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Best test-optional colleges in Louisiana

Colleges that don't require the SAT or ACT for admission, ranked by Compass Score.

Best test-optional colleges in Louisiana21 schools

21 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.

How this list is made

  • Schools in Louisiana.
  • Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
  • Admission test policy: considered but not required, or neither required nor recommended (federal admissions data).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Tulane University of Louisiana

    New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll

    #1 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 86% graduate
  2. 2

    Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

    Baton Rouge, LA · Public

    #2 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 69% graduate
  3. 3

    Louisiana Tech University

    Ruston, LA · Public

    #3 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 64% graduate
  4. 4

    Centenary College of Louisiana

    Shreveport, LA · Private nonprofit

    #4 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 56% graduate
  5. 5

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette

    Lafayette, LA · Public

    #5 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 53% graduate
  6. 6

    Loyola University New Orleans

    New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit

    #7 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 59% graduate
  7. 7

    University of Louisiana at Monroe

    Monroe, LA · Public

    #8 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 54% graduate
  8. 8

    Louisiana State University-Shreveport

    Shreveport, LA · Public

    Top 8% for low net price

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 38% graduate
  9. 9

    Xavier University of Louisiana

    New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit

    #11 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 49% graduate
  10. 10

    Dillard University

    New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit

    #12 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 43% graduate
  11. 11

    University of Holy Cross

    New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit

    #13 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 49% graduate
  12. 12

    Southeastern Louisiana University

    Hammond, LA · Public

    #14 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 45% graduate
  13. 13

    McNeese State University

    Lake Charles, LA · Public

    Top 23% for low net price

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 47% graduate
  14. 14

    Northwestern State University of Louisiana

    Natchitoches, LA · Public

    #16 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 43% graduate
  15. 15

    University of New Orleans

    New Orleans, LA · Public

    Top 23% for low net price

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 38% graduate
  16. 16

    Louisiana Christian University

    Pineville, LA · Private nonprofit

    #18 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 44% graduate
  17. 17

    Southern University and A & M College

    Baton Rouge, LA · Public

    #19 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 27% graduate
  18. 18

    Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

    Baton Rouge, LA · Private nonprofit

    #20 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 45% graduate
  19. 19

    Grambling State University

    Grambling, LA · Public

    #22 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 36% graduate
  20. 20

    Herzing University-New Orleans

    Metairie, LA · Private nonprofit

    #23 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 15% graduate
  21. 21

    Southern University at New Orleans

    New Orleans, LA · Public

    #24 in Louisiana

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 13% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Tulane University of Louisiana$39,949$20,500$63,26886%
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$19,151$20,500$61,25169%
Louisiana Tech University$11,864$22,135$52,27964%
Centenary College of Louisiana$23,624$27,000$50,33056%
University of Louisiana at Lafayette$13,530$22,902$47,08953%
Loyola University New Orleans$23,696$26,000$52,92759%
University of Louisiana at Monroe$13,466$21,500$46,76954%
Louisiana State University-Shreveport$7,022$22,500$47,47738%
Xavier University of Louisiana$17,127$24,053$52,18449%
Dillard University$22,094$31,000$39,19643%
University of Holy Cross$15,635$26,995$49,31649%
Southeastern Louisiana University$13,154$22,113$46,48245%
McNeese State University$12,493$23,000$46,45347%
Northwestern State University of Louisiana$13,606$25,000$47,02143%
University of New Orleans$12,384$18,750$47,87238%
Louisiana Christian University$13,113$21,875$51,70044%
Southern University and A & M College$20,077$29,251$43,37127%
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University$18,552$27,672$59,41945%
Grambling State University$19,809$36,500$41,10936%
Herzing University-New Orleans$21,269$21,500$36,90915%
Southern University at New Orleans$14,810$31,000$34,04213%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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