The Best Business Schools Near New Orleans for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near New Orleans
- Tulane University of Louisiana ranks #1 near New Orleans on a 95.8 Program Score, with an 86% graduation rate.
- Public and private schools split this list evenly.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Louisiana State University-Alexandria, ranks #10.
- Programs analyzed in New Orleans
- 51
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 2
- Farthest school
- 162 mi
Only two business schools in New Orleans have a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Tulane University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps those two and adds the eight closest schools that do have one, in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Tulane University of Louisiana leads with a 95.8 Program Score and an 86% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond, LA), about 44 miles from central New Orleans; the farthest, Belhaven University (Jackson, MS), is about 162 miles away.
The Top Business Schools Near New Orleans at a Glance
Tulane University of Louisiana leads at 95.8, and Louisiana State-Alexandria closes the chart at 62.9. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Business Schools Near New Orleans Are Scored
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near New Orleans, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near New Orleans, ranked by outcomes.
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 86%
- Admit rate
- 14%
- In-state
- $64,372
- Out-of-state
- $64,372
The finance major includes experiential options such as producing an analyst report in Burkenroad Reports or investing real funds in the Darwin Fenner Student Managed Fund.
- 86% graduation rate
- Program Score 95.8
- $64,372 tuition
- Student-managed fund and Burkenroad Reports
Tulane's finance major sits inside the Bachelor of Science in Management at Tulane University of Louisiana's Freeman School of Business. It introduces financial markets, investments and financial analysis through core classes on valuation, accounting, investments and fixed income analysis. The degree requires a minimum of 124 credit hours and at least 30 hours of the Newcomb-Tulane College Core Curriculum. Required finance courses include advanced financial management, investments in equities and analysis of fixed income securities, plus three electives. Experiential options include producing an analyst's report in Burkenroad Reports, investing real funds in the Darwin Fenner Student Managed Fund (by invitation only), and the Aaron Selber courses on alternative investments. Optional tracks cover corporate finance and investments.
Federal data show an 86% graduation rate at Tulane and a selective admit rate of 14%. Tuition is $64,372 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 95.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits high-achieving students who want hands-on investing experience as undergraduates and who are prepared for both a competitive admissions process and the cost of a private nonprofit university.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 73%
- In-state
- $8,038
- Out-of-state
- $8,038
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 69% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 90.9 Program Score.
- Program Score 90.9, #2 of 10
- 69% graduation rate
- $8,038 tuition
- Largest campus in this ranking
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a public institution in Baton Rouge, LA. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with a 90.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 4.9 points behind top-ranked Tulane University of Louisiana. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. LSU admits 73% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 41,705 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, LSU charges $8,038 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 60%
- In-state
- $14,250
- Out-of-state
- $14,250
William Carey University graduates 60% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on an 84.8 Program Score.
- Program Score 84.8, #3 of 10
- 60% graduation rate
- $14,250 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Hattiesburg, MS, William Carey University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 84.8 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. William Carey admits 60% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 5,321 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, William Carey charges $14,250 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- In-state
- $29,800
- Out-of-state
- $29,800
Belhaven University ranks #4 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with an 80.3 Program Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Program Score 80.3, #4 of 10
- 49% graduation rate
- $29,800 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 80.3 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Belhaven admits 50% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 4,213 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Belhaven charges $29,800 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL · Public
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $8,976
- Out-of-state
- $17,952
University of South Alabama graduates 53% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 73.2 Program Score.
- Program Score 73.2, #5 of 10
- 53% graduation rate
- $8,976 in-state vs $17,952 out-of-state
- Admits just 71% of applicants
University of South Alabama is a public institution in Mobile, AL. Its Business program ranks #5 of the 10 analyzed here with a 73.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. South Alabama admits 71% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 14,003 students overall.
On cost, South Alabama charges $8,976 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $17,952 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA · Public
- Grad rate
- 27%
- Admit rate
- 35%
- In-state
- $4,973
- Out-of-state
- $12,323
At $4,973 a year in-state, Southern University and A & M College is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 69.7 Program Score on a 27% graduation rate.
- Program Score 69.7, #6 of 10
- 27% graduation rate
- $4,973 in-state vs $12,323 out-of-state
- Admits just 35% of applicants
Southern University and A & M College is a public institution in Baton Rouge, LA. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 10 analyzed here with a 69.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 27% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Southern University and A & M College admits 35% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%.
On cost, Southern University and A & M College charges $4,973 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $12,323 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. The spread makes the program a clearer value for LA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $5,944
- Out-of-state
- $5,944
At $5,944 a year in-state, Columbia Southern University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 68.9 Program Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Program Score 68.9, #7 of 10
- 33% graduation rate
- $5,944 tuition
- Online option available
Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit institution in Orange Beach, AL. Its Business program ranks #7 of the 10 analyzed here with a 68.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Columbia Southern holds an open-admission policy, accepting every qualified applicant. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 17,763 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Columbia Southern charges $5,944 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 59%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $47,390
- Out-of-state
- $47,390
Loyola New Orleans pairs its BBA in Marketing with a Portfolio Career Program that connects students to local business professionals.
- Program Score 64.8
- 59% graduation rate
- $47,390 tuition in state and out of state
- Portfolio Career Program
Loyola University New Orleans offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing through its College of Business. The program teaches the marketing process and its place among other key areas of business, with an emphasis on building strategies for different customer segments, environments and conditions. The school describes the degree as opening paths in product design, development, market strategy, brand management, event planning, research and analysis. Students also have access to the Portfolio Career Program, which connects them with local business professionals, career and academic coaches, and upperclassmen. The College of Business offers minors to students of any major, including Entrepreneurship and Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration is available for those who continue to graduate study.
Loyola reports a 59% graduation rate and admits 93% of applicants. In-state tuition is $47,390, the same as the out-of-state figure. The program has a Program Score of 64.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small private campus, mentoring from business professionals and the option to add a minor, and who are comfortable with a higher sticker price than the public programs in the state.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA · Public
- Grad rate
- 45%
- Admit rate
- 99%
- In-state
- $5,777
- Out-of-state
- $18,255
At $5,777 a year in-state, Southeastern Louisiana University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 63.2 Program Score on a 45% graduation rate.
- Program Score 63.2, #9 of 10
- 45% graduation rate
- $5,777 in-state vs $18,255 out-of-state
- Admits just 99% of applicants
Southeastern Louisiana University is a public institution in Hammond, LA. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 10 analyzed here with a 63.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 45% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Southeastern Louisiana admits 99% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 14,426 students overall.
On cost, Southeastern Louisiana charges $5,777 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $18,255 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. The spread makes the program a clearer value for LA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, LA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 34%
- Admit rate
- 92%
- In-state
- $4,950
- Out-of-state
- $5,150
At $4,950 a year in-state, Louisiana State University-Alexandria is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 62.9 Program Score on a 34% graduation rate.
- Program Score 62.9, #10 of 10
- 34% graduation rate
- $4,950 in-state vs $5,150 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Louisiana State University-Alexandria is a public institution in Alexandria, LA. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 62.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 34% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Louisiana State-Alexandria admits 92% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 14% rate at Tulane University of Louisiana, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 86%. The university enrolls 6,815 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Louisiana State-Alexandria charges $4,950 a year in-state, versus $5,150 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,950 at Louisiana State-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near New Orleans
The median school on this list graduates 51% of its students. The highest rates belong to Tulane University of Louisiana (86%) and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (69%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Tulane University of Louisiana86% graduation rate
- #2 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College69% graduation rate
- #3 William Carey University60% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near New Orleans?
On this list, 1 of 10 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 2 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Tulane University of Louisiana at 14%.
- #1 Tulane University of Louisiana14% admitted
- #6 Southern University and A & M College35% admitted
- #4 Belhaven University50% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near New Orleans
This list holds 5 public, 4 private nonprofit, and 1 for-profit schools.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near New Orleans
Enrollment on this list runs from 4,213 at Belhaven University to 41,705 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Of the 10, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 2 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near New Orleans Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Tulane University of LouisianaTulane University of Louisiana | $129,850 | $40,693 |
| #4 | Belhaven UniversityBelhaven | $51,594 | $18,078 |
| #5 | University of South AlabamaSouth Alabama | $48,021 | $16,801 |
| #6 | Southern University and A & M CollegeSouthern University and A & M College | $56,097 | $18,631 |
| #7 | Columbia Southern UniversityColumbia Southern | $62,061 | $15,834 |
| #8 | Loyola University New OrleansLoyola University New Orleans | $53,481 | $21,888 |
| #9 | Southeastern Louisiana UniversitySoutheastern Louisiana | $53,477 | $12,468 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $48,021 at South Alabama to $129,850 at Tulane University of Louisiana.
Tulane University of Louisiana leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Southeastern Louisiana, $12,468 a year, and most at Tulane University of Louisiana, $40,693.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near New Orleans Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central New Orleans, measured from the average location of New Orleans's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA is about 44 miles away; Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, LA is about 72 miles away; Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA is about 76 miles away; William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS is about 103 miles away; University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL is about 124 miles away; Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, AL is about 147 miles away; Belhaven University in Jackson, MS is about 162 miles away; Louisiana State University-Alexandria in Alexandria, LA is about 162 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges New Orleans students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near New Orleans Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $4,950 a year at Louisiana State University-Alexandria to $64,372 at Tulane University of Louisiana, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $19,800 against $257,488 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From New Orleans
Five of the ranked schools (Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, William Carey University, Belhaven University, Columbia Southern University, and Louisiana State University-Alexandria) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in New Orleans it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #2 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LA
- #3 William Carey UniversityHattiesburg, MS
- #4 Belhaven UniversityJackson, MS
- #7 Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach, AL
- #10 Louisiana State University-AlexandriaAlexandria, LA
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools Near New Orleans: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business school near New Orleans?
By Program Score, Tulane University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA) ranks first, with a 95.8 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in New Orleans?
51 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in New Orleans report to IPEDS. Two schools have the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to New Orleans?
Outside New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond, LA) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 44 straight-line miles from central New Orleans. Inside New Orleans, Tulane University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans are ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from New Orleans?
Yes. Five of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, William Carey University, and Belhaven University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.