University History
In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year commuter college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors. LSUA registered its first students in September of 1960. The first degree program, an Associate in Nursing degree, was initiated in the Division of Nursing in 1964.
The additional academic divisions of Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Sciences were created in 1967. In 1974, LSUA was accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. This accreditation was reaffirmed in 1984, 1994, and 2004.
Only one associate degree was available at LSUA from 1964 to March 1986, when the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees were approved. Over the next 15 years, several associate degree and certificate programs were added that the university continues to offer including:
- Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (1996)
- Associate of Arts in The Care and Development of Young Children (Spring 2001)
- Certificate in Pharmacy Technology (Spring 2001)
- Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology (Fall 2001)
From 1976 through Spring 2003, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College offered the upper-level course work for select bachelor's degree programs on the LSUA campus through a program known as LSU Senior College. Initially, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of General Studies were offered. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education was added in 1982-83.
LSUA Ranked 4th Best College in Louisiana as Enrollment Surges 28%
ALEXANDRIA, LA - Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has secured the #4 spot in Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges in Louisiana rankings, placing it among the state’s top institutions. With 17 public and 12 private four-year universities
in Louisiana, LSUA stands alongside Tulane, Louisiana Tech, and LSU, underscoring its growing reputation as a premier institution in the South.
This national recognition reflects LSUA’s sustained growth and increasing appeal as a university of choice within the state. As student interest in LSUA continues to climb, the university has once again set a record-high enrollment for the Spring semester, reflecting its strong trajectory into 2025.
LSUA’s enrollment has reached an all-time high of 6,904 undergraduates, marking a stunning 28% increase over the past year—the highest growth rate among all Louisiana institutions. This growth follows the university’s recent milestone of celebrating over 500 graduates in December.
A significant driver of LSUA’s growth is its thriving online programs, which have surged by 46% in just one year, now serving nearly 4,000 students. On-campus enrollment has also experienced substantial growth, rising by 9% since Spring 2024 to a total of 2,921 students. These figures highlight LSUA’s commitment to accessibility and flexibility, meeting the diverse educational needs of modern learners in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, all 50 states, and 25 countries across the world.
For prospective students and families, college rankings serve as a crucial resource in the decision-making process. Niche’s methodology evaluates institutions using a combination of quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education and qualitative insights from student and alumni reviews. A key component of the rankings is the Student Experience Score, derived from detailed surveys assessing satisfaction across academic quality, campus life, and faculty engagement.
Student feedback on LSUA remains overwhelmingly positive. One freshman shared in a five-star review, “LSUA makes you feel confident and capable, and that you can actually start your journey in life as an independent young person. I made the decision to attend LSUA after I did extensive homework on the programs they offer.” Additionally, Niche reports that 95% of surveyed students agree that “professors are approachable and helpful.”
LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil highlighted the university’s momentum, stating, “LSUA’s recognition as the #4 best college in Louisiana by Niche, along with our largest enrollment of 6,904 students this spring—a remarkable 28% increase in just one year—demonstrates the incredible momentum we are experiencing. More and more students are choosing LSUA because they recognize the unparalleled value of a high-quality, affordable education that leads to workforce ready career opportunities for our graduates right here in central Louisiana. Our success is built on continuous innovation, dedicated faculty and staff, and a commitment to student excellence. As we grow, we remain focused on ensuring that LSUA remains the best value in higher education."
Niche’s Best Colleges rankings incorporate rigorous academic, admissions, financial, and student life data. This year, the methodology has adapted to evolving higher education trends, introducing an Economic Mobility Index that assesses the economic advancement opportunities for low-income students while also de-emphasizing standardized test scores in admissions considerations. These updates reflect the shifting priorities of students and universities alike.
As LSUA continues its ascent as one of Louisiana’s top institutions, the university remains committed to its core mission: providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible education that empowers students and strengthens communities. With an emphasis on innovation and student success, LSUA is poised to maintain its upward trajectory, shaping the future of higher education in Louisiana and beyond.
For more information about LSUA and its academic programs, visit explore.lsua.edu.
