Best Online Colleges in Louisiana

Benefits of Studying Online in Louisiana

Despite being the 25th largest state by population, Louisiana makes its presence felt with a rich cultural heritage and robust economy. Referred to as the Pelican State, Creole State, and Sugar State, Louisiana is home to nearly 4.7 million people and its capitol is located in the vibrant city of Baton Rouge. Slightly smaller than the Utah in terms of landmass but larger than Idaho, Louisiana covers a total surface area of 52,378 square miles.

Employment Stats

The job market in the Pelican State has remained relatively steady over the years. Currenty, Louisiana is home to more than 1.9 million employed workers (27th most in the nation), making up 1.26% of the total U.S. workforce. When compared to the 2021 number of 1.88 million, there have been more than 52,000 new jobs added over the year span - resulting in an average increase of 2.77%. This growth rate puts Lousiana in the 31st spot in terms of the fastest growing job market in the U.S.

Although Louisiana is about 45,000 people behind the U.S. median (defined by employed workers), it churns out 44,000 more people than Oklahoma, which only even boasts 1.688 million employed workers (making it the 28th largest state). This also equates to a 14.48% margin of advantage. Louisiana also competes in a small margin with Kentucky, in which it has a 2.3% and 45,000 fewer people employed compared to the 1.977 million employed workers in the Bluegrass State. That being said, none of these numbers come close to the leader, California, and its more than 14 million employed workers (a difference of 89%), but the state's own job market still remains strong.

Those studying in Louisiana can take advantage of the steady job market and the opportunities to expand their horizons. Home to New Orleans and other famous locations, students are exposed to a variety of cultures and lifestyles. Not only is the job market robust, but the historical and recreational values of the state are very attractive for students planning for their future.

Job Opportunities

Louisiana can be an ideal place for students to settle for college and to foster a career. The state offers 722 different job types, placing it right in the middle of the pack, with the 26th most job types. The state is also home to the median amount of job types nationally, with Louisiana and the national median both at 722. This means that the state is just as diverse as the rest of the nation when it comes to occupation types, and there’s something for everyone.

In terms of educational springboards, Louisiana is certainly no slouch when it comes to academic institutions. Tulane University, located in the heart of New Orleans, is ranked as one of the top 50 universities in the country, with a total enrollment of nearly 14,000 students. The university is known for its world-class medical and business programs, as well as its law school. Louisiana State University is also an exceptional choice, situated in Baton Rouge, and boasting an enrollment of more than 30,000 students. The state is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Entergy and CafePress. With so many job opportunities, cultural events and exceptional universities, Louisiana can make for an excellent place to study and work post-graduation.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)