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Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: Louisiana State Universit..., Tulane University of Loui..., U of Louisiana at Lafayette
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
Software Engineering degree programs available: 5 associate's, 6 master's, 3 doctoral in Louisiana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online software engineering degree programs in Louisiana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Louisiana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 28 accredited software engineering 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 Software Engineering Degree Programs in Louisiana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Louisiana
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Louisiana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Baton Rouge Community Col..., South Louisiana Community..., Southern University at Sh..., 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 $3,168/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 software engineering schools in Louisiana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Louisiana.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 14 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 4 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 software engineering 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 $12,608/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 75%, 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 software engineering degrees in Louisiana, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Show all 14 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Public | $6,090 | — | 55.4 |
| #7 | Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | Public | $4,973 | 75% | 52.3 |
| #8 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | Public | $5,147 | — | 46.4 |
| #9 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | Public | $5,788 | — | 42.2 |
| #10 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | Shreveport, LA | Public | $5,656 | — | 41.9 |
| #11 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | Public | $5,777 | — | 41.2 |
| #12 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Private | $24,836 | — | 37.4 |
| #13 | Louisiana Christian University | Pineville, LA | Private | $19,590 | — | 31.6 |
| #14 | Herzing University-New Orleans | Metairie, LA | Private | $12,360 | 28% | 25.1 |
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana offers 6 master's degree programs in software engineering, 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 $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 software engineering 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
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Private | $61,306 | — | 46.8 |
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Program Landscape
Louisiana is home to 3 doctoral programs in software engineering, 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 software engineering 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
Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Louisiana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,124/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,310/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,531/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $60,744 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,186 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in Louisiana
State Aid Programs
Louisiana students pursuing software engineering degrees have access to several strong financial aid options designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-funded program is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), which covers tuition costs at Louisiana public institutions for qualifying students. TOPS is one of the most comprehensive state grant programs in the nation and can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for in-state students attending public universities and community colleges throughout the state.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Louisiana software engineering students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. The Federal Student Aid website provides comprehensive information about loan programs and repayment options. Many institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid. For example, Southern University and A & M College offers competitive financial packages, with in-state tuition of $4,973, among Louisiana's most affordable public options. Students should also explore scholarships through professional organizations like ABET-accredited programs, which often have dedicated funding for software engineering students. The Louisiana Board of Regents coordinates financial aid policy across the state, ensuring consistent support for students across institutions.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Louisiana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Graduates in Louisiana
Find software engineering jobs in Louisiana. These major employers across Louisiana metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in New Orleans
LASoftware Engineering Jobs in Baton Rouge
LASoftware Engineering Jobs in Shreveport
LATransfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Louisiana
State Transfer System
Louisiana provides structured transfer pathways for software engineering students through the Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework, which establishes statewide articulation agreements between two-year and four-year institutions (Louisiana Board of Regents Transfer Framework). The state's 7 associate's degree programs in software engineering, offered at institutions like Baton Rouge Community College, South Louisiana Community College, and Bossier Parish Community College, are designed as the first two years of a bachelor's degree pathway. These programs enable students to complete general education requirements and foundational software engineering coursework at an affordable cost, associate's programs average approximately $3,000-$3,400 per year, before transferring to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.
How Transfers Work
Students completing an associate's degree in software engineering at Louisiana community colleges can transfer to bachelor's programs at 15 institutions across the state, including Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Tech University, and University of New Orleans. The transfer framework ensures that coursework completed at community colleges transfers as general education or elective credit, reducing time to degree and overall costs. Additionally, Louisiana's Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) provides financial aid that covers tuition at Louisiana public institutions for qualifying students, making the transfer pathway even more affordable (TOPS). Students should work with their community college advisors to ensure course selection aligns with their target four-year institution's degree requirements. Exploring computer programming programs and web development pathways can also provide alternative or complementary educational routes within Louisiana's transfer system.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Louisiana?
Industry & Workforce
Louisiana offers a strong software engineering education landscape with 31 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Louisiana institutions awarded 511 bachelor's degrees, 148 master's degrees, 26 associate's degrees, and 22 doctoral degrees in software engineering, demonstrating strong pipeline development across educational levels. The state's flagship programs are concentrated among leading institutions like Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, which leads the state with 190 completions, followed by Southern University and A&M College with 100 completions and University of Louisiana at Lafayette with 93 completions.
Salary Outlook
Louisiana's tech ecosystem spans multiple major cities and regions, including New Orleans-Metairie, Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier City, and Lafayette. These areas host significant employers in technology and related fields, including Ochsner Health System, Walmart, LSU Health Sciences, and Entergy, which provide internship and employment opportunities for graduates. The state's affordable public tuition, averaging $5,873 for in-state students at four-year public institutions, makes software engineering education accessible compared to national averages. Students seeking the best value and national recognition can explore Louisiana's best bachelor's programs and compare them with national rankings. For career-focused learners, web development and computer science programs in the state also offer complementary pathways.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Louisiana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Louisiana
Employment Outlook
Louisiana's software engineering job market is supported by a diverse economic base spanning healthcare, energy, retail, and technology sectors. Major metro areas including New Orleans-Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport-Bossier City serve as employment hubs for software engineers and developers. The state's higher education system produces a steady pipeline of talent, with 511 bachelor's degree completions, 148 master's degree completions, and 22 doctoral degree completions annually across 31 institutions offering software engineering programs (IPEDS). This strong educational infrastructure supports workforce development across multiple skill levels and specializations.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest job markets for software engineers cluster around Louisiana's major cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Metairie. These regions host significant employers in healthcare technology, energy sector IT, and government technology initiatives. For detailed career outlook data and salary information specific to Louisiana, the Bureau of Labor Statistics State Data provides current occupational employment statistics. Students pursuing computer science degrees in Louisiana or related fields like web development and computer programming will find diverse opportunities aligned with regional industry needs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Louisiana
Online Programs
2 available in Louisiana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $7,400
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Louisiana: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Louisiana?
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Louisiana?
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Louisiana?
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Louisiana?
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Louisiana?
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Louisiana?
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Louisiana?
What financial aid is available for software engineering 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.