Louisiana Scholarships

Louisiana is popular for its stunning outdoor natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. For those looking to pursue an academic degree, Louisiana offers some good universities and colleges in the South. It is ranked at #46 in education overall by the U.S. News. While the ranking may not be the highest, studying in Louisiana is convenient for students due to the lower cost of living and multiple scholarship options.

In Louisiana, there are close to 250,000 postsecondary student enrolments with an undergraduate female majority. Eventhough a lower cost of living helps students, most of them are still unable to afford the tuition costs independently. A lot of them are supported by their parents and many take on student loans.

Students in the state owe more than $22 billion in total with an average of $34,525 per student. The average per student debt is lower than the national average but it is still a considerable amount and creates a heavy long-term financial burden on students. Therefore, students pursuing higher education in Louisiana should take advantage of all other financial resources before thinking of moving on to loans. Some of the best resources include grants and scholarships.

There are a variety of Louisiana scholarships available, from those offered by the state government to those offered by private organizations. Some scholarships are based on merit, while others are based on financial need and there is an option for everyone. We have provided a list of more than 25 Louisiana scholarships for students from all backgrounds to choose from.

Louisiana has 109 tertiary institutions out of which around 80 are private colleges and the rest are public. Out of the total, around 30 are 4-year colleges and 30 are community colleges. The rest are trade or vocational schools with a maximum of 2 years of education. The top-ranking universities in the state include Tulane University, Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, and Loyola University New Orleans.

Tulane University was founded in the 1800s and it is a private institution. It is located in New Orleans with an urban setting. It has more than 7,300 undergraduate enrollments and a high tuition fee of $65,538. The acceptance rate is around 11% and students with a 3.7 GPA or above and SATs above 1370 have a higher chance of acceptance. The university also has room and board for students to live on campus which costs $18,088 for the year 2023-24. The most popular majors at this university are Business, Management, Marketing, and related fields.

Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge is a public university with around 30,952 undergraduate enrollments and a high acceptance rate of 76%. It charges around $11,954 for tuition from in-state students and $28,631 from out-of-state students; whereas, room and board costs $14,296 (2023-24). Majors like Business and Marketing make up the biggest percentage of undergraduates in the university Engineering is also a popular choice for students at the Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge.

Loyola University New Orleans is another private institution in the state that came into being in the 1900s. It has the lowest undergraduate enrolment out of the three top universities which is around 3,289 and the total enrollment is close to 4,400. The tuition and fee charges at this university are $47,240 and room and board costs $14,330 (2023-24). Loyola University is an ethnically diverse place with 49% minority enrollment and a high female population that makes up more than 65% of the total enrollment. The acceptance rate at the university is around 78%.

A few Louisiana colleges accept students with a 3.0 GPA. Some examples include Southern University and A & M College, Grambling State University, and Louisiana State University Alexandria. All these three institutions are 4-year public colleges.

Southern University and A & M College is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has an acceptance rate of around 59%. They accept students with GPAs around 3.1 or higher. Students seeking admission at this university are required to submit test SAT or ACT scores but the minimum score requirements are not too high. Those with SATs of at least 970 and above have a higher chance of approval. Their tuition fees are around $9,290 for in-state students and $10,479 for out-of-state.

The Louisiana State University Alexandria Campus also accepts students with a GPA of around 3.16. It has an acceptance rate similar to the Southern University and A & M College, being 58.3%. SATs or ACTs are compulsory for admission in this public institution and the SAT range for students accepted is generally between 970 to 1210.

The Grambling State University is another public institution that accepts students with around 3.0 GPA and above. They have a higher acceptance rate than the other two options which is around 72.5% and SATs and ACTs are optional. Submitting test scores, however, can increase the approval odds, and the SAT score of those accepted ranges between 822 and 1040 in general.

In comparison to many other states, the average cost of college in Louisiana is much lower being around $10,393 for in-state students. This is approximately $4,700 lower than the national average. Moreover, Louisiana is among some of the more affordable states in America as its cost of living is 9% lower than the country’s average. This makes studying in the state more affordable overall.

One of the most expensive institutions in Louisiana is Tulane University located in New Orleans, where tuition costs $65,538. Room and board is also a bit higher than other colleges being $18,088. The Loyola University New Orleans is also on the more expensive side with tuition costs of $47,240. However, the room and board cost $14,330, which is less than Tulane University. These are both private institutions which is one of the reasons for higher tuition costs.

On the other hand, some of the most affordable Lousiana universities include Southern University and A&M College, University of New Orleans, and Louisiana Tech University with tuition costs between $9,290 and $10,695 for in-state students and $10,479 and $19,608 for those from outer state. All three of these universities are public institutions. The room and board costs at these are also much lower and go up to a maximum of $10,670. Southern University and A&M College charges only $2,926 for its room and board.

For assistance with college tuition and related expenses, students can opt for various Louisiana scholarships. This can help make college even more affordable and also avoid the need for a loan. Some great options for scholarships in Louisiana include The TOPS Opportunity Award, William J. Doré Scholarship, and Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships.

Louisiana has a total student population of around 245,782 which includes 85% undergraduate enrollments and the rest graduate. More than 62% of the total enrollments are dominated by the female student population.

The highest number of enrolments is of White American beings at around 125,299, followed by Black/African American with approximately 75,211 enrollment. Following is the Hispanic population with 14,377 students. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders makes up even less than 1000 in total. Asians and American Indians/Native Americans also have lower student populations in Louisiana between 1000 to 7000.

Louisiana contributes around $22.5 billion to the total national student debt of more than a trillion. On average, Louisiana students owe around $34,525 which is roughly 19% higher than the national average per student debt in America. This debt is spread over more than 651,000 student borrowers and 19.8% of the borrowers owe $20,000 to $40,000 in student loans.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options in one place. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list which makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit. There are also scholarships based on athletic or other kinds of talents.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter basically contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order scholarships according to submission deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and remember that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Louisiana scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Louisiana offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available for students. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the grammatical mistakes and other errors you may encounter when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

There are many Louisiana scholarships available to high school seniors. It is best to apply to as many as possible so that students are able to collect a decent amount before entering college.

1. William J. Doré Scholarship
2. Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund
3. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – High School Seniors
4. SAWF Scholarship Program
5. The TOPS Opportunity Award
6. TOPS Teach Award

Following are the best scholarships for undergraduates to apply to. These scholarships are available to undergraduates in any of the 4 years of college including freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. The scholarship money can go towards college-related living expenses too like room and board, housing, transportation, etc.

1. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest – College Students
2. MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
3. Stephen W. Cavanaugh Scholarship
4. Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund
5. ASHRAE Region VIII Scholarship

Louisiana graduate students can get financial help from the following scholarships for their education.

1. Global Ambassador Award
2. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
3. Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
4. C. Lamar Meek Memorial Scholarship

Students pursuing teaching majors can benefit from multiple scholarships that are specifically targeted toward education students in Louisiana. The following are some options to consider:

1. The TOPS Opportunity Award
2. TOPS Teach Award
3. Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund

Nursing students looking to get a full-ride scholarship can apply for the Ochsner Nursing Scholarships in Louisiana. The selected applicants of this scholarship program receive $12,500 (taxed) for each nursing school year, up to a three-year maximum of $37,500. It is available to all levels starting from college freshman to the graduate level.

Women make up a larger percentage of the student population and many of them face various financial hardships getting through college. A lot of them also have domestic responsibilities and other financial responsibilities to take care of. The SAWF Scholarship Program can help take some of the burden off of women. This scholarship is available to female high school graduates option for a degree in STEM or automotive discipline. Scholarship winners can get up to a maximum of $5,000 that they can use towards their tuition and college-related expenses.

Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships to their incoming students. Students can find scholarship-relevant information from the financial aid office or the information center at their college. Some of the top Louisiana institutions that offer such scholarships include Louisiana State University (LSU), Louisiana Tech University, and the University Of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The Louisiana State University partners with the Stamps Scholars Programs which provides merit scholarships to academically outstanding students enrolled in the first year of college. Students have to have a strong record of high academic achievement, leadership, and service, to be nominated for the award. This award grants stunts with the full cost of attendance for all four years of college. Another scholarship awarded by LSU is the President’s Alumni Scholars Award which also covers the full attendance cost at the university.

Louisiana Tech University offers multiple merit-based scholarships including the Presidential Scholarship, Deans’ Scholarship, Outstanding Student, and The President’s Choice Scholarship. The awards for these scholarships range between $1,000 to $9,500. The highest award, the Presidential Scholarship, is reserved for those with GPAs above 3.75, ACT of 33+, and SAT scores between 1450-1600. The university also offers a National Merit Scholarship and Bulldog Out-of-State Scholarship to all incoming freshmen regardless of their state residency status.

University Of Louisiana at Lafayette offers scholarships to students who have at least a 3.0 cumulative nonweighted GPA, 23+ ACT score, or 1130+ SAT score. A few of their scholarships include the Live Oak Scholarship, Magnolia Scholarship, and Cypress Scholarship. These scholarships range between $1,300 to $1,500 per semester for tuition, and a total of $10,400 to $67,072 for 8 semesters with housing and meal plan included.

Students can refer to scholarship websites like Scholaroo which lists all the available scholarships within a specific state under one roof. You can use the filters provided to narrow down scholarships according to state, gender, major, and year level too.

One of the main resources for Louisiana scholarships is the Louisiana Office Of Student Financial Assistance or LOSFA. LOSFA is responsible for administrating the state’s scholarship and grant programs. Some of its many scholarships include the Louisiana Geaux Teach Scholarship Program, TOPS Tech Early Start, TOPS, and Rockefeller.

Louisiana Believes is another state-based setup that ensures that all Louisiana students including those from low-income families can attend the college of their choice. Many colleges and Universities are part of this program. Over 120 nonpublic schools participate in the Louisiana Scholarship Program by this state body and thousands of students benefit from this program.

Students can always reach out to their local churches to see if any scholarships are offered. You can also contact the financial aid office of your college to find out about in-house scholarship opportunities available to enrolled students.

The Louisiana Office Of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) is a state-owned program by the Louisiana Board of Regents that offers grants and scholarships to students in Louisiana. This organization is the main body offering grants and other types of financial aid to Louisiana students.

The Go Grant and GO Youth ChalleNGe Grant are two examples of grants offered by LOSFA. The Go Grants support nontraditional and low to moderate-income students with financial need; whereas, the other grant is for students who graduate from the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program.

Students can always refer to their school’s financial aid office to find out about state and in-house grants available to them. They have the most current and updated information on financial aid like grants available to a particular student.