[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online colleges in Louisiana prepare graduates to join the workforce and advance their careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Louisiana is home to public universities like Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge and the nine institutions within the University of Louisiana System, plus renowned private schools like Tulane University. Students in Louisiana can also attend a community or technical college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online colleges in Louisiana offer convenient, affordable pathways to earning a bachelor’s degree. Many public universities in the state [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.louisianaonline.org/”]participate in LouisianaOnline[/hen-ui-link], partnering up to offer online and hybrid degrees and courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Louisiana locals can earn an online degree to increase professional opportunities, change career paths, or fulfill a personal goal. Students outside of Louisiana may find unique degree options — especially those related to Louisiana’s major industries. Our ranked list of online schools in Louisiana can help students make informed decisions when choosing an online college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Colleges in Louisiana[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-overview”]Online Associate and Graduate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities in Louisiana are incorporating more online components, creating opportunities for online learners who want to return to school but still work full time or have other time limitations. Some online courses and programs are asynchronous, providing more flexibility than traditional college study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online colleges in Louisiana offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.louisianaonline.org/ByLevel.php?level=2-year/”]nearly 170 associate degrees[/hen-ui-link], certificates, and diplomas. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online associate degrees[/hen-ui-link] prepare students to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer to a bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-link], but two-year degrees can also lead directly to the workforce in some fields. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mybrcc.edu/academics/programs_and_courses.php/”]Baton Rouge Community College[/hen-ui-link] offers an online associate of science in criminal justice, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sowela.edu/programs/online-programs/”]Sowela Technical Community College[/hen-ui-link] provides associate of applied science programs in business administration and culinary arts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online graduate program options in Louisiana include a master of business administration (MBA) from LSU and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.lsu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/mba/”]LSU’s online MBA[/hen-ui-link] includes 36 credits of coursework, with options to specialize in data analytics, emerging technology, or healthcare management. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/ma_cj.html/”]criminal justice graduate program[/hen-ui-link] at ULM requires 33 credits of coursework for individuals completing a thesis, while non-thesis students earn a 36-credit degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”employment”]Employment in Louisiana[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In December 2020, the unemployment rate in [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.la.htm”]Louisiana was 7.2%[/hen-ui-link], according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — down from 9.1% in July.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wtcno.org/why-louisiana/#:~:text=Key%20Industries,are%20key%20to%20Louisiana%20trade./”]Key industries in Louisiana[/hen-ui-link] include agribusiness, energy, and manufacturing. The geography of Louisiana allows for a strong emphasis on coastal-oriented industries such as shipbuilding, dredging, and fishing and seafood capture. Easy access to the Gulf of Mexico means lots of engineering, managerial, and research jobs for residents of Louisiana as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm/”]Petroleum engineers in Louisiana[/hen-ui-link] are some of the top-paid workers in the state, and the BLS projects they will see 3% job growth between 2009-2029. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm/”]Architectural and engineering managers[/hen-ui-link], who earned annual mean salaries over $152,000 in 2029, are projected to experience similar gains.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of living in Louisiana falls below the national average. With a cost of living index [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/louisiana/”]just under 87%[/hen-ui-link], Louisiana offers residents more affordable housing, utilities, and health expenses than many states. The median price for a home in Louisiana is nearly $90,000 lower than the United States’ average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below are some of the highest paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Louisiana that do not require a first-professional degree, like a doctor of medicine or juris doctor. Salary information applies specifically to Louisiana, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Careers in Louisiana[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2019)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Architectural and Engineering Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119041.htm/”]$152,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm/”]3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Petroleum Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172171.htm/”]$132,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm/”]3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Industrial Production Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113051.htm/”]$122,890[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm/”]1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm/”]$117,220[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Chemical Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172041.htm/”]$115,430[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm/”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer and Information Systems Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113021.htm/”]$111,250[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/”]10%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Architectural and Engineering Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119041.htm/”]$152,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm/”]3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following data reflects some of the highest paying roles employing more than 5,000 professionals in Louisiana. Salary figures apply specifically to Louisiana, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Common Careers in Louisiana[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2019)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm/”]$117,220[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm/”]$108,890[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]15%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Postsecondary Teachers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251199.htm/”]$76,980[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]9%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Master’s or Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes518093.htm/”]$73,320[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm/”]0%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]High School Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2019)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes491011.htm/”]$69,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm/”]3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]High School Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does LSU Offer Online Degrees?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LSU offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.lsu.edu/”]undergraduate and graduate degrees online[/hen-ui-link]. Students can explore degree options by career pathway, pursing fields like education, business, or healthcare. LSU also offers online continuing education programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Do You Find Accredited Online Colleges in Louisiana?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Institution of higher education in Louisiana must provide information about accreditation status. Students can check the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation website[/hen-ui-link] for lists of accredited institutions and programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Best College in Louisiana?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best college in Louisiana is the school that best meets a student’s academic, professional, and personal needs. Learners should individually assess what each school in Louisiana offers in terms of education, support, and post-graduation opportunities when choosing the best college or university for them.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”8990,6087,6077,368,343,204″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]