Louisiana is home to several prestigious private colleges and universities that offer a diverse range of academic programs and cultural experiences. These institutions provide a high standard of education, often focusing on smaller class sizes and personalized learning environments.
Tulane University
Overview
Tulane University, located in New Orleans, is one of the most well-known private universities in Louisiana. Established in 1834, it has grown into a premier research institution with national and international recognition.
Academic Programs
Tulane offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across multiple schools, including:
- School of Liberal Arts
- School of Science and Engineering
- A.B. Freeman School of Business
- Tulane Law School
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- School of Architecture
Notable Programs:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- International Relations
- Public Health
- Law
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 13,000 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1, promoting personalized academic experiences.
- Athletics: The Tulane Green Wave competes in NCAA Division I sports.
- Extracurricular Activities: Over 200 student organizations, including cultural, academic, and professional clubs.
Community and Research Impact
Tulane is deeply integrated into the New Orleans community, offering numerous service-learning opportunities. The university also holds a reputation for its research contributions, particularly in public health, coastal science, and law.
Loyola University New Orleans
Overview
Loyola University New Orleans, a Jesuit institution founded in 1912, emphasizes education grounded in ethics and social justice. It is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and its commitment to holistic student development.
Academic Programs
Loyola offers degrees in various fields through the following colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Music and Media
- College of Law
- College of Nursing and Health
Notable Programs:
- Music Industry Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Environmental Studies
- Mass Communication
- International Business
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Around 4,000 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1, ensuring close student-teacher interaction.
- Athletics: The Loyola Wolf Pack competes in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
- Extracurricular Activities: Diverse student organizations, including service groups, cultural societies, and professional development clubs.
Community Engagement and Service
Loyola places a strong emphasis on community service. Its students and faculty actively participate in service-learning initiatives aimed at improving social conditions in New Orleans. The university also fosters an inclusive and supportive campus environment, rooted in Jesuit values of justice, equality, and care for the whole person.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Overview
Xavier University of Louisiana is a historically Black university and the only Catholic HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the United States. Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has a strong focus on providing education for underserved populations.
Academic Programs
Xavier offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, with particular strengths in the health sciences and liberal arts.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Pharmacy
- Graduate School
Notable Programs:
- Pre-Med and Health Sciences (Xavier consistently produces a high number of African American graduates who go on to medical school)
- Pharmacy
- Education
- Biology
- Public Health
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Around 3,000 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1.
- Athletics: The Xavier Gold Rush competes in NAIA sports.
- Extracurricular Activities: Includes service organizations, student government, and fraternities and sororities.
Community Involvement and Achievements
Xavier University is recognized for its outstanding contribution to producing Black doctors and pharmacists. Its focus on leadership, community service, and social justice is evident in its student programs and the community service initiatives it supports throughout New Orleans and beyond.
Centenary College of Louisiana
Overview
Centenary College, located in Shreveport, is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1825. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college is known for its strong commitment to the liberal arts tradition and student-centered education.
Academic Programs
Centenary offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and a broad liberal arts curriculum.
- School of Natural and Social Sciences
- School of Humanities
- Frost School of Business
- Meadows Museum of Art
Notable Programs:
- Psychology
- Environmental Science
- Theatre
- Business Administration
- Music
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Around 500 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1, providing an intimate learning environment.
- Athletics: Centenary participates in NCAA Division III sports.
- Extracurricular Activities: Includes clubs for academic interests, arts, community service, and leadership development.
Experiential Learning and Global Focus
Centenary offers unique learning experiences such as the Centenary in Paris program, where first-year students begin their college journey with a study abroad experience. The college’s dedication to global citizenship is reflected in its diverse student body and international focus across academic programs.
Dillard University
Overview
Dillard University, another historically Black university, is located in New Orleans and was founded in 1869. It holds a strong commitment to academic excellence, community service, and leadership development, especially within the African American community.
Academic Programs
Dillard offers degrees in the following areas:
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Nursing
- School of Business
- School of Public Health
- School of Humanities
Notable Programs:
- Nursing
- Film and Theatre
- Biology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 1,200 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1.
- Athletics: The Dillard Bleu Devils compete in NAIA.
- Extracurricular Activities: Includes Greek life, academic clubs, and numerous community service organizations.
Community Impact
Dillard has a strong focus on leadership, social justice, and civic responsibility. The university works closely with local communities, particularly in post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, fostering strong partnerships with the people of New Orleans.
Our Lady of the Lake College (Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University)
Overview
Founded in 1923, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (formerly known as Our Lady of the Lake College) is a Catholic institution located in Baton Rouge. The university offers programs with a particular focus on healthcare and nursing, aligned with its Franciscan values of service and compassion.
Academic Programs
The university specializes in healthcare education, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Key schools include:
- School of Nursing
- School of Health Professions
- School of Arts and Sciences
Notable Programs:
- Nursing (BSN and MSN)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Health Administration
- Radiologic Technology
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Around 1,800 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1.
- Extracurricular Activities: Includes a variety of service-oriented clubs and professional organizations for students pursuing healthcare careers.
Service and Community Involvement
The university’s mission is deeply rooted in the values of the Franciscan tradition, focusing on compassionate healthcare. The institution has strong ties to the local healthcare community, with many students participating in clinical training at affiliated hospitals and health centers.
Louisiana College
Overview
Louisiana College, located in Pineville, is a private, Baptist-affiliated institution founded in 1906. It emphasizes Christian education and liberal arts, fostering an environment of faith, learning, and service.
Academic Programs
Louisiana College offers degrees across multiple disciplines, including:
- School of Missions and Ministries
- School of Fine Arts
- School of Human Behavior
- School of Nursing and Allied Health
Notable Programs:
- Christian Studies
- Biology
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Music
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Around 1,100 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1.
- Athletics: The Louisiana College Wildcats compete in NCAA Division III sports.
- Extracurricular Activities: Student life includes mission trips, campus ministries, and organizations centered on service and leadership.
Faith and Service
Louisiana College focuses on integrating Christian faith with academic achievement. Students are encouraged to participate in faith-based community service, both locally and globally, aligning with the college’s commitment to spiritual and social development.