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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: U of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State Universit..., Tulane University of Loui...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,618 to $61,306/year
Baton Rouge Community Col... offers the most affordable option at $3,237/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 3 associate's, 6 master's, 3 doctoral in Louisiana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online machine learning degree programs in Louisiana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Louisiana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: CenturyLink, Geocent, iSeatz, Lucid
Tech hubs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning degree programs near 32+ cities across Louisiana
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Louisiana Machine Learning programs
We rank 25 accredited machine learning 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.
Are Machine Learning Degree Programs in Louisiana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Louisiana
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Louisiana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools in Louisiana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Louisiana.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 13 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State Universit..., Tulane University of Loui..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Louisiana machine learning 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 $12,627/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 machine learning degrees in Louisiana, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Show all 13 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Public | $6,090 | — | 57.3 |
| #7 | Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | Public | $4,973 | 75% | 53.2 |
| #8 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | Public | $5,147 | — | 47.7 |
| #9 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | Public | $5,788 | — | 43.2 |
| #10 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | Shreveport, LA | Public | $5,656 | — | 43.1 |
| #11 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | Public | $5,777 | — | 42.5 |
| #12 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Private | $24,836 | — | 38.0 |
| #13 | Louisiana Christian University | Pineville, LA | Private | $19,590 | — | 32.0 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 6 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Tulane University of Loui..., Southern University and A..., 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 $15,369/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Southern University and A & M College
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Baton Rouge, LA | Public | $8,038 | 66% | 47.7 |
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana is home to 3 doctoral programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning 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.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Louisiana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,826/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $27,065/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,707/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $64,956 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,238 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Louisiana
State Aid Programs
Louisiana students pursuing machine learning degrees have access to strong state and federal financial aid programs designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state grant program is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), which covers tuition at Louisiana public institutions for qualifying students (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)). This program significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for eligible residents attending public four-year and two-year institutions across the state, including the 28 institutions offering machine learning programs (Louisiana Board of Regents).
Key Programs & Amounts
Federal student aid remains another critical funding source for machine learning students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). Louisiana residents can compare aid packages across institutions using the College Scorecard tool, which provides transparency on net price and aid availability (College Scorecard). Many institutions also offer institutional scholarships and assistantships specifically for STEM fields like machine learning. Students should explore opportunities at top-ranked programs such as Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and University of Louisiana at Lafayette, both of which provide competitive aid packages to qualified applicants. Additionally, prospective students may find related funding opportunities in adjacent fields, explore Artificial Intelligence in Louisiana and Data Science in Louisiana for complementary program options with their own aid structures.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Louisiana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
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.
$147,619
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Louisiana
Find machine learning jobs in Louisiana. These major employers across Louisiana metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in New Orleans
LAMachine Learning Jobs in Baton Rouge
LAMachine Learning Jobs in Shreveport
LATransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Louisiana
State Transfer System
Louisiana's transfer system is structured through the Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework, which provides statewide transfer agreements and articulation pathways enabling students to move seamlessly between institutions. This framework is particularly valuable for machine learning students, as it allows graduates of 4 associate degree programs to transfer directly into bachelor's programs at any of the state's 15 bachelor's-granting institutions without losing credits. Community colleges like Baton Rouge Community College, Southern University at Shreveport, and Louisiana Delta Community College offer foundational coursework in mathematics, programming, and introductory machine learning concepts that transfer fully to four-year institutions. The Transfer Framework ensures that courses completed at community colleges apply toward degree requirements, reducing both time-to-degree and overall education costs.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing a machine learning degree can leverage multiple transfer pathways: begin with an associate degree at a two-year institution, then transfer to a bachelor's program at schools like Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College or University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and continue to a master's program at Louisiana Tech University or Tulane University. This tiered approach provides flexibility, affordability (with average public in-state tuition at $5,873), and the opportunity to test coursework before committing to a four-year institution. The Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework publishes official transfer guides by program, ensuring predictable pathways. For additional context on complementary fields, explore Data Science in Louisiana, Data Analytics in Louisiana, and Artificial Intelligence in Louisiana, which feature similar transfer-friendly structures and community college partnership programs.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Louisiana?
Industry & Workforce
Louisiana offers a strong and growing landscape for machine learning education, with 28 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Louisiana schools awarded 532 bachelor's degrees, 264 master's degrees, 18 doctoral degrees, and 17 associate degrees in machine learning, demonstrating strong educational capacity and industry demand. The state's four-year public institutions maintain an affordable average in-state tuition of $5,873, making machine learning education accessible to a broad student population compared to national averages.
Salary Outlook
Louisiana's major metropolitan areas, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette, host thriving tech ecosystems with significant employers in healthcare, energy, and technology sectors. Leading institutions like Louisiana State University (with 164 completions), University of Louisiana at Lafayette (150 completions), and Tulane University (107 completions) consistently produce graduates ready for competitive roles. Students can also explore related fields through Louisiana's interconnected academic pathways, including Data Science in Louisiana, Artificial Intelligence in Louisiana, and Computer Science in Louisiana. The state's commitment to affordable, quality education is reinforced by programs like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), which covers tuition at Louisiana public institutions for qualifying students.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Louisiana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Louisiana
Employment Outlook
Louisiana's machine learning job market is growing across multiple metropolitan regions, with strong opportunities in healthcare, energy, and retail sectors. The state's major employment hubs include the New Orleans-Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport-Bossier City metro areas, where employers actively seek skilled machine learning professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana's tech and data-driven industries continue to expand, creating demand for graduates from the state's 28 institutions offering machine learning programs at various degree levels.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Louisiana support workforce development across all credential levels. The state offers 4 associate's programs, 15 bachelor's programs, 6 master's programs, and 3 doctoral programs in machine learning (IPEDS), with 532 bachelor's completions in 2023 alone. Top-producing institutions like Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (164 completions) and University of Louisiana at Lafayette (150 completions) prepare graduates for immediate employment. Students can explore related fields through programs in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Computer Science to broaden career prospects across Louisiana's diversifying economy.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Louisiana
Online Programs
2 available in Louisiana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $47,600
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Louisiana: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Louisiana?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Louisiana?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Louisiana?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Louisiana?
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Louisiana?
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Louisiana?
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Louisiana?
What financial aid is available for machine learning degree students in Louisiana?
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.