Best Nursing Programs in Louisiana (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 174 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Louisiana. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 90.1% first-time pass rate. RNs in Louisiana earn $67,400/year on average (BLS).
174
Programs
39
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
90.1%
Avg NCLEX (8)
92
Online / Hybrid
$67K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Louisiana nursing programs at a glance
- 174 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Louisiana (2 LPN, 3 ADN, 9 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at Northwestern State University – College of Nursing).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97% (LSU Health New Orleans – School of Nursing).
- 92 online or hybrid programs serve Louisiana students (8 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Louisiana: $67,400 (BLS) · 5.7% projected job growth through 2032.
Louisiana nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 174 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 2 LPN · 3 ADN · 9 BSN · 63 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at Northwestern State University – College of Nursing — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 90.1% average across 8 programs with published data · high: 97% (LSU Health New Orleans – School of Nursing) |
| Delivery formats | 88 online · 4 hybrid · 8 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $67,400/yr (BLS) · 5.7% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Louisiana
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Showing 100 of 174 programs from our directory for Louisiana.
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How to choose a nursing program in Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (174 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Louisiana ($67,400/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Louisiana is projected to grow 5.7% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Louisiana means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Louisiana directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 174 accredited nursing programs in Louisiana — including 12 entry-level RN, 2 LPN/LVN pathways. Louisiana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Louisiana is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas.
Key takeaways
- Screen Louisiana programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Louisiana.
- Louisiana is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Louisiana offers both LPN (2) and entry-level RN (12) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Louisiana spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 92 online or hybrid programs serve Louisiana students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 15 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $67,400 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Louisiana
Programs by Degree Type
63
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
9
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
2
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Louisiana
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Delgado Community College – Charity School of Nursing | 2 | ADNLPN | 84.0% | View |
| Northwestern State University – College of Nursing | 4 | ADNBSNLPN+1 | 91.0% | View |
| LSU Health New Orleans – School of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Louisiana?
There are 174 accredited nursing programs available in Louisiana across 39 schools — including 2 LPN, 3 ADN, 9 BSN, 63 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Louisiana?
Nursing program tuition in Louisiana starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Louisiana?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Louisiana can be completed in 12 months (Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at Northwestern State University – College of Nursing). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Louisiana?
Registered nurses in Louisiana earn an average of $67,400 per year ($32/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Louisiana is projected to grow 5.7% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Louisiana?
Yes. There are 92 online and hybrid nursing programs (88 fully online, 4 hybrid) available to Louisiana residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Louisiana.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Louisiana?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, LSU Health New Orleans – School of Nursing leads at 97% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Average across 8 programs with data: 90.1%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Louisiana?
To practice nursing in Louisiana, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Louisiana Board of Nursing. Louisiana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 15 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Louisiana?
Yes. Like most states, Louisiana is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.7% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Louisiana?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Louisiana vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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