2026 Best Value Nursing Practice Schools in Louisiana

1

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

For return on investment in nursing practice, no school beat Southeastern Louisiana University this year. Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public school located in the city of Hammond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,373, while out-of-state students pay about $20,851. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of Southeastern Louisiana University earn a median of $89,337 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

2

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing practice schools. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public school located in the town of Natchitoches. In-state tuition and fees average $8,864, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $28,444 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of Northwestern State University Of Louisiana earn a median of $80,699 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,444 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing practice schools. Located in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of University Of Louisiana Lafayette earn a median of $91,870 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern University And A And M College earned it the #4 place for nursing practice. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Students borrow a median of $39,678 to complete the nursing practice program here. Soon after graduation, nursing practice degree recipients from Southern University And A And M College generally make around $87,942. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted.

5

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Loyola University New Orleans earned it the #5 place for nursing practice. Set in the city of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,440. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $26,606 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of Loyola University New Orleans earn a median of $115,056 early in their careers. Set against $26,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.