Compare tuition, NCLEX outcomes, earnings, and program formats across Louisiana's top-ranked nursing schools.
In 2022, Louisiana nursing programs turned away 1,487 qualified applicants for lack of seats, underscoring both intense demand and stark capacity constraints.
Across the state, 23 nursing programs, from ULM in Monroe to Delgado Community College in New Orleans, offer BSN, ADN, and bridge pathways with costs ranging from under $5,000 to over $68,000.
At the top end, alumni of health science centers like LSU Health New Orleans report median earnings above $78,000, but for most programs, detailed salary data remain unreleased, forcing applicants to gauge value through NCLEX pass rates and debt levels.
Our 2026 ranking of Louisiana nursing schools blends cost, graduate outcomes, and licensure exam performance to highlight programs that offer strong value and preparation. We considered institution-wide graduation rates, net price, and available earnings data, while also factoring in recent NCLEX-RN pass rates where reported. Specific program-level earnings are not yet published for most schools, so we prioritized programs that demonstrate consistent student success on licensure exams and accessible tuition.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Military-friendly learners seeking high NCLEX pass rates | |
ULM's Kitty DeGree School of Nursing delivered a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, one of Louisiana's best. The net price averages $13,466 annually, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 54.2%. While program-level earnings are not yet published, the university's overall median earnings 10 years post-entry are $46,769. This military-friendly campus also offers a BSN with simulation and community service opportunities.
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| #2 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Louisiana residents aiming for 100% NCLEX pass rate | |
UL Lafayette's BSN achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, making it one of the state's top-performing programs. With a net price of $13,530 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 52.6%, it prepares students for Louisiana licensure and leadership roles. Program-level earnings are not yet reported, but the university's median earnings 10 years after entry are $47,089.
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| #3 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | $8,000 – $9,000/yr | Bayou Region students needing coastal clinical exposure | |
Nicholls State's BSN is a strong choice for Bayou Region students, with NCLEX pass rates significantly above state and national averages. The net price is $12,947, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 53.8%. Specific nursing earnings are not available, but median earnings 10 years post-entry for the university are $45,454.
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| #4 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | $13,000/yr | ||
Southeastern Louisiana offers a versatile BSN with traditional, accelerated, and online RN-to-BSN pathways. Net price sits at $13,154, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 45.4%. While program-level earnings are not yet available, Southeastern's overall median earnings 10 years after entry are $46,482.
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| #5 | University of Holy Cross | New Orleans, LA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
University of Holy Cross achieved a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate in recent years, standing out among Louisiana programs. As a private university, its net price is $15,635, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 48.6%. Nursing-specific earnings data is not published, but the university's median earnings 10 years post-entry are $49,316.
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| #6 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
McNeese State's BSN boasts a 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate, with a net price of $12,493 and a 47% institution-wide graduation rate. The program includes a six-week preceptorship. Program-level earnings are not reported; the university's overall median earnings 10 years out are $46,453.
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| #7 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Northwestern State offers both an ASN and BSN, with its ASN ranked the top in Louisiana by NursingEducation.org. Net price is $13,606, and institution-wide graduation rate is 43.2%. Earnings for nursing graduates are not available, but the university's median 10-year earnings are $47,021.
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| #8 | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | |||
LSU Health New Orleans is the state's only nursing school within an academic health sciences center, offering a traditional BSN and an accelerated CARE program. It has the highest median earnings 10 years post-entry among these schools at $78,495, with median debt of $19,500. Net price and graduation rate data are not available due to the specialized nature of the institution.
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| #9 | Louisiana Christian University | Pineville, LA | $13,000/yr | ||
Louisiana Christian University's BSN integrates a Christian perspective, with traditional and accelerated tracks. The net price is $13,113, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 43.9%. Nursing program earnings are not reported; the university's median 10-year earnings are $51,700.
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| #10 | Fletcher Technical Community College | Schriever, LA | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fletcher Technical Community College's ASN program is an affordable, no-waiting-list pathway in coastal Louisiana. The net price is $10,527, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 30.2%. Graduate earnings for the nursing program are not available; overall median earnings 10 years after entry are $32,189.
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When comparing nursing schools, the best value isn't always the one with the lowest tuition. Return on investment (ROI) combines costs and earnings, highlighting programs that deliver the strongest financial payoff. The table below ranks Louisiana BSN programs by ROI, using in-state tuition, net price (an institution-wide average, not BSN-specific), median federal debt, and median earnings 10 years after entry. The ROI ratio is calculated as median earnings divided by median debt; for schools where debt data is unavailable, the ratio is marked N/A.
| School | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Debt | Median 10-Year Earnings | ROI Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport | $10,474 | N/A | N/A | $74,671 | N/A |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | $10,376 | N/A | $19,500 | $78,495 | 4.03 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | $68,678 | $39,949 | $20,500 | $63,268 | 3.09 |
| Louisiana Christian University | $20,266 | $13,113 | $21,875 | $51,700 | 2.36 |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | $7,050 | $7,065 | $19,000 | $42,205 | 2.22 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | $9,190 | $13,466 | $21,500 | $46,769 | 2.18 |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | $17,959 | $18,552 | $27,672 | $59,419 | 2.15 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | $8,373 | $13,154 | $22,113 | $46,482 | 2.10 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | $10,418 | $13,530 | $22,902 | $47,089 | 2.06 |
| McNeese State University | $8,489 | $12,493 | $23,000 | $46,453 | 2.02 |
| Nicholls State University | $8,149 | $12,947 | $22,675 | $45,454 | 2.00 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $8,864 | $13,606 | $25,000 | $47,021 | 1.88 |
| University of Holy Cross | $16,576 | $15,635 | $26,995 | $49,316 | 1.83 |
| Southern University and A & M College | $9,922 | $20,077 | $29,251 | $43,371 | 1.48 |
| Dillard University | $22,734 | $22,094 | $31,000 | $39,196 | 1.26 |
| Grambling State University | $7,683 | $19,809 | $36,500 | $41,109 | 1.13 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | $8,054 | $14,810 | $31,000 | $34,042 | 1.10 |
While program-level earnings and debt figures vary by school, the overall median salary for registered nurses in Louisiana provides a useful benchmark. Understanding the typical earnings in the state helps new graduates weigh the value of their education investment against expected income.
Louisiana nursing programs continue to outperform the national average on the NCLEX-RN, a crucial metric for evaluating program quality. The state's 2024 first-time pass rate of 93.52% sits well above the national mark of 91.16%, signaling that graduates from Louisiana schools are entering the workforce well-prepared.
The NCLEX-RN is the standardized licensing exam required for all registered nurses. A program's first-time pass rate directly reflects how effectively it prepares students for both the exam and entry-level practice. Unlike graduation rates or employment figures, which can be influenced by local job markets or student demographics, the NCLEX is an external, uniform measure. Consistently high pass rates suggest strong curricula, experienced faculty, and robust student support services. Conversely, rates that repeatedly dip below state or national averages may indicate issues with instruction, resources, or student readiness. Because pass rates are publicly reported by state nursing boards, they also create accountability. For anyone comparing nursing schools, this metric cuts through marketing claims and gets to the core of program effectiveness.
The table below draws from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing's 2024 Nursing Education Capacity Report and recent institutional data.1 It highlights first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for various programs across the state. Where a specific year is known, it is noted in parentheses; otherwise the figure represents the most recently available data from each school.
| School Name | Program Type | First-Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Holy Cross | BSN | 100% |
| Grambling State University | BSN | 100% |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | BSN | 100% (2024) |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Accelerated BSN | Accelerated BSN | 100% (2025) |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Overall | 97.1% (2025) |
| Northwestern State University - ASN | ASN | 95% (2024-2025) |
| Northwestern State University - BSN | BSN | 91% (2024-2025) |
| **Louisiana State Average** | , | 93.52% (2024) |
| **National Average** | , | 91.16% (2024) |
This is not an exhaustive list of all approved programs in the state. Students should verify the most current pass rates directly with each school and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, as figures can shift year to year.
Several schools posted perfect or near-perfect results in their most recent cohorts. The University of Holy Cross, Grambling State University, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe all achieved 100% pass rates among their first-time BSN test takers.2 UL Lafayette's accelerated BSN cohort also earned a spotless record, while the university's overall pass rate exceeded 97%, comfortably outpacing both state and national benchmarks.3
Northwestern State University presents an interesting split: its ASN graduates achieved a strong 95% pass rate, but the BSN program's 91% rate aligns almost exactly with the national average, and falls short of the state average.4 This illustrates the value of checking rates at the program level rather than relying on institutional averages. Prospective students should also look for multi-year trends: a single year's number can be influenced by cohort size or testing conditions, but sustained performance over time reveals true quality.
Louisiana's traditional BSN path requires 120 credits and about four years of full-time study, but accelerated and online options can shorten the timeline significantly. The right format depends on where you are in your career, what prior education you bring, and how quickly you need to start working as an RN.
Most pre-licensure BSN programs in Louisiana follow the traditional four-year, campus-based model. These programs are designed for new college students and mix general education courses with nursing theory, lab simulations, and hands-on clinical rotations. Schools like ULM, Nicholls State, UL Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, and McNeese State offer this path entirely on-campus with full-time day schedules. Clinical hours are typically held during daytime shifts at partner hospitals, making it difficult for working adults to maintain outside employment while enrolled. The 120-credit curriculum builds foundational nursing competencies over eight semesters, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as generalist RNs.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) can move you into nursing in as few as 16 months. Tulane University offers a hybrid ABSN that combines online coursework with in-person clinical placements in the New Orleans area. Similarly, LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport runs the Career Alternative RN Education (CARE) program, a two-year, campus-based accelerated track for degree holders. These programs are rigorous and full-time, packing nursing credits into shorter terms. Some, like Louisiana Christian University's accelerated track, also exist alongside traditional paths. Because of the compressed schedule, working during the program is rarely feasible, and clinical hours demand daytime availability.
Louisiana does not consistently advertise stand-alone LPN-to-BSN bridge programs, but a few schools build them into existing BSN pathways. Nicholls State University explicitly lists an LPN-BSN track, allowing licensed practical nurses to apply credits from their prior education and experience toward the BSN. These programs often require the LPN to first complete certain general education prerequisites before entering the nursing major, but they can shorten the overall timeline. If you're an LPN considering this route, reach out to program advisors directly, availability varies year to year.
Registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma can advance to a BSN entirely online through several Louisiana public universities. LSU-Alexandria's RN-to-BSN program is 100% online with 45 credits and seven-week semesters, designed for working nurses. Northwestern State University's RN-to-BSN takes as few as 12 months online, and Southeastern Louisiana University also offers a fully online RN-to-BSN option. These programs typically accept transfer credit generously and allow students to continue working while studying. For current ADNs, the ADN-to-BSN bridge is often the most affordable and quickest way to earn a BSN, especially at public institutions where tuition remains low. Many Louisiana community colleges, such as Fletcher Technical Community College and Delgado Community College, offer ADN programs that feed directly into these online completions.
Choosing the right BSN pathway depends on your starting point. High school graduates typically pursue a traditional four-year program, career changers with a bachelor's degree can opt for an accelerated 16-month track, and working RNs with an associate degree can earn their BSN online in as little as one year.
Balancing affordability and convenience against a program's clinical depth and post-graduation outcomes shapes most nursing school decisions in Louisiana. A closer look at accreditation, clinical partnerships, admission odds, transfer policies, and financial fit helps you narrow the list.
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) approves all prelicensure nursing programs in the state, setting the baseline for sitting the NCLEX-RN. Beyond that, national accreditation signals a program's commitment to quality. The two recognized bodies are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are equally valid for earning your RN license. However, if you plan to pursue a graduate degree, say, a master's or doctorate in nursing, CCNE accreditation often carries more weight during the admissions process. Most of Louisiana's BSN-granting universities, including LSU Health New Orleans, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, and McNeese State, are CCNE-accredited. A few strong programs, such as University of Holy Cross and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, hold ACEN accreditation and produce graduates who easily obtain licensure and employment. When comparing schools, note the accreditation type but don't treat non-CCNE as a dealbreaker unless graduate school is a firm next step.
The quality of your clinical rotations can set the tone for your early career. In Louisiana, programs with formal ties to major health systems give students access to diverse patient populations and advanced equipment. LSU Health New Orleans and its Shreveport counterpart are embedded in large academic medical centers, placing students inside Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, and Willis-Knighton Health System networks. Southeastern Louisiana University's nursing school maintains affiliations with facilities across the North Shore, while Northwestern State runs clinical courses on multiple campuses, including in Shreveport and Alexandria. These partnerships often translate into preferred hiring pipelines after graduation, if you train in a specific system, you're a known quantity when applying there. Ask schools specifically which hospitals and clinics they contract with for clinical hours and whether recent graduates have been hired by those same employers.
Seats in Louisiana BSN programs are finite, and many schools turn away qualified applicants. While some public universities, like Southeastern Louisiana and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, admit a large share of undergraduate applicants overall, nursing tracks within those institutions can still be competitive due to prerequisite GPA requirements and limited clinical placements. At historically selective schools such as Southern University Baton Rouge or Grambling State, the overall acceptance rate dips below 50%, and the nursing cohort is a fraction of that. Even at schools with higher admit rates, the nursing major itself may require a separate application and a minimum 2.5–3.0 GPA in pre-nursing courses. Check each program's nursing-specific admission page for realistic entry point averages and the number of students admitted each cycle, some only seat 30–60 per fall start.
Louisiana's community colleges produce a significant number of associate-degree nurses, and many want to transition into a BSN. If you already hold an ADN or have completed substantial prerequisite coursework, investigate each BSN program's articulation agreements. Nicholls State University offers dedicated LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN tracks, while LSU Alexandria runs a fully online RN-to-BSN program with seven-week courses designed for working nurses. Schools like Northwestern State and McNeese State accept a wide range of transfer credits from Louisiana community colleges, but policies vary on how far back science courses can be taken. Contact admissions and ask for a preliminary transfer evaluation before you apply to avoid losing credits.
Sticker tuition rarely tells the full story. The share of students receiving need-based federal Pell Grants sheds light on a school's economic accessibility. At Grambling State, 89% of undergraduates receive Pell funds, a signal that the institution serves a high proportion of economically diverse students. Northwestern State (71%), Southeastern Louisiana (67%), and ULM (70%) also show a strong Pell presence, while private schools like Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (53%) and Louisiana Christian University (65%) report lower but still significant shares. Net price, what you actually pay after grants and scholarships, often falls well below the published rate at public universities once need-based aid is factored in. Compare each school's net price calculator results and ask about nursing-specific scholarships that can further reduce your debt.
What kind of salary can I expect as an RN in Louisiana, and how does a BSN change the picture?
Registered nurses in Louisiana earn a state median annual wage of $67,400, with a mean wage of $65,850, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That places Louisiana 44th among states for RN pay, reflecting a lower cost of living in much of the state. Salaries vary significantly by experience, specialty, and setting: new graduates often start below the median, while seasoned nurses in high-demand areas or leadership roles can push well into six figures. For context, the national median for RNs sits at $93,600, underscoring both the regional wage gap and the long-term earnings growth that comes with experience and advanced credentials.
Geography matters heavily inside Louisiana. Urban hubs consistently pay above the state average:
Rural and northern parts of the state often lag, but sign-on bonuses and loan repayment programs can help close the gap for nurses willing to work in shortage areas.
Louisiana faces a persistent nursing workforce shortage, especially in medical-surgical, critical care, and geriatric specialties. The largest employers driving hiring include Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and Willis-Knighton Health System. Many of these systems are expanding nurse residency programs and offering tuition assistance, creating a pipeline for new BSN graduates.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is increasingly the entry point for career advancement. BSN-prepared nurses qualify for positions at Magnet-designated hospitals, which prefer or require bachelor’s degrees, and they have a smoother trajectory into leadership, case management, and advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner. While salary data for the first few years after graduation is not yet available for many Louisiana BSN programs, long-term outcomes tell a compelling story. Federal earnings data shows that BSN graduates from the top-performing schools in the state report median career earnings ranging from roughly $47,000 to $78,500 ten years after entering repayment, with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–New Orleans graduates leading at $78,495. These figures sit well above the state’s overall RN median and illustrate how a strong program can accelerate lifetime earnings well beyond typical staff-nurse wages.
In 2022, Louisiana nursing programs denied admission to 1,487 qualified applicants because there were not enough seats available. That is nearly fifteen hundred future nurses who met the requirements but could not enroll, a sobering reminder of the gap between the state’s educational capacity and its workforce needs.
Here are answers to common questions about nursing education in Louisiana, drawn from our research and program data. Whether you are comparing costs, admissions, or career paths, these FAQs provide a quick overview to help guide your decision.
Beyond the top 10 schools, Louisiana has many other nursing programs across the state. This directory lists additional ACEN- and state-approved programs by region, with degree types, formats, and estimated costs.
