Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA

university of new orleans online degrees

The top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA, are also some of the best schools in the country. These are top-tier institutions that have put time and effort into creating online programs that will benefit their most dedicated students: working and busy professionals. And, as technology continues to advance, these schools have already made a commitment to expanding their offerings.

Online education is a great choice for adult learners. Flexible, affordable and able to stick into a busy schedule, these degrees are providing students with the chance to complete or advance their knowledge in their field of study. With so many schools in the area offering exceptional degrees, it was time to create a ranking solely dedicated to New Orleans, LA.

Methodology

Points-based rankings like this one always begin and end with research. The initial group of colleges was chosen based on a search for the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA through the National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database. Each school was then reviewed and ranked within a points system based on the following factors:

Types of online degree options available (associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate): 1 point per degree level.

Cost per credit hour:
Under $250 – 4 points
$251 – $350 – 3 points
$351 – $450 – 2 points
Over $451 per credit hour – 1 point

Regional Accreditation:
Present – 1 point

Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 point

The final 10 schools, which are found within a 100-mile radius of New Orleans, LA, were chosen based on the total amount of points accrued.

10. Louisiana State University

New Orleans, Louisiana

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeWebsite

Some of the best online master’s programs in New Orleans, LA, come from Louisiana State University. This school confers eight graduate degrees and four graduate certificates in a variety of fields, including teaching, social work, construction management, and business administration. Students will find that this school additionally offers undergraduate courses, with undergraduate degrees coming online in the near future. This school has a full suite of support services, including technical support, academic and career advising, a bookstore, and a library for online students to use during their time in the programs.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $814
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 4

9. The University of Holy Cross

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
The University of Holy Cross offers two online degree programs.

Website

The University of Holy Cross is one of the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA, for students interested in earning a master’s degree. This program offers two master’s programs, including the Master of Arts in Catholic Theology and the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning. Students will find that this school has small class sizes, all of which are taught by the same faculty that teaches the school’s on-campus version of the courses. 24/7 technical support and academic advising are offered to all online students. Other services include an online bookstore, an online library, access to online resources, tutoring, and more.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $665.50
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 5

8. Loyola University at New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
Loyola University at New Orleans offers 11 online degree programs.

Website

A large portion of the best online bachelor’s programs is offered by Loyola University at New Orleans. This is a top-tier university that offers 11 degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate level; a credit-completion program is also available to students. Fields include computer information systems, business administration, and mass communication. This school features small class sizes, online office hours, and online tutoring. Support services include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, and access to the school’s online library and bookstore.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,073
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 6

7. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University offers two online degree programs.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is one of the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA. This school confers two 100 percent online programs: the Nursing RN to BSN degree, which is professionally accredited, and the Master of Health Administration. More programs are expected to roll out in the future. This school offers students access to a fully functional online portal, which includes apps for smartphones and tablets, academic and career advising, technical support, and an online bookstore. An online library and access to other online materials are also offered to students during the course of their program.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $600
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 7

6. Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University offers seven online degree programs.

Website

Some of the best online programs in New Orleans, LA, come from Southeastern Louisiana University. This school offers seven degrees and two certificate programs for students, all of which are 50 percent online or 100 percent online. Fields include criminal justice, nursing, and teaching. Students will find that it is possible to earn licensure through this school for these fields. Support services for this degree include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, and access to the school’s online bookstore and library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $363
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 7

5. The University of New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
The University of New Orleans offers nine online degree programs.

Website

The University of New Orleans is one of the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA. This school offers nine undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including philosophy, urban studies, romance languages, and more. Students at this school also have access to noncredit or professional courses that are not linked to degree programs. This school has a full suite of support services for online students, including academic advising, career advising, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $312
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 7

4. Tulane University

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
Tulane University offers 20 online degree programs.

Website

A top-tier institution that is world renown, Tulane University is home to an impressive selection of online programs. This program offers 20 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels, all of which are held as hybrid programs or entirely online. Students at this school will find that small class sizes and accelerated courses will enable them to complete their degrees in half the time it would take on a physical campus. This school has a full suite of online services, including technical support, academic advising, online tutoring, and online bookstore, and access to the library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $1,000
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 8

3. Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
Nicholls State University offers online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.

Website

Nicholls State University is one of the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA. This school confers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a range of fields, including education, nursing, and business. This school utilizes the accelerated eight-week term format and asynchronous courses, making it easier than ever for students to complete their coursework. The school also offers a variety of online support services, including technical support, academic advising, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $275
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 8

2. Southern University at New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
Southern University at New Orleans has three online degree programs.

Website

Some of the best online programs come from Southern University at New Orleans. This school confers two bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree; the latter is a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, a field that is not usually found online. Students will complete these degrees 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Class sizes are small and students will be taught by the same faculty that teaches the courses on campus. Support services include academic and career advising, tutoring, technical support, and access to the school’s online bookstore and library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $236
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 8

1. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

New Orleans, Louisiana

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees online.

Website

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA. Students at this school can earn their undergraduate or graduate degree in one of there ways: Standard Online, which is fully asynchronous; NOLA2U, which is a weekly live lecture; or NOLA2U-Flex, which is a combination of both. Students will also find that they are treated to a full suite of support services, including academic advising, career advising, tutoring, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $270
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Points: 9

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for an Online Degree?

Online degrees can lead to careers in nearly every profession possible, including aviation engineering, business, nursing, education, accounting, and more. These programs were developed to help students in just about every type of career, so the possibilities are endless. The only exceptions to this rule are lawyers and medical professionals, who must complete their specialist education at a physical location; however, it is possible for these professionals to complete their undergraduate degrees online.

What is the Difference Between an Online Degree and an On-Campus Degree?

There are not that many differences between an online and an on-campus degree, but the ones that exist are significant. These differences can be the deciding factor for a student trying to decide between the two and so a quick look at both can shed some light for students. As always, it is important that a student take this information and use it to do their own research prior to choosing a program.

There is no academic difference between online and on-campus programs; the difference lies in the delivery method. On-campus programs are delivered on campus in a physical classroom with students actively participating in lectures and discussions. They are required to attend campus to complete the majority of their requirements and take tests.

Online students attend college through what is known as a learning management system, which is also known as an online portal. This is the virtual branch of the school and is held entirely on the internet. There are no classrooms, no need for physical attendance, no structure to follow, and sometimes students don’t even have to attend live sessions. Asynchronous courses are common, meaning students can make their own schedules and complete the program on their own time.

Another difference is the price. On-campus programs cost more than online programs. This is because students are paying tuition and fees for the use of the physical campus. Online students have online fees, but they are nowhere near as steep as the fees paid by on-campus students. Depending on the region, the difference in the actual fees paid can be staggering.

One thing that is not different, and something students will want to pay attention to, is the degree itself. It is rare that a school will indicate on the actual diploma that a student earned a degree online. That information simply isn’t necessary and has provided students with an alternative to pricey traditional programs.

Are There Any Financial Aid Options Available to Online Students?

Yes, there are a variety of financial aid options available to online students. These include student loans, grants, scholarships, and federal and state financial aid. As online degrees become commonplace, it has become more normal for more students to seek financial aid; in fact, it is estimated that somewhere between 60 to 75 percent of all online students receive some sort of financial aid.

The most common form of financial aid is the Free Application of Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This is a form of federal financial aid that most students apply for when beginning their degree. How much will be awarded to a student depends on their financial need and their circumstances. Students should keep in mind that not all schools take federal financial aid, so it is recommended that they do their research.

The second form of financial aid is student loans. This not free money; as the name suggests, students will be required to pay the money back, sometimes with high interest rates. It is highly encouraged that students do not engage with student loans as it will add to their financial burden after graduation.

Grants are given by several entities, including the government and some nonprofit organizations. These grants are in-kind gifts; students receive money for their tuition fees with the agreement that they will serve the entity after graduation. Most students will find this to be the case with the military or a government organization.

Scholarships can be offered by several different places, including schools, private foundations, and even individuals. The award can be given to a certain group of people, such as minorities or women, or be offered in different fields, such as the humanities or students in STEM programs.

Students should keep in mind that each of these types of financial aid has requirements for those who apply. This can be anywhere from ethnicity and religion to full-time or part-time status and degree type. A search online for financial aid options for online students will provide more information.

Are Online Degrees a Good Fit For Active Duty and Retired Military Members?

Yes, online degrees are a good fit military members, both active duty and retired. This is for several reasons, chief among them being that these working professionals can earn an accredited degree from an American university, something that they can use both in service or when they return to civilian life.

Earning an accredited degree while working abroad can be difficult for working professionals. Correspondence studies have long been the best way for military members to earn a degree, but with the advent of online education, students all over the world can earn a reputable degree. It is a great way to fit studies around a job that requires so much from active duty personnel.

However, the degree is also a great fit for veterans. Earning an online degree reduces or eliminates the need for campus visits, freeing up a veteran’s time to spend doing other things, such as working or spending time with their family. It also enables them to have access to support services both at school and in their own community.

Finally, many military members are motivated to earn a degree. They do not need to have a set structure in order to complete their work. For this reason, online education is a great fit for them and their needs.

Are Online Completion Degrees Worth Completing For Working Professionals?

It depends on the professional. Online degrees have many advantages, particularly for working professionals, but it may not be a great fit for everyone. It is important that a student do their research prior to jumping into a program like this.

Online degrees were designed for working professionals; the first programs to come online were graduate degrees, which were the most in-demand from professionals already working in the field. These degrees have a variety of flexible options, making it a great choice for a student with a busy schedule or several responsibilities that they need to manage. Some of these options include accelerated programs, full-time or part-time programs of study, truncated term schedules, and the ability to tailor a program to fit the student’s needs.

However, online programs are also designed to be taken on by motivated students. This means that anyone who takes on an online degree must be ready to complete assignments and exams on a schedule that they create; there is no set structure. If a program calls for work experience, they must also make room in their schedule for that as well. This means they will have to balance both school and work, something that is not the right fit for everyone.

If an online student is dedicated to completing the degree, then yes, it is well worth it. Working professionals may be able to earn licensure or certification in their field, enabling them to seek higher-paying positions at the managerial or executive levels. It will also lead to an increase in their salary, make it easier to find other jobs, or even move if that’s something they wish to do in the future.

Are Online Degrees More Affordable Than Traditional Degrees?

Most online degrees are more affordable than traditional degrees. There are a few exceptions, but these tend to be private schools. There are several reasons for online degrees being more affordable than traditional degrees, but the two most important are the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates as well as online flat tuition rates.

The first is how online programs utilize in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Traditionally, out-of-state tuition rates are higher than in-state tuition rates. These rates can be up to $300 more per credit hour than in-state tuition rates.

Online programs have begun utilizing in-state tuition rates to make degrees more affordable to students. This can be savings of up to $5,000 over the course of the entire program for students who live out of state. While not all online programs use in-state tuition rates, most do.

The other factor is the use of online flat tuition rates. This is a term that refers to a flat rate that is paid every term, regardless of how many courses are taken. Students can take as few as one course or as many as four or five, depending on what their schedule will allow.

Online flat tuition rates are a great way to earn an affordable degree. Students will have just one bill, no matter what courses they take, so they know exactly what they can look forward to every term. It is also one of the most affordable ways to complete a degree and an option that is not available for on-campus students.

Is it Possible to Complete an Online Degree Faster Than a Traditional Degree?

Yes, it is possible to earn an online degree much faster than a traditional degree. It is important to note that online degree programs vary, meaning that not all degrees can be earned faster than those provided for on campus. There are some restrictions, depending on the school and how it confers its degrees, but it still is possible to complete a degree in up to half as much time that it would normally take.

Traditional degrees have normal completion times. For example, a bachelor’s degree takes four years, a master’s degree takes two years, and a doctorate takes four years. This is a general schedule, meaning that students may take more or less time, depending on their program and whether they are full-time or part-time students; a part-time program of study may take up to one to two years longer than a full-time student.

Online programs have special options that are not available on campus. These can include accelerated terms, which may last as little as four weeks or as long as eight weeks, that may make it possible for students to complete their program in about half the time. This is further increased if a student chooses to study full-time, which may cut their time in the program by about 60 percent. Summer sessions and J-terms, which refers to a two-week period in January prior to the start of the traditional spring semester, may also accelerate the length of a degree.

However, not all online programs offer these accelerated options. Some offer cohort, sequential degrees that mean that students must take on the entire length of the program, which can be as long as a traditional program. Others may not have this but still follow the traditional 16-week academic term structure. This means that there will be no way for a student to complete the degree early.

The best way for students to know how long a degree would take is for them to discuss the program structure with an admissions advisor. Depending on how a student wishes to study and their field of study, having a conversation with the advisor will provide them with an understanding of estimation on how long the program will take them to complete. In the end, it depends on the student’s dedication to their education and how hard they are willing to work.

Students have long been looking for the best online degrees available in the greater New Orleans area. With so many professions taking students who have learned their degree online, it has become imperative that schools offer these programs with the same quality of education expected at their physical location. This list of top colleges for an online degree in New Orleans, LA, will provide students with a good look at some of the best programs in their area.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree in New Orleans, LA.

Sources: