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Key Takeaways
Louisiana's public university tuition is remarkably low, LSU costs $8,038/yr, University of Louisiana at Lafayette runs $5,407/yr, and Grambling State is $5,140/yr
The state averages $13,205/yr across all institutions, but public schools cluster well below that, making Louisiana one of the most affordable states for a CS degree
Louisiana State University ranks #1 with a bachelor's CS program at $8,038/yr in-state and offers an online BS option
Louisiana Tech University holds dual CAE-CDE and CAE-R designations with an 85% graduation rate at $6,401/yr, the strongest cybersecurity credential in the state
Louisiana CS graduates earn an $88,760 median salary, with CenturyLink, Geocent, and iSeatz hiring in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
New Orleans has a growing startup scene, and Baton Rouge benefits from LSU's research pipeline and state government IT needs
University of Louisiana at Lafayette posts a 98% CS graduation rate, the highest in the state, at just $5,407/yr
Grambling State University follows at 99% graduation rate and $5,140/yr, offering strong outcomes at HBCU-level pricing
Southern University at Shreveport offers the cheapest CS pathway at $2,618/yr with an online option
Three community colleges provide associate's degrees, with Baton Rouge Community College feeding directly into LSU's bachelor's programs
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Louisiana Computer Science programs
We rank 28 accredited computer science programs in Louisiana using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Louisiana
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Louisiana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Baton Rouge Community Col..., Southern University at Sh..., Louisiana Delta Community..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Louisiana offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,023/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $48,818 in Louisiana.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Louisiana's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer science schools in Louisiana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Louisiana.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Louisiana State Universit..., Tulane University of Loui..., U of Louisiana at Lafayette, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Louisiana computer science programs earn a median salary of $75,446, 23% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,973 to $61,306 annually, with an average of $15,242/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 84%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Louisiana's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Louisiana, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | Public | $4,973 | 27% | 71.4 |
| #7 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | Public | $5,140 | 36% | 70.4 |
| #8 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Public | $6,090 | 38% | 69.4 |
| #9 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | Public | $5,147 | 47% | 68.5 |
| #10 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Private nonprofit | $25,829 | 49% | 67.9 |
| #11 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | Public | $5,777 | 45% | 64.7 |
| #12 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria, LA | Public | $4,950 | 34% | 63.0 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 7 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Southern University and A..., Louisiana Tech, U of Louisiana at Lafayette, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Louisiana earn a median salary of $88,760, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $13,982/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Louisiana's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Southern University and A & M College
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana is home to 3 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State Universit..., Tulane University of Loui... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Louisiana PhD holders earning a median of $110,950, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Louisiana programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Louisiana, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Tulane University of Louisiana
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Louisiana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,205/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $33,013/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,301/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $79,232 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,808 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Louisiana
State Aid Programs
Louisiana offers strong financial aid opportunities for computer science students through both state and federal programs. The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is Louisiana's flagship state grant program that covers tuition at qualifying public institutions for eligible students (TOPS). This program significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for Louisiana residents pursuing bachelor's and associate's degrees in computer science. Beyond state aid, students can access federal student aid through the FAFSA process (Federal Student Aid), which includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of state residency.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions also provide merit-based and need-based scholarships to attract computer science talent. Top-ranked programs like Louisiana State University and Southern University and A & M College offer institutional scholarships that complement federal and state aid packages. The average public in-state tuition for four-year Louisiana institutions is $5,873, making higher education affordable even before applying for aid (IPEDS). Students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility and explore institution-specific scholarship opportunities through each school's financial aid office. Combined state and federal aid can substantially reduce the net cost of attendance for qualifying computer science students.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Louisiana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Louisiana. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Louisiana metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $98K |
| Baton Rouge | $93K |
| Shreveport | $89K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Louisiana
Find computer science jobs in Louisiana. These major employers across Louisiana metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in New Orleans
LAComputer Science Jobs in Baton Rouge
LAComputer Science Jobs in Shreveport
LATransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Louisiana
State Transfer System
Louisiana students can seamlessly transition from community college to four-year institutions through the Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework, which establishes statewide transfer agreements and articulation pathways (Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework). The state system includes 29 two-year institutions and 35 four-year institutions, creating multiple entry and advancement options. Students beginning at one of Louisiana's 4 associate's degree-granting institutions, including top-ranked Delgado Community College ($3,335 tuition), Bossier Parish Community College ($3,435 tuition), and SOWELA Technical Community College ($3,335 tuition), can complete foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science fundamentals, and general education requirements before transferring. These community college pathways cost significantly less than starting at four-year universities, with average public in-state tuition of just $5,873 at four-year institutions (Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework).
How Transfers Work
Transfer students pursuing bachelor's degrees can articulate credits to destination institutions like Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($5,407 tuition), Louisiana Tech University ($6,401 tuition), or University of New Orleans (83 completions annually). The transfer framework ensures that prerequisite courses in calculus, linear algebra, physics, and introductory programming taken at community colleges apply directly toward bachelor's degree requirements, minimizing credit loss and accelerating degree completion. Master's degree seekers can build on bachelor's credentials earned through transfer pathways. Institutions like Southern University and A & M College (ranked #1 for master's, $4,973 tuition) welcome graduates from Louisiana institutions. Many institutions participate in the College Scorecard data platform, allowing students to compare transfer acceptance rates and outcomes. Explore related transfer pathways for Data Science in Louisiana and Software Engineering in Louisiana to identify complementary degree options.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Louisiana?
Industry & Workforce
Louisiana offers a strong and accessible pathway to a computer science degree with 31 institutions across the state offering programs at all levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Louisiana institutions awarded 511 bachelor's degrees, 178 master's degrees, and 18 doctoral degrees in computer science, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to computing education. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College leads the state with 164 completions, followed by Southern University and A & M College with 100 completions, making these flagship programs excellent starting points for aspiring computer scientists (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
The state's tech hubs in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette offer significant career opportunities with major employers including Ochsner Health System, Walmart, LSU Health Sciences, and Entergy. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages just $5,873, making Louisiana one of the most affordable states for computer science education (College Scorecard). Students can also benefit from the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), which covers tuition at Louisiana public institutions for qualifying students (TOPS). Whether you're pursuing related fields like Software Engineering in Louisiana, Data Science in Louisiana, or Cybersecurity in Louisiana, the state's diverse institutional network provides accessible entry points and strong regional employer connections for career advancement.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Louisiana
Employment Outlook
Louisiana's computer science job market is supported by a strong pipeline of 31 institutions offering computer science programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 511 bachelor's degree completions, 178 master's completions, and 18 doctoral completions in 2023, providing a steady stream of talent to regional employers. Louisiana's public four-year institutions offer an average in-state tuition of $5,873, making education accessible for local workforce development. Major hiring centers include New Orleans-Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport-Bossier City, where healthcare systems, energy companies, and retail giants maintain significant operations (BLS State Data).
Salaries by Metro
Career opportunities extend across multiple industries in Louisiana's largest metropolitan areas. New Orleans-Metairie leads as the state's primary tech hub, while Baton Rouge serves as the Capital Region with growing demand in government technology and higher education IT. Shreveport-Bossier City represents North Louisiana's emerging tech market. Students graduating from Louisiana's top programs, including Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana Tech University, enter a diversified job market that spans healthcare technology, energy sector IT, and digital transformation initiatives. For comprehensive national salary benchmarks and detailed occupational data, consult BLS occupational resources.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Louisiana
Online Programs
3 available in Louisiana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $8,500
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 156
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
- Total Programs
- 89
- Median Tuition
- $40,400
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Science Degree Programs in Louisiana: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Louisiana?
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Louisiana salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.