demanding or fast-paced career.

The way Loyola University New Orleans stands out from other programs is its reputation for excellence. It is among the top ten regional universities of the south according to U.S. News and World Reports. The school has also been recognized by the Princeton Review for its excellent online programs. The recognition shows that the school sets high standards for student excellence and gives potential employers confidence in the abilities of new graduates. Loyola University in New Orleans is AACSB-accredited and CCNE-accredited for its online programs.

Number of Online Programs: 7

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4. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge is a great online school for students looking into degree programs with a flexible schedule. The school offers seven online degree programs for undergraduate students. You can study mathematics, accounting, world religions or construction management through online degree programs. 

The way Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College differ from other programs is the availability of higher levels of education. The degree program allows students to continue into graduate studies and take online certifications that enhance and improve student abilities. The flexible programs let students work at their own pace and accomplish their long-term goals for education. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College offer a variety of support services to online students that helps with enrollment and navigating the online system to keep up with classes.

Number of Online Programs: 7

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5. McNeese State University

McNeese State University offers seven fully online undergraduate degree programs. The undergraduate programs range from criminal justice to nursing and psychology. Students can find a degree that fits their long-term goals for a career and work at their own pace when managing job responsibilities or personal obligations. The programs offer a flexible process that allows students to study when they have time.

McNeese State University in Lake Charles stands out offering accelerated courses to students. The online classes are broken down into two sessions that are seven weeks long. That allows students to earn credits and complete classes at a fast pace, even when taking a single class at one time. By adding more classes, students are able to finish their degrees faster when compared to traditional on-campus programs. McNeese State University in Lake Charles allows students to transfer up to 75 percent of their credits into the online program.

Number of Online Programs: 7

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6. University of Louisiana at LaFayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers four fully online undergraduate degree programs to students who are looking for online options. Online degrees at the university allow students to study health services administration, general studies, kinesiology, or nursing. The nursing program is an RN to BSN program, so it recognizes that students may be working a full-time position and have odd hours that require flexible classes.

A key way the University of Louisiana at LaFayette differs from other programs is the flexible approach to education. The online programs allow students to work at their own pace and to take classes when they have time. It also allows students to study in any location with an Internet connection, so it gives students the ability to work on their degree when it fits their situation. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers out-of-state students the same tuition as in-state students when taking classes through the online program.

Number of Online Programs: 4

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7. Southern University and A & M College

Southern University and A&M College offer online programs to students who want to work on their degree at their own pace. The school offers four online undergraduate degree programs. Students can study psychology, interdisciplinary studies, criminal justice, or general studies through the online program. It gives students a focused approach to education and allows them to accomplish their goals.

Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge focus on accessibility in the online degree programs. The online system is designed for user-friendly applications to ensure that students are able to access classes and course material, as well as assignments, from any location with an Internet connection. It allows students to work on their classes when it suits their situations. Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge is AACSB-accredited for the online programs.

Number of Online Programs: 4

school website

8. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans offers fully online degree programs to students who have limitations on their time. The school offers three online programs that allow students to work at their own pace and finish a degree. Students are able to study philosophy, urban studies and planning, and interdisciplinary studies through the online system.

The way the University of New Orleans stands apart from other programs is the simplicity of the online system. It is designed for easy access to class materials by signing in and working on the degree. Students are able to work on their degree when it fits their schedule and can sign in to the classes at any location. It gives students a flexible solution to keep up with their course material. The University of New Orleans offers an honor program for students who qualify for the program and want to obtain the designation.

Number of Online Programs: 3

school website

What is the Value of Online Education in Louisiana?

More and more, colleges and universities across the nation are supplementing their traditional campuses with fully and partially online degree programs that can be accessed from around the world. Online programs are often aimed at serving working adults or traditional college-aged students, perhaps homeschooled students, who prefer or need the flexible and student-led atmosphere found in online learning. In most cases, online programs offer the same quality education as on-campus.

While anyone with prior obligations benefits from the option of Louisiana online colleges, so do older adults who want to attend college. Unfortunately, students who aren’t in their teens or 20s don’t fit into the traditional image of a college student. These individuals may want to consider Louisiana online schools to avoid awkwardness. 

For rural citizens, a standard Louisiana college is quite a drive from home. This commute time adds up. For students who share a car with their parents or who don’t have a car at all, this commute poses even further problems than just the inconvenience of time. 

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Louisiana?

A person may earn a variety of degree types online from their own home, at the library, or any location they choose. Students may choose between Louisiana online degrees ranging from undergraduate ones like associate’s and bachelor’s as well as graduate degrees like master’s and doctorates. People may even choose to earn certificates or endorsements rather than complete entire Louisiana online degrees. Some schools offer pupils the option of taking individual courses rather than entire Louisiana online degrees. This is convenient for students who are working toward a degree that isn’t completely available online. Then, the student may transfer those credits to a brick-and-mortar school at a later date. 

In addition to degree levels, Louisiana online degrees also vary in the subjects students may select from. Nowadays, a prospective student may complete a degree in everything from business to engineering to nursing to criminal justice. Sometimes, a student has to complete an associate’s degree in a traditional school before furthering their education for programs that require clinicals or one-on-one instruction. Options like engineering, nursing, and teaching often require that person has an associate’s before online classes are available. 

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Louisiana?

Cost is often an issue when a student wants to attend college. They feel like the student loan debt isn’t worth it. However, students can make college more affordable for them by comparison shopping and looking for options to help with expenses. For instance, online degrees in general are more cost efficient than on-campus ones. Students may choose to earn a degree from a public institution rather than a private one. The public colleges tend to have lower tuition rates.

A potential student may consider the option of employer reimbursement, which is when an employer funds part of a student’s education. In return, the student must agree to work for that facility for a set amount of time. Starting a degree at one of the online community colleges in Louisiana is another option. Online community colleges in Louisiana offer students the option to earn associate’s, bachelor’s, or general credits toward a degree at a cheaper rate than universities. 

Are There Online Public Universities in Louisiana? 

As mentioned above, public universities are usually less expensive than private ones. Many of them offer a quality education and give students access to an education from a well-known educational institution. They offer a wide variety of degree programs, so students may find one that works for them and can help them achieve their dream of working in a certain position or field. Many have good reputations and are known for their academics and ability to create strong, independent thinkers. They may also offer students networking and other benefits after they complete their degree. 

Some options include LSU online degrees, ULL online degrees, and McNeese online degrees. LSU online degrees range in their subject matter from engineering to healthcare to liberal arts. They also offer a DaVinci degree option, which is a unique program that educates students in STEM-related subjects.

Students may choose from both undergraduate and graduate ULL online degrees in subjects like healthcare, business administration, and computer science. McNeese online degrees include both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in subjects like nursing, education, general studies, and psychology.

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