The United States can be an expensive country to live in, especially when it comes to higher education. For international students, the dream of earning an American degree can be overshadowed by high tuition and fees. These expenses can often feel difficult to manage, forcing students to balance academic goals with financial stability.
But there is positive news. For international students looking for a good education at a reasonable cost, Louisiana can be a strong option. This state is home to a wide variety of colleges and universities, many of which publish comparatively affordable tuition and fee estimates. With Louisiana’s reasonably priced alternatives covered in this article, international students can explore ways to fulfill their academic aspirations without compromising their financial security.
Affordable Schools in Louisiana for International Students
1. Southern University at New Orleans
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $7,490 – $8,054 (Louisiana Resident) | $13,384 – $16,954 (Non-Resident & International)
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) is one of Louisiana’s more affordable public universities. This public historically Black university (HBCU) is located in the Gentilly area of New Orleans, Louisiana. According to SUNO’s latest published undergraduate cost estimates, tuition and fees are about $7,490 to $8,054 per academic year for Louisiana residents and $13,384 to $16,954 for non-resident students, depending on whether the student lives on or off campus.
Affordability is not SUNO’s only strength. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed for students with different academic and career goals. Students interested in further study can also explore graduate options such as Social Work and Museum Studies.
2. Grambling State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: About $7,772 (Louisiana Resident) | About $16,795 (Non-Resident) | International students also pay an international student service fee and health insurance
Grambling State University is another prominent institution in Louisiana. Located in Grambling, Louisiana, this public university offers a rich academic experience at a reasonable cost. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition for 12 or more credit hours is listed at $3,886.07 per semester for in-state students and $8,397.57 per semester for out-of-state students, before housing and meal charges. International students should also budget for the university’s international student service fee and required international health insurance.
International student tuition rates and total costs can vary depending on the chosen program, number of credit hours, housing, meal plan, and insurance costs. Therefore, international students should contact the university before enrolling to confirm their exact estimated charges.
3. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans was the first racially integrated public university in the South of the United States, marking a significant moment in history. It also offers programs across fields such as business, computer science, engineering, the liberal arts, and international studies.
For undergraduate tuition and fees, UNO lists estimated yearly costs of $9,829 for Louisiana residents and $14,665 for non-Louisiana residents, based on 15 credit hours per semester. For international students, the university’s I-20 estimate is higher because it includes tuition and fees, books and insurance, and living expenses; the current annual I-20 estimate is $35,000 for most academic programs and $37,000 for MBA students.
4. McNeese State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $9,448 (In-State) | $10,448 (Out-of-State) | $11,448 (International, before health insurance)
McNeese State University, based in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is known for offering practical, career-focused programs in a supportive academic environment. Its estimated tuition and fees remain comparatively affordable among public universities in the state.
McNeese lists estimated tuition and fees of $9,448 per year for in-state students, $10,448 for out-of-state students, and $11,448 for international students. International students should also budget for required health insurance, currently estimated at $500 per academic year, along with books, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
5. Chamberlain University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $735 per credit hour for the BSN program at the New Orleans location; other program rates vary
Chamberlain University offers a specialized perspective on higher education, focusing on nursing and healthcare-related fields. This career-focused approach allows students to gain the specific skills and knowledge needed to work in healthcare.
Tuition at Chamberlain varies by program and location. For 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing tuition rate for the New Orleans location is listed at $735 per credit hour. Other options, such as RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and health professions programs, use different per-credit or per-session tuition rates, so students should review the current tuition page before applying.
6. Louisiana Tech University
After exploring universities with strengths in liberal arts and healthcare programs, Louisiana also offers universities for students focused on STEM fields. Louisiana Tech University is one of the state’s well-known public universities, with programs in engineering, science, business, and other fields.
Louisiana Tech operates on a quarter system, so students should compare its costs carefully with semester-based universities. For 2025-2026, the university’s at-a-glance tuition and fees for 12 or more undergraduate credit hours are $4,125 per quarter for residents and $7,808 per quarter for non-residents. Final costs depend on the student’s college, program, credit load, online or in-person status, and any applicable scholarships or waivers.
7. Nicholls State University
Located in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, Nicholls State University in Thibodaux stands out for its affordability and regional character. Nicholls is also home to the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, which highlights Louisiana culinary traditions and offers culinary arts degree pathways.
International students at Nicholls do not pay out-of-state fees, which can make the university an affordable option. Current mandatory tuition and fee descriptions show that total costs depend on credit load, course materials, and program-specific fees. For a student taking 12 credit hours in each of the fall and spring semesters, the annual tuition and mandatory fee total is about $9,800 before program-specific charges, housing, meals, and personal expenses.
8. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $10,212 estimated undergraduate tuition and fees in the 2025-2026 cost of attendance
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA), located in Natchitoches, is a long-established public university with a wide range of academic programs. Its official 2025-2026 undergraduate cost of attendance lists estimated tuition and fees of $10,212 for the academic year, with total expenses depending on housing, books, transportation, and personal costs.
The university also offers various financial aid options and scholarships, such as NSU Foundation Scholarships and Transfer Scholarships, to help eligible students manage educational expenses. International students should contact the university directly to confirm the latest tuition, fee, insurance, and scholarship details for their student type and program.
9. University of Louisiana Monroe
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: About $10,065 (Louisiana Resident) | About $22,165 (Non-Resident & International), based on two 12-credit semesters before professional, degree, or specific class fees
Rounding out our list of affordable universities in Louisiana is the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). Located in Monroe, Louisiana, ULM offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. For full-time undergraduate students, ULM lists tuition of $2,893.76 per semester, and required fees vary by credit load and student classification.
Based on ULM’s fee schedule for 12 credit hours, tuition and required fees are about $5,032.54 per semester for Louisiana residents and about $11,082.54 for non-resident students. International students are considered non-residents for tuition purposes, and total costs can vary depending on housing, meal plan, insurance, scholarship eligibility, and program-specific fees.
10. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (LSU), the state’s flagship institution located in Baton Rouge, is known for research, athletics, and a broad range of academic programs. The university offers many programs across fields such as business, biological sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. It is also the alma mater of influential figures such as NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
LSU is more expensive than several other institutions on this list, especially for non-Louisiana residents, but it may still be a strong choice for students seeking a large research university experience. For 2026-2027, LSU lists estimated undergraduate tuition and fees of $12,886 for Louisiana residents and $29,562 for non-Louisiana residents, based on 15 credit hours.
FAQs: Studying at a University in Louisiana
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Louisiana?
The general requirements to study in Louisiana typically include valid passports, official academic transcripts, proof of funding, and proof of English proficiency. Requirements vary by university and level of study. For example, Louisiana Tech accepts English proficiency options such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, SAT English, ACT, Accuplacer, or qualifying GPA routes for undergraduate applicants. ULM also lists English proficiency requirements, including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo, with some SAT-based waiver options. Students should always check the university’s current international admissions page before applying.
Are International Students Eligible for Financial Aid and Grants in Louisiana?
International students may be eligible for selected institutional scholarships or tuition waivers at some Louisiana universities, but eligibility varies widely by school, program, GPA, test scores, and funding availability. For example, some universities list scholarships or out-of-state fee waivers for eligible non-Louisiana or international students. Because federal financial aid is generally limited to eligible U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens, international students should check each university’s scholarship and international admissions pages for the most accurate options.
What is the Cost of Living in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally offers lower living costs than many parts of the United States, although expenses vary significantly by city, housing choice, and lifestyle. New Orleans, for example, can be more expensive than smaller Louisiana cities.
For student budgeting, university estimates are often more useful than statewide averages. For example, SUNO estimates housing and food at $10,490 for on-campus students, while McNeese estimates on-campus housing and food at about $9,300 to $11,700 per academic year. Students should also budget for books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses.
With these factors in mind, the cheapest colleges Louisiana offers can be a compelling option for budget-minded students seeking a quality education. Considering the number of affordable universities and the state’s generally moderate living costs, Louisiana can be an attractive destination for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.
We hope that this article on the cheapest universities in Louisiana was helpful! Make sure to also check out our Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Programs for International Students!
