Louisiana university campus representing machine learning education
Updated December 2025

Best Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 16 top accredited machine learning programs in Louisiana. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport.

Programs Ranked16
Median Salary$88,760
Cost of Living93.8%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LAPrivate

107 machine learning graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$61K
Tuition/yr
75.1
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LAPublic

113 machine learning graduates annually, 98% graduation rate

$5K
Tuition/yr
98%
Grad Rate
72.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LAPublic

147 machine learning graduates annually, 66% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
66%
Grad Rate
72.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Louisiana offers 16+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Tulane University of Louisiana leads with strong% graduation rate
  • 3.Louisiana software developers earn median $88,760 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport
  • 5.Cost of living index: 93.8% of US average (below average)

Machine Learning Education in Louisiana: Overview

Louisiana offers 16 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 721 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, with major employers including CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz.

With a median software developer salary of $88,760 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.8% compared to the US average, Louisiana offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.

The top machine learning programs in the state are led by Tulane University of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Louisiana Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LAPrivate$61,306โ€”75.1
2University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LAPublic$5,40798%72.9
3Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LAPublic$8,03866%72.2
4Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge, LAPublic$4,97375%70.5
5Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston, LAPublic$6,40185%63.2
6Grambling State UniversityGrambling, LAPublic$5,14099%61.3
7University of New OrleansNew Orleans, LAPublic$6,090โ€”57.3
8McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LAPublic$5,147โ€”47.7
9University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe, LAPublic$5,788โ€”43.2
10Louisiana State University-ShreveportShreveport, LAPublic$5,656โ€”43.1
11Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LAPublic$5,777โ€”42.5
12Southern University at ShreveportShreveport, LAPublic$2,618โ€”39.7
13Xavier University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LAPrivate$24,836โ€”38
14Louisiana Christian UniversityPineville, LAPrivate$19,590โ€”32
15Baton Rouge Community CollegeBaton Rouge, LAPublic$3,237โ€”31
16Louisiana Delta Community CollegeMonroe, LAPublic$3,214โ€”27.8

Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana: Side-by-Side

SchoolTulane University of...U of Louisiana at LafayetteLouisiana State Universit...Southern University and...Louisiana Tech
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$61,306
$5,407
$8,038
$4,973
$6,401
Graduation Rate
N/A%
98%
66%
75%
85%
Annual Graduates
107
113
147
82
55
Acceptance Rate
15%
89%
74%
50%
73%
Type
Private
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
75.1/100
72.9/100
72.2/100
70.5/100
63.2/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Louisiana

Louisiana offers 13 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Tulane University of Louisiana. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,132 in the Louisiana market.

A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Louisiana

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Louisiana at Lafayette
$5,407
98%
113
72.9
#2 Louisiana State Universit...
$8,038
66%
147
72.2
#3 Tulane University of...
$61,306
N/A%
52
65.6

Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Louisiana

For graduate study, Louisiana offers 6 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include Tulane University of Louisiana, Southern University and A & M College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Louisiana reaching $115,388 or more.

Explore our complete national rankings of the best machine learning master's programs for more options beyond Louisiana.

Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Louisiana

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Tulane University of...
$61,306
N/A%
107
75.1
#2 Southern University and...
$4,973
75%
82
70.5
#3 U of Louisiana at Lafayette
$5,407
98%
28
56.7

Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Louisiana

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Louisiana are at Southern University at Shreveport ($2,618/year), Louisiana Delta Community College ($3,214/year), Baton Rouge Community College ($3,237/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Louisiana's competitive tech salaries.

At Southern University at Shreveport, a 4-year degree costs approximately $10,472 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,132, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Southern University at...
$2,618
$10,472
0.4 years
Public
#2 Louisiana Delta Community...
$3,214
$12,856
0.5 years
Public
#3 Baton Rouge Community...
$3,237
$12,948
0.5 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Louisiana

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning programs in Louisiana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $61,306 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 107 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 15%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 75.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 107 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 75.1 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (107 graduates), state salary outcomes ($88,760), and selectivity (15% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,407 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 113 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 72.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 98% graduation rate
  • 113 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 72.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (113 graduates), state salary outcomes ($88,760), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,038 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 147 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 72.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 66% graduation rate
  • 147 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 72.2 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (147 graduates), state salary outcomes ($88,760), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $4,973 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 82 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 70.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 75% graduation rate
  • 82 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 70.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (82 graduates), state salary outcomes ($88,760), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,401 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 55 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 85% graduation rate
  • 55 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 63.2 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (55 graduates), state salary outcomes ($88,760), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$62,132
Starting Salary
$88,760
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
865
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Louisiana with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$87,720

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Louisiana with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$86,202

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Louisiana with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$86,542
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Louisiana with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$94,867

Database Administrator opportunities in Louisiana with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$81,199

Machine Learning Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Louisiana if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport
  • You're seeking lower cost of living (93.8% of US average)
  • You want to work at companies like CenturyLink or Geocent
  • You prefer Louisiana's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Louisiana's 16)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Machine Learning in Louisiana FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 16 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Louisiana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Louisiana salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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