New Study Ranks Louisiana's Best Colleges for 2027

LOUISIANA - Choosing a college is a big decision, and Louisiana has plenty of options for students looking to earn a degree without necessarily leaving the state. But which schools come out on top when it comes to things like affordability, academic quality, and the value students get for their money?

A new college ranking from WalletHub offers a fresh look at Louisiana's higher education options, and several familiar names from around the state made the top 10.

The University of Louisiana made the rankings, along with McNeese State University in nearby Lake Charles and Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

But, there's one glaring omission to this top 10 list I think you might find pretty interesting...

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Louisiana's Top 10 Colleges And Universities

According to WalletHub's 2027 college rankings, these are the 10 highest-ranked colleges and universities in Louisiana:

Tulane University - New Orleans
LSU Shreveport - Shreveport
Dillard University - New Orleans
Xavier University of Louisiana - New Orleans
McNeese State University - Lake Charles
University of Louisiana at Monroe - Monroe
Louisiana Tech University - Ruston
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Lafayette
University of New Orleans - New Orleans
Nicholls State University - Thibodaux

Certainly you've noticed LSU in Baton Rouge did not make the Top 10 list.

According to WalletHub "The data set is grouped into seven categories, such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The metrics range from student-faculty ratio to graduation rate to post-attendance median salary."

UL Lafayette Makes The Top 10

UL offers students the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of degrees while staying close to home. For many families in Lafayette and Acadiana, that can mean less travel, staying close to family, and the chance to build a career right here in South Louisiana.

UL Lafayette has received recognition in other rankings, too. In its 2026 college rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized the university among the nation's public universities and highlighted several of its academic programs.

What Makes One Louisiana College Better Than Another?

Of course, a college ranking doesn't tell the whole story.

WalletHub uses its own methodology to compare colleges, and other organizations may produce a different list based on the factors it considers most important. Some rankings emphasize academic reputation and research, while others put more importance on tuition costs, graduation rates, student experience, or career outcomes.

That means the highest-ranked school isn't automatically the best choice for every student.

There's a lot more information when it comes to WalletHub's list, and you can find out more at wallethub.com.

Louisiana’s 6 Best Private Schools Ranked

For many Louisiana parents, choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions they'll make for their children. While public schools educate the majority of students across the state, private schools continue to attract families looking for smaller class sizes, college-preparatory programs, faith-based education, and specialized learning opportunities.

With hundreds of private schools operating throughout Louisiana, a handful consistently stand out for academic excellence, student success, college placement rates, extracurricular opportunities, and overall reputation.

U.S. News & World Report has released their list of what they say are the 6 best private schools in Louisiana

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott

Source: New Study Ranks Louisiana’s Top 10 Colleges and Universities

Filed Under: college, education, university of louisiana at lafayette

Categories: Louisiana News