2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Louisiana

Louisiana boasts 36 four-year colleges and universities, and several of them rank among the best institutes of higher education in not only the South but also in the nation. Several of the 2022 best colleges and universities in Louisiana are considered best-value schools as well.

These three schools rank among the top 100 universities in the southern region of the US.

McNeese State University – This public school has developed a strong reputation for being a University of Innovation, and its programs meet a variety of student needs. This campus is home to the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center that also serves as a business incubator. Annual tuition is approximately $7,920.

Nicholls State University – A public institution of higher education, Nicholls is known for outstanding teaching and service, and it ranks high as a top public school and among regional universities in the South. Annual tuition here is also approximately $7,346.

Louisiana College – One of the private schools on this list, Louisiana College is a liberal arts school that offers selected professional programs. The student population here is 54% male, and annual tuition and fees cost $16,000.

Four of the top universities are located in Louisiana’s Crescent City: New Orleans.

University of Holy Cross –  This institute of higher education ranks #35 among other national liberal arts colleges, and it accepts 40% of its applicants. Tuition and fees here average $14,720 annually.

Loyola University New Orleans – In the top ten schools in the southern region of the United States, Loyola focuses on academic rigor and personal service. This Jesuit school offer 60 programs, plenty of extracurricular activities, and a range of athletics. The annual tuition is approximately $39,692.

Xavier University of Louisiana –  Ranked in the top 25 among regional schools in the South, Xavier is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church, and the school teaches service and leadership in addition to academics. The focus here is on providing minority students an education that surpasses programs at other schools. Tuition and fees at this private school are $24,348 annually.

Tulane University – Tulane is tied for 44th place among universities across the nation. Located in downtown NOLA, this college is at the hub of culture and cuisine. There is also an uptown campus. This university is known for its law school as well as the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. The school is highly selective, and those student accepted into the university can expect to pay approximately $54,820 annually in tuition and fees.

Louisiana offers plenty of opportunities to study at institutes of higher education, and students can make their college experience a memorable one here.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Maine

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the United States, Maine is known for lobsters and clam bakes, and it’s the home of writer Stephen King. Maine is also home to outstanding colleges and universities.

These 2022 best colleges and universities may make you reconsider your choices for higher education.

Bowdoin College – This small, private college is the third-best liberal arts school in the United States. In addition to providing an excellent education, the college also offers plenty of rich college experiences. This school is home to the Peucinian Society, of which alumni Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a member. Bowdoin is a best-value school and is respected for its undergraduate teaching. Annual tuition is approximately $53,922.

Maine Maritime Academy –  This college offers independent and regimental programs of study. Students enrolled in the regimental program train as midshipmen, but there is no requirement for military service. Most students complete academy cruise training consisting of at least four ports of call. This school is a best-value college, and it has a respected engineering program. Annual tuition at MMA is approximately $13,478.

University of Maine – Farmington – This institute of higher education offers a rigorous liberal arts education in a residential setting that encourages students to focus on their studies. The school also teaches community service and prides itself on hiring inspirational faculty to help students learn and grow. This college was the first school of higher education in Maine. The university is a best-value school, recognized as a great school for veterans, and is #4 among top public schools. Annual tuition here is approximately $9,616.

Colby College – Colby ranks at an impressive #18 among liberal arts colleges in the nation. Many students here attend the college to major in environmental studies; attractions include a nearby peat bog and environmental preserve. This college offers fifty majors, and two-thirds of the students study abroad at programs in France, Spain, and Russia. The annual tuition and fees run approximately $55,210.

Bates College – This private, liberal arts school is #22 in the nation among similar schools. The college provides students with a well-rounded education designed to prepare them for their careers, and many students participate in the school’s program for studying abroad. Students can take advantage of many outdoor activities, including canoeing and skiing. Most students live on campus in one of many Victorian homes located on the 133 acres of the school. Tuition here averages $53,794 a year.

These five colleges and universities represent not only some of the best in Maine but the region and the nation as well.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Arkansas

Arkansas is home to gorgeous scenery thanks to the Ozarks, and this state is also well known for its colleges and universities.

The 2022 best colleges and universities in Arkansas are listed below.

University of the Ozarks – The third best regional college in the south, this school offers a comprehensive, private education.  The college prides itself on small class sizes, and as a result, the education for every student is personalized. This Christian-based school is affiliated with the Presbyterian church. Annual tuition is $24,230.

John Brown University – This is a small, private school that offers 40 undergraduate degrees in the humanities, fine arts, business, engineering and Bible studies, and the school also offers master’s degrees. Students from more than 40 states and almost 40 countries have chosen John Brown as their university. Annual tuition and fees at this school are approximately $29,928.

Harding University – Another private university in Arkansas, Harding is known for its acceptance of National Merit Scholars. The school devotes itself to preparing students for global success, and more than two-thirds of the student population has studied overseas at one of the school’s international campuses located in Africa, Australia, and Europe. Annual tuition and fees are just under $20,000.

Williams Baptist College – This private, Christian school offers a liberal arts education that is tailored to student need and delivered in small class sizes.  Students enroll predominantly in elementary education, biblical studies, psychology, and general management. Annual tuition is $17,320.

University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff – This public institution of higher education is a small school that began as a land grant school. The college is known for programs in criminal justice, business administration/management, physical education/coaching, and biological sciences. It’s also well-known as a historically black college. Annual tuition is under $7,944 for in-state students.

Arkansas State University – A-State, as students and alums call it, offers more than 160 bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the school ranks at #95 in best regional colleges of the south, and among the top in Arkansas. Also, the school offers classes in military science, a vibrant college experience with plenty of intramurals, and it attracts students from around the world. In-state tuition is $8,478 annually.

Most of the top colleges and universities in Arkansas are smaller in size than schools in other states, but the educational experience offered in Arkansas may be more personalized.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Kansas

Kansas has plenty to offer prospective college students, from suburban and rural institutes of higher learning to universities located in urban centers.

Many of the colleges and universities are private, Christian institutions. They offer excellent value, a liberal arts education, and you may be surprised at how good some of their specific programs are.

The 2022 best colleges and universities in Kansas may have you reconsidering your top higher ed picks.

Benedictine College – At #13 in regional colleges of the Midwest, this private Catholic school hand-picks their admitted students, and getting in is not easy. Students are encouraged to study abroad through the university, and options include programs in Italy and Ireland at sister campuses. Tuition and fees are $29,530 annually.

McPherson College – When small class size matters, McPherson is the choice for a liberal arts school in the Midwest. Students expand their learning through internships and international studies. You’ll pay approximately $28,951 a year in tuition and fees.

Ottawa University – Since 1865, this Christian school has provided higher education for students seeking vocational training and service to God.

Emporia State University – This school offers 80 undergrad majors, but the one they are most well known for is their education program. It’s been compared to a similar program at Stanford, and education majors seeking leadership training will find that a degree from this school earns them serious respect in their profession. Tuition is approximately $7,000 annually.

MidAmerica Nazarene University – This Christian-based school prepares students for critical thinking, a conservative philosophy, and a personal relationship with God. Three-fourths of the classes here have fewer than 20 students.   Tuition is $30,736 annually.

University of Kansas  – This university ranks at #129 nationwide, and it focuses on research and teaching. The programs in special education and public administration are outstanding, and the KU law program is a top 20 choice for value. Annual tuition is approximately $11,148.

Haskell Indian Nations University – This school is devoted to educating Native Americans in higher education, and one of its many unique characteristics is that it focuses on indigenous studies. Students learn about their native cultures and explore their role in history. The U.S. Bureau of Education pays for the tuition of native American students.

Even if you’re looking to travel beyond Kansas for your higher education program, Kansas is still a great state to call home. Kansas residents get discounted tuition rates at identified public universities in eight states through the Midwest Student Exchange.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Colorado

There may be no better place for higher education, quite literally, than Colorado. This state is entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation, and every campus in the state sits higher than many of the colleges and universities around the country.

Elevation aside, there are several outstanding institutes of higher education in the Centennial State. The 2022 best colleges and universities in Colorado are also some of the best in the western region of schools.

Colorado College – This school offers an innovative block plan for taking classes, and students take one class at a time for three and a half weeks. Students can take advantage of small class sizes, and teachers are encouraged to spend as much time as necessary to make sure the material is learned. Every completed block class gets a several-day break before the next one starts. Also, all students are required to complete a volunteer service project. This school ranks #27 among national liberal arts colleges, and the annual tuition and fees are $55,470.

Colorado Mesa University – A top-25 school in western regional colleges, this university focuses on the student academic experience by offering small classes that investigate regional, national and global issues. A little more than half of the student population is female. In-state tuition and fees are just under $9,243 per year.

United States Air Force Academy – Air Force requires that all students engage in military training in addition to their chosen field of study.  Cadets commit to an ambitious schedule that takes up most of their days, but they also have an opportunity to become involved in additional activities. Academy graduates are well-known for their integrity, likely because they take the school’s honor code seriously. There is no cost for tuition.

Regis University – A top school in Colorado, Regis ranks at #26 among western regional universities, and it’s a good choice for veterans. Regis is a private school that focuses on teaching values as well as academics. Tuition is $36,810 annually.

Colorado School of Mines – Ranked 80th among national universities, this school offers studies in Mechanical Engineering and Geophysical, and it’s also known for Liberal Arts & International Studies as well as Economics & Business. More impressive, though, is that graduates of this school have some of the highest starting salaries in the United States. In-state tuition is just under $19,000 annually.

University of Denver – At #96 nationally, the private University of Denver boasts many programs for study, including fine arts and engineering, and the curriculum in every discipline includes a focus on writing as well as cross-disciplinary studies. The acclaimed Sturm College of Law is housed at this school. Annual tuition is approximately $50,556 per year.

These top colleges and universities are not only among the best in Colorado, but they are among the best in the nation.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in California

Known for its Pacific Ocean coastline, urban metropolises and variety of scenic beauty, California has always been the epitome of the good life.

If you’re dreaming of California living – and studying – these are the 2022 best colleges and universities in the Golden State.

Stanford University – Ranked #7 in the nation and #1 in California, Stanford is well known for programs in education, engineering, law, medicine, and business. First-year students are required to live on campus, but most Stanford students choose campus housing for their entire educational careers. Annual tuition and fees at this school are just under $51,354.

California Institute of Technology –  Those interested in science and technology degrees attend the California Institute of Technology. Students can expect to have hands-on learning experiences because of this school’s grants from organizations like NASA and the National Science Foundation, and several prominent entrepreneurs are Caltech grads. Annual tuition is $52,362.

Tied for 21st position across the United States are these three schools:

University of California – Berkeley  – Well-known for activism and the Free Speech Movement, this school is a thriving hub of not only academics but also social interest groups, with over 1,000 student clubs and organizations. The university is considered one of the top 25 in the nation, a superior undergraduate teaching school, and a best-value school. In-state tuition is less than $15,000 annually.

University of California – Los Angeles –  Undergrads especially prefer UCLA, likely because of well-known schools in engineering, law, and medicine. The David Geffen School of Medicine is affiliated with the highly acclaimed Ronald Reagan School of Medicine. The competition for acceptance is fierce; UCLA turns away 82% of all applicants. In-state tuition is $13,820.

University of Southern California –  Also known as the University Park campus, this school is home to the famous Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, but it is also home to other programs of distinction like the Marshall School of Business and the Gould School of Law. The tuition and fees at this private school are $54,259 annually.

Other schools of note include:

Claremont McKenna College – One of the top ten liberal arts schools in America, Claremont McKenna is known for its undergraduate programs focusing on leadership skills. Students enjoy small class sizes and hands-on experiences that lead to research projects and internships. The annual tuition and fees are $54,405.

Harvey Mudd College – Harvey Mudd ranks #18 across the nation in liberal arts colleges, and with good reason. The private, liberal arts school is an incubator for leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is part of the Claremont College system, and annual tuition and fees are just under $56,876.

With choices like these, who wouldn’t want to study in California?

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Alabama

Alabama is well-known for beautiful scenery and exceptional food. It’s also home to outstanding institutions of higher education.

If you’re looking to pursue higher education in the heart of Dixie, look no further than these best colleges and universities in Alabama.

Auburn University – Many people consider Auburn one of the best places to live in Alabama, and students at the university also enjoy the city and all it has to offer. This school focuses on research as a result of being a land, sea, and space grant institution. Freshmen live on campus, but all other students must find off-campus housing. In-state students can expect to pay approximately $11,276 a year in tuition and fees.

Faulkner University – This small, private university offers a Christian-based liberal arts education for more than 70 different degrees. The school attract students from across the United States and from other countries; half of these students are minorities, and more women than men attend this school at a ratio of 2:1. Tuition, room, and board are $29,240 annually.

Samford University – A Christian University that is slightly larger than Faulkner, Samford is also a liberal arts school. Students experience small classes that focus on communication, culture and a Biblical focus.  Tuition and fees cost approximately $31,650/year.

University of Alabama – Birmingham – The university in Birmingham offers research and internship opportunities, so in addition to a degree in your field of study, you’ll have hands-on experience as well. Students from this school have experienced continued successes as Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshal and Truman Scholars. Students from this The University of Alabama also has recognized campuses in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Expect to pay $10,710 annually in tuition and fees.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Ranked as a top Tier 2 college, this small university sits on a vast campus dedicated to academics, professional work, and technical skills. AAMU focuses not only on teaching and research but also community service. Students experience a lab-style education that encourages hands-on exploration and learning. Tuition and fees at AAMU are less than $10,000 per year.

Stillman College

If you’re looking for a top-notch Tier 2 liberal arts education, Stillman is your choice. Stillman College has a long tradition of educating students from diverse background and preparing them for leadership, scholarship and service. The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)Expect to pay a little less than $12,000 in tuition and fees.

These six colleges and universities represent some of the best of Alabama, and they draw students from around the world to experience higher education in a southern U.S. setting.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Maryland

If you are seeking an education from a top institute of higher education, you may wish to explore what Maryland had to offer.

These are the top five 2022 best colleges and universities in Maryland.

Loyola University Maryland – If you’re looking for one of the best schools in the northern United States, this Jesuit school is ranked at #5. Loyola is well-known for its engineering and business programs, and it’s also considered a best-value school. There are three schools within this university: education, arts and sciences, and business and management. More than half the students receive financial aid, with an average award of $21,247. Annual tuition and fees at Loyola cost $49,085.

Johns Hopkins University – This school is a top choice for many students who wish to study bioengineering, neuroscience, or cellular and molecular biology. As the #10 school in the nation, Johns Hopkins focuses on nine areas of study, including public health, education, business, engineering, and medicine. The university offers more than 260 programs, and innovation is at the core of every discipline. The school requires that freshman and sophomore live on campus, but upperclassmen could easily find themselves studying abroad in Italy or China. Annual tuition and fees cost $53,740, and the school accepts only 12% of students who apply for admission.

United States Naval Academy – Ranked as 22nd in the nation (tied) among liberal arts colleges, the United States Naval Academy offers a Bachelor of Science degree. The academy has built a rigorous engineering program. All students enrolled here are considered midshipmen, and they earn a commission in the United States Navy as an ensign upon graduation. The student population is 73% male. Candidates for admission must be recommended to the program, and often this nomination comes from a congressman. Tuition and fees are free.

Mount St. Mary’s University – This is a Catholic school that requires students to learn Catholic theology, liberal arts, and ethics, as well as a few other disciplines. Students are encouraged to become problem-solvers and leaders in their chosen fields. This school is considered a best-value college as well as a best university for veterans. Mount St. Mary’s is ranked #41 among regional universities in the north. Annual tuition costs approximately $41,350.

Hood College – Tied for #43 among regional colleges in the north, Hood offers small class sizes and generous financial aid packages. Four out five students attending Hood report being satisfied with the educational program and quality of teaching, and the school has been recognized as an excellent choice for veterans as well as providing outstanding value. Tuition and fees cost an average of $37,492 annually.

These excellent colleges and universities in Maryland help students prepare for careers that include service and leadership.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Kentucky

Most of the institutions of higher education in Kentucky are private schools, and many of them rank among other prominent liberal arts schools in the United States.

Bluegrass, thoroughbreds and higher education make up the Kentucky landscape. If you’re a college basketball fan, this is the place to be. You can be a part of athletics and academics at one of these 2022 best colleges and universities in Kentucky.

Alice Lloyd College –  This private school teaches its students comprehensive leadership that can be applied in diverse cultures beyond that which is experienced in Kentucky. The school’s goal is to show students the world beyond Appalachia.  Attendance here costs $12,150 annually.

Kentucky Wesleyan College – Ranking in the top ten among regional colleges in the south, Kentucky Wesleyan has a student population that is 52% female. Also, class sizes average 13 students. The education focus is on liberal arts, with preparation to lead a spiritual life. Annual tuition is approximately $26,500.

Bellarmine University – Bellarmine placed at #17 among southern colleges. Known for academics, basketball, and an impressive international study network, this school makes sure students are prepared for future success in a global economy, and student enjoy small class sizes while enrolled here. Annual tuition and fees are $41,800.

Brescia University –  Faculty members teach students to focus on “academic and moral excellence” at this liberal arts school. Expect to pay about $22,100 annually in tuition and fees.

Murray State University –  Considered a high-ranking school in the South, a best higher-ed choice for veterans, and a best-value school, Murray attracts many students interested in health professions, but also offers a diverse number of programs. Most notable is their student-teacher ratio, which is 15:1. In-state tuition runs around $9,084 annually.

Western Kentucky University –  This public school ranks high among similar schools in the South, and it is also considered a best-value institute of higher learning. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $10,602 annually.

Kentucky State University – A top-rated school among public universities (#4 Top Public Schools), a best-value school, and well-respected among southern colleges and historically black colleges and universities, KSU provides a liberal arts education and offers a variety of programs for study. In-state tuition runs around $7,796 per year.

Kentucky offers plenty of higher education choices for residents, and out-of-state students may also find attending school in this highly attractive. If you live in one of the states that make up the Academic Common Market, you can pay in-state tuition in Kentucky.

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2023 Best Colleges and Universities in Arizona

The Arizona climate is one of the best in the United States, especially if you like warmer weather, less rain or suffer from allergies. The state also offers an excellent climate for education.

Here are the top-ranked colleges and universities in Arizona.

Arizona Christian University – Ranked as one of the top regional west colleges, this accredited school integrates faith, fellowship and Christian service in a liberal arts program of study. Annual tuition is approximately $22,796 /year.

Prescott College – If you prefer tiny classes in a small, liberal arts environment, look to Prescott College, where you’ll learn how to create life balance while learning and serving others. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1. Female students make up 60% of the student population, Expect to pay approximately $31,485/year in tuition and fees.

Arizona State University, Phoenix – Ranked #1 in the United States for innovation three years in a row, this school offers more than 100 degrees and professional certification programs of study. You’ll find students from all 50 states and 100 countries around the world, and the student population has a 1:1 female-male ratio. It’s also a great school for veterans. Annual tuition is under $11,000.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Located in Prescott, AZ, this college focuses exclusively on aeronautical and aviation studies and the business related to these pursuits. Embry-Riddle is ranked #1 in aeronautics among universities without a doctorate program, and it has a top-notch engineering program. Seventy-five percent of the student population is male. Tuition is approximately $35,714/year.

Northern Arizona UniversityWith its main campus located in Flagstaff, this school challenges students to be creative and innovative in their studies, community service and approach to problem-solving. The school ranks among the top of Tier 2 colleges.  In-state tuition is less than $12,000 annually.

Grand Canyon University – Located in Phoenix, this university is a private, non-denominational Christian School that offers degrees in broadly diverse areas of academics, including business, biology, and fine arts. Tuition and fees run $17,000/year.

Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture – Located at Wright’s Taliesin West, this school is included because of its uniqueness. The School of Architecture offers daily inspiration, project-based learning, and unique apprenticeship opportunities for graduate students seeking a master’s degree in architecture. Degree candidates immerse themselves in the physical and social requirements for designing and building homes. Tuition is approximately $40,000/year.

These universities are not only the best in Arizona; they also offer some of the most unique learning experiences in higher education in the United States.

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