Best Online Community Colleges in Louisiana
These are the three community colleges in Louisiana that offer fully online associate degrees and certificates. They all have tuitions under $5,000, so they are all affordable options for Louisiana students. Delgado Community College, ranked #2, provides the biggest selection of online degrees. Students can pick among 27 different online associate degrees, including an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management, which has seven concentrations available in fields such as Music Business, Marketing, and more.
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| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bossier Parish Community College | $3,335 | Bossier City | |
| Delgado Community College | $4,017 | New Orleans | |
| Baton Rouge Community College | $4,046 | Baton Rouge |
2020 Online Community Colleges in Louisiana - Ranking Details
For each school, we conducted manual research to provide prospective students with more details about the schools' online programs. Explore online degrees offered and accreditation information below.
#1 Bossier Parish Community College
- Annual Tuition: $3,335
- Locations: Bossier City
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Both fully online and hybrid programs are offered by Bossier Parish Community College to individuals in need of a flexible learning alternative. Available degrees include an Associate of Science in Health Care Management, an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with the option to complete an accelerated 12-month program, an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, and an Associate of General Studies. Several Certificate of Technical Studies programs are also offered online. Available online student resources include academic advising, an online bookstore, and technical support.
#2 Delgado Community College
- Annual Tuition: $4,017
- Locations: New Orleans
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Delgado Community College offers several associate degrees in both fully online and hybrid formats. Online students begin with a self-paced orientation and are afforded the freedom to take classes at home, or anywhere with internet access. Academic resources include online academic advisement and technical support. Students use the online learning management system (Canvas) to take tests and quizzes, read course materials and submit assignments. Available degrees include an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management with several concentration options, an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management.
#3 Baton Rouge Community College
- Annual Tuition: $4,046
- Locations: Baton Rouge
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Baton Rouge Community College offers several online associate degrees and certificates including an Associate of Science in Business, an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences and a Certificate of Technical Studies in Accounting Technology. Most of the online associate degrees are considered Louisiana transfer degrees, meaning that graduates of the programs will have fulfilled the general education requirements for transferring to a public university in the state. Distance-learning students must use a proctoring system for all exams and can choose between the BRCC Testing Center or ProctorU. While the on-campus testing center is temporarily closed, exams are proctored using the Respondus LockDown Browser. Those using ProctorU should expect to pay a fee between $18 and $25 per exam. Technology support is available in two formats: through BRCC’s IT Help Desk and through the Canvas, BRCC’s learning management system.
Overview of the Louisiana Community College System
The Louisiana Community and Technical College system (LCTC), comprised of 12 community colleges spread throughout the state, has a total enrollment of 25,052 students. Louisiana has a free college program which covers living costs. Half-time students are not eligible. Other eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5, a minimum ACT score of the prior-year state average, meeting TOPS Louisiana residency requirements and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Average funding per each full-time student for all schools in the state is $7,141.75. LCTC offers two scholarships: the Give Where We Live Scholarship and the Five for Six Scholarship. The former is funded through employees of the system ($500 scholarships are awarded annually) and the latter is awarded to students without a high school diploma or equivalency.
Admission requirements may vary, but first-time freshmen generally fall into one of four categories: high school graduate, GED/HiSET recipient, non-high school graduate (must take an Ability to Benefit Test) or home-schooled graduate (transcripts are not required, but applicants must demonstrate that they have completed a state-approved or regionally accredited program). Applicants must submit their immunization records or have completed an immunization waiver. Males must submit proof of registration with selective service.
LCTC colleges offer both on-campus and online associate degree programs, many of which transfer directly to four-year institutions. The mission of Louisiana community colleges is to train students to think critically and prepare them to reach their academic, career and personal goals.
References
- Our Colleges. Louisiana's Community and Technical Colleges. Accessed April 3, 2019. https://www.lctcs.edu/our-colleges/.
- The TOPS Opportunity Award. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Accessed April 3, 2019. https://www.osfa.la.gov/tops_Opportunity.html.