Louisiana’s largest colleges are defined by total enrollment and campus scale. Schools like Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette enroll tens of thousands of students and offer broad academic programs, significant research activity, and large campus communities.
Enrollment size influences how these campuses operate on a daily basis. Larger student populations often lead to more course options, multiple degree paths, and extensive facilities such as libraries, labs, and recreation centers. At the same time, scale can affect class sizes, housing availability, and how students interact with faculty and peers.
This guide explains how these schools differ in size and structure, and how enrollment shapes students’ daily lives.
Key Takeaways
- The largest colleges in Louisiana enroll tens of thousands of students and offer broad academic programs, extensive facilities, and diverse campus experiences that vary widely by institution.
- Enrollment size affects daily student life, including class availability, housing demand, access to resources, and the number of student organizations and activities.
- Rankings by student population and campus size provide a practical starting point, but families benefit most when they also compare programs, selectivity, and institutional focus.
- Major universities such as LSU, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Tulane consistently appear among the state’s largest and most influential campuses due to scale and program breadth.
- Understanding enrollment trends, selectivity levels, and verified data sources helps families build more balanced college lists and set realistic expectations during the admissions process.
Largest Colleges in Louisiana
Large colleges play a major role in their respective regions as they enroll many students and offer a wide variety of programs across different fields.
We recommend that students who wish to attend one of the state’s biggest schools review the numbers that shape campus life, such as class sizes, program offerings, and student support. They can use this early research to decide which campuses best fit their goals and habits.
Top 10 Largest Colleges in Louisiana per Enrollment
We have compiled a Top 10 list of the largest colleges in the state so that parents and students alike can gain a quick overview, as these colleges offer a wide range of degrees and host large student populations.
Students will be able to compare school size and find options that match their interests, as their size affects housing, academic support, and daily activities.
The Top 10 List per student-enrollment (based on the most recent 2024–2025 published enrollment figures):
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
~39,000 students
Largest university in the state by a wide margin. - University of Louisiana at Lafayette
~15,000 students
Largest campus in the UL System. - Southeastern Louisiana University
~14,000 students
Strong regional draw with a large commuter population. - Tulane University
~13,500 students
Includes undergraduate and graduate enrollment. - Delgado Community College
~12,000 students
One of the largest community colleges in Louisiana. - Louisiana Tech University
~11,500 students
Mid-sized public research university. - Baton Rouge Community College
~11,000 students
High enrollment is driven by workforce and transfer programs. - Louisiana State University Shreveport
~8,500 students
Fully nonresidential campus with steady growth. - Northwestern State University of Louisiana
~8,700 students
Includes main campus and satellite locations. - University of Louisiana at Monroe
~8,300 students
Regional public university with stable enrollment.
Notes on accuracy
- All figures reflect total headcount, not full-time-only students.
- Community colleges are included for consistency, based on enrollment size.
Biggest Colleges in Louisiana per Campus
The biggest colleges in Louisiana, in terms of campus size, offer many programs, student groups, and campus resources. Students at these schools often have access to labs, recreation centers, and other large facilities. These options support different learning styles and interests, and also give students more space to explore and try new activities.
The following are the 3 largest college campuses in Louisiana:
- Louisiana State University – approx. 2,000 acres for its main campus
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – approx. 1,300 acres
- Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) – approx. 365-375 acres
What Are the Major Colleges in Louisiana?
Major colleges in Louisiana are defined by enrollment size, academic scope, and statewide influence. The largest and most recognized include Louisiana State University, the state’s flagship research university, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a major public campus with broad degree offerings, and Tulane University, a nationally ranked private research institution.
Other major schools such as Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana Tech University, and Northwestern State University play key regional roles with strong teaching programs and specialized fields. Together, these colleges shape higher education in Louisiana through scale, research activity, and student opportunity.
Louisiana Rankings and Complete University List
Rankings help families compare schools by size. Enrollment changes each year, but these rankings give a sense of how large each campus is and how it serves students.
Complete List of Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana universities’ lists help readers understand how different campuses fit into the state’s academic map. This will, in turn, give families a full view of the state’s higher education options, including public, private, and specialized schools.
Louisiana State University System
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
- LSU Alexandria
- LSU Eunice
- LSU Shreveport
University of Louisiana System
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- McNeese State University
- Nicholls State University
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- University of New Orleans
Southern University System
- Southern University and A and M College
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Southern University at Shreveport
Community and Technical Colleges
- Baton Rouge Community College
- Bossier Parish Community College
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College
- Delgado Community College
- Fletcher Technical Community College
- Louisiana Delta Community College
- Nunez Community College
- River Parishes Community College
- South Louisiana Community College
- Sowela Technical Community College
Private Universities and Colleges
Private Nonprofit
- Tulane University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Dillard University
- Louisiana College
- Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Our Lady of the Lake College
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Private For-Profit
Profiles of Major Louisiana Universities
These profiles give families a simple look at each school’s programs, campus life, and identity. They help students understand what makes each campus unique and how it supports different goals.
Each profile also highlights factors that may shape a student’s day-to-day experience.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a large research campus with programs in engineering, business, science, and the arts. Its size supports many student services and campus events.
The campus sits in a growing city that offers access to internships and local industries.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University enrolls many students across many fields. It offers community projects, mentoring programs, and academic clubs that help students gain experience.
Many students choose this school because of its active regional network.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is known for programs in health sciences. The campus blends strong academics with service and community engagement.
Students often join support groups and leadership programs to build useful skills.
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans offers programs in business, engineering, the arts, and coastal studies. The campus collaborates with local organizations and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Its urban location offers many chances to explore career paths.
What Are the Big 3 Colleges in Louisiana?
The Big 3 includes the schools with the highest enrollment and the widest program choice. These campuses often appear at the top of statewide lists:
- Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge
- Tulane University in New Orleans (private
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette)
Families look at these schools early on because they draw many applicants and have a substantial academic reach.
Enrollment Insights and Student Experience
Enrollment trends help students understand how a campus may feel and how it may change over time. Large schools shape housing, class scheduling, and campus activities.
Students can use these trends to choose campuses that match their needs.
Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment Trends
Undergraduate enrollment shifts in response to program demand and regional changes. Graduate enrollment may rise or fall with the job market.
These trends help families see which programs may grow or change in the near future.
Year-Over-Year Enrollment Changes
Yearly changes show how schools are expanding or adjusting their programs. These shifts can influence research funding and hiring.
Students who watch these changes see how a campus develops over time.
Why Enrollment Size Matters
Size affects class structure, advising, and access to services. Large schools may offer more programs and more student organizations, while smaller ones may offer more direct support.
Each student benefits from choosing the scale that fits their learning style.
Key Metrics: Tuition, Acceptance Rate, Campus Size
Families compare campuses by cost, admissions policies, and campus layout. These details help students make realistic plans.
Admissions Selectivity in Louisiana
Selectivity helps families understand how competitive each school may be. This information supports planning for Early Action, Early Decision, Restrictive Early Action, or Regular Decision.
CollegeCommit offers elite college admissions consulting, expert essay coaching, and top-tier tutoring and test prep. Our experienced advisors guide students through every step – from academic support to college strategy – with clarity and care. We help ambitious students gain admission to top colleges through thoughtful, personalized mentorship.
Hardest College to Get Into in Louisiana
Some schools have more competitive admissions processes. These colleges look for strong grades, leadership, and writing skills.
The hardest college to get into in Louisiana is reportedly Tulane University, known for its low acceptance rates (around 10-17%) and high academic standards, which require strong SAT/ACT scores and a selective admissions process compared to other Louisiana schools like LSU or UNO.
Selectivity Among the Largest Schools
Large colleges may be highly or moderately selective, depending on their mission and applicant numbers. Students should review acceptance data before applying to the Common App.
Data Sources and Methodology
Good data helps families make informed choices. Strong data also helps students plan their admissions steps with confidence. This section explains how the information in this guide was gathered.
How Enrollment Numbers Are Verified
Schools report enrollment through federal databases and state systems. These sources help ensure the numbers are accurate.
Families can use these reports to compare campuses reliably.
Ranking Criteria Used for This Guide
Rankings primarily use enrollment size and program range as their main factors. These points help readers compare schools across the state.
Largest Colleges in Louisiana FAQs
How Is Enrollment Measured?
Enrollment includes students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Some schools count part-time and full-time students differently.
Which Colleges Have Grown the Fastest?
Growth often depends on new programs, regional needs, and student interest. Schools that grow quickly may add more research or internship options.
Students who track these trends can see which campuses are expanding.
Final Note
This guide gives families a reliable and straightforward look at Louisiana’s largest colleges and the factors that shape enrollment and campus life.
At CollegeCommit, we support families with strategic insight that helps them understand the admissions process with confidence.
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