2026 Best Colleges for Student Athletes (Division I) in Louisiana

1

Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA

Tulane University of Louisiana tops our 2026 ranking of the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division I). Located in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution.

2

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College landed the #2 spot for Student Athletes (Division I). Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA.

3

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the top schools for Student Athletes (Division I), at #3. Located in Lafayette, LA, University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public institution.

4

Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University earned the #4 place for student athletes. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution.

5

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA

University of Louisiana at Monroe ranked #5 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division I). University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public school based in Monroe, LA.

6

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

Northwestern State University of Louisiana placed #6 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division I). Based in Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public institution.

7

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University did well this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Hammond, LA.

8

McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA

McNeese State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division I). This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA.

9

University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

University of New Orleans came in at #9 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA.

10

Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA

Nicholls State University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution.

11

Grambling State University
Grambling, LA

Grambling State University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Grambling, LA.

12

Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University and A & M College placed #12 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division I). This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA.