Best Community Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana’s community colleges serve every corner of the state, with more than a dozen options for education. About 7% of the workers aged 25-64 in Louisiana earned an associate degree as their highest level of learning.

While 41% of the jobs in Louisiana require just a high school or GED diploma, earning an associate degree can help you earn about $150 more per week.

The Louisiana Believes program even offers high school students a chance to jumpstart their associate-level education. The best community colleges in Louisiana also offer online education for those wishing to study remotely.

Educational opportunities for community college students spread across every region in Louisiana. The Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges system commits to “eliminating geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to postsecondary educational programs.”

More than 30,000 students graduate each year from Louisiana community colleges. The instructors at these schools take part in several learning and growth opportunities throughout the year.

With at least four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, two hurricanes, historic flooding, and a deep freeze, the past few years have been challenging for Louisiana’s citizens. However, the state’s economy is recovering.

Healthcare remains in high demand due to ongoing COVID-19 challenges and fatigued workers. People tired of being quarantined at home are ready to let the good times roll in destinations like New Orleans, so the state’s tourism and entertainment industries may be on the upswing as well.

Most cities in Louisiana rank below the cost of living national index. Every key indicator of Louisiana’s cost of living ranks lower than the national average. However, New Orleans breaks that mold with its desirable location and lifestyle. The median home value in 2019 in New Orleans reached $231,500.

Culture is abundant in all of Louisiana’s unique cities and parishes. The state’s Office of Cultural Development makes sure that continues for years to come.

Almost 7% of the state’s workforce works in a cultural industry, and nearly $20 billion comes into the state each year through these industries. Mardi Gras celebrations happen in just about every Louisiana city, so options abound outside of New Orleans.

Winter coats might be optional if you live in Louisiana. The climate includes mild winters that aren’t too long, hot summers, and year-round precipitation. The farther south you go in Louisiana, the milder the weather gets. Louisiana can expect a hurricane on average once every three years. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30.

The pandemic hurt the state’s economy, but by March 2021, 45% of lost jobs returned. Nevertheless, full recovery may take until 2023. The first industries to bounce back were retail business, transportation functions, and tourism.

Reconstruction from hurricane damage, a lofty plan to protect the state from future hurricanes, the federal infrastructure bill, and the resumption of previously stalled projects make construction a booming industry in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Labor projects growth for all sectors of construction in the near future.

More than half of the jobs available now and in the near future throughout Louisiana will require a technical college or associate degree.

Annual Average Salary (2021):$73,370

Job Outlook (2016-2026):17.9%

Construction jobs took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, but projections indicate that the industry should rebound quickly. More than $10 million in construction projects are underway or planned in the Baton Rouge region. The state frequently hires construction workers to prepare locations for hurricanes and rebuild after natural disasters.

Annual Average Salary (2021):$34,160

Job Outlook (2016-2026):11.4%

The expansive construction in Louisiana naturally results in a need for the supplies. The newly-passed federal infrastructure bill includes a local hiring preference for construction projects and more than $400 billion in infrastructure improvements nationwide. Several of the projects in the bill specifically mention Louisiana roads.

Annual Average Salary (2021):$80,760

Job Outlook (2016-2026):17.0%

The Louisiana Department of Labor projects significant growth in the air transportation industry between 2016 and 2026. Jobs in this field include air traffic controller, transportation system specialist, and safety inspector. You can qualify for these careers through programs at community colleges.

Annual Average Salary (2021):$36,300

Job Outlook (2016-2026):32.7%

Messengers and couriers became a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. People wouldn’t or couldn’t leave home and still needed essential supplies. Businesses needed to deliver critical documents and data as more people worked from home. Students can often work these jobs as they pursue associate degrees in business.

Annual Average Salary (2021):$53,140

Job Outlook (2016-2026):16.2%

Ambulatory healthcare services can provide life-saving work in the aftermath of a major hurricane. Ambulatory healthcare can also help rural areas that don’t have easy access to hospitals. Many Louisiana community colleges offer associate degrees that can qualify you for careers in this field.