Top Nursing Schools in Louisiana
This page lists 39 schools in Louisiana that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 18 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 12 associate degree (ADN), 17 bachelor's (BSN), 11 master's and 7 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 25 public, 7 private nonprofit and 7 private for-profit. 26 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Baton Rouge (5), New Orleans (5), Lafayette (3) and Alexandria (2).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (39)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria, LA | Public | ADN, BSN | ACEN |
| Louisiana State University-Eunice | Eunice, LA | Public | ADN | ACEN |
| Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | Public | ADN | ACEN (candidate) |
| Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-FNP, MSN-Leadership, DNP, DNP-FNP | CCNE |
| McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | Public | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP-PMHNP | CCNE |
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | Public | BSN, MSN | CCNE |
| Northshore Technical Community College | Lacombe, LA | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN | ACEN (candidate) |
| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | Minden, LA | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN | — |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | Public | ADN, BSN, MSN, Post-Master's, Post-Master's-FNP, DNP | CCNE, ACEN |
| Nunez Community College | Chalmette, LA | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN | — |
| River Parishes Community College | Gonzales, LA | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN | — |
| South Louisiana Community College | Lafayette, LA | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | Public | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP | CCNE |
| Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | Public | BSN, MSN-FNP, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| Southern University at Shreveport | Shreveport, LA | Public | ADN | ACEN |
| SOWELA Technical Community College | Lake Charles, LA | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| University of Holy Cross | New Orleans, LA | Private nonprofit | BSN | ACEN |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | Public | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's-FNP, DNP | CCNE |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | Public | BSN, MSN | CCNE |
Before you apply in Louisiana
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of Louisiana. See online coursework and clinical requirements.