OCTOBER 31 , 2021
HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE 2021
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WHY CHOOSE LSUA? By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This story is brought to you by LSUA.
Competitive Tuition Our university is ranked among the best colleges in Louisiana, with the advantage of having the lowest in-state tuition! 42% of LSUA students graduate career-ready and debt-free through our exceptional programs and affordable rates. Additionally, 30% of our students receive over $2 Million in university scholarships.
Academic Excellence Across Five Colleges Conveniently Located in Central Louisiana Our charming campus is located in Alexandria, LA, with quick access to local amenities and most major cities. Our campus is a beautiful 245 acres filled with places for students to relax, eat, study and spend time with friends. LSUA campus is a safe, scenic, and welcoming environment for all!
LSUA offers degree programs both on-campus and 100% online! Between our accredited academic departments spread across five colleges, our students have the opportunity to study and research in an environment of excellence. Students have access to a wide range of exceptional programs, including Nursing, Allied Health, Business, Professional Aviation, Disaster Science & Emergency Management, and many more. Our focus is YOU, your academic success, and your personal development.
Committed to Student Success The LSUA staff and faculty are devoted to every student’s career from start to finish. As a result, every student has access to a full range of services and resources to help them achieve success. Our focus is empowering students to find direction, gain real-work experience, and discover opportunities beyond graduation.
START YOUR CAREER AT EXPLORE.LSUA.EDU CALL (888) 473-6417 / TEXT (318) 303-6417 / EMAIL admissions@lsua.edu 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302
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WITHIN REACH WITHOUT LIMITS EXPLORE.LSUA.EDU
100% Job placement in Allied Health, Nursing, Education
16:1
Student to faculty ratio for smaller, personalized classes
42% Located in Central Louisiana
Only a few hours from most major cities!
of students graduate with zero debt!
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Student organizations and activities!
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Louisiana Tech University is a mid-sized, public university
located in Ruston, Louisiana, in the northern part of the state. By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This story is brought to you by LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY. Louisiana Tech University is a mid-sized, public university located in Ruston, Louisiana, in the northern part of the state. Nestled along the I-20 corridor, Louisiana Tech is the premiere location for students seeking a degree in any of 100+ degree opportunities. The University’s five largest programs are Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, Kinesiology, and Nursing. In addition to the University’s largest programs, Louisiana Tech also draws both regional and national attention for its Business majors, Aviation, Forestry, Elementary Education, and online degree program in Health Informatics and Information Management. Just this year, Niche.com ranked Louisiana Tech University the No. 1 public university in the state – a ranking well earned. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs receive an academically rigorous education combined with affordability. Ninety-three percent of all students receive scholarship and financial aid assistance. In addition to Louisiana Tech’s affordability, students graduating from the University have the fastest time to degree completion in the state at just 4.1 years – cutting additional tuition for more time spent in school. Louisiana Tech also offers concurrent enrollment in 20 master’s degree programs, affording students two degrees in a shorter time. Louisiana Tech proudly houses five academic colleges on
its campus: College of Applied and Natural Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Science, and the College of Liberal Arts. Our largest degree program is Biology under the College of Applied and Natural Science. The College of Business offers eight bachelor’s degrees, as well as the largest concurrent program on campus - the MBA program. Within 6 months of graduating, 92 percent of undergrads of our College of Business are placed in their career or graduate school of choice. Our Elementary Education program, found within the College of Education, is ranked No. 4 in the nation! These students are the only ones in the state to attend a year-long student residency program. The College of Education is also home to our Kinesiology major - the No. 1 program in the state! The College of Engineering and Science is the largest college and highest in demand on campus. Our College of Liberal Arts proudly boasts a wide variety of majors from Music to Graphic Design to Aviation! Students in Aviation can follow a path down either Professional Aviation or Aviation Management. Louisiana Tech University offers flexible on-campus housing that can fit every student’s wants and needs! Students can opt for traditional dormitories in a residence hall, suite setups, or an apartment-style housing. Arrange a tour with us today to tour our various housing options and see what works best for you! If students apply to Louisiana Tech prior to October of their senior year, they will receive priority housing application for our highly competitive housing options. In addition to this,
Louisiana Tech also offers a priority application deadline for scholarships. For merit scholarships, students must apply by Jan. 15 to receive priority application opportunities. Applications sent in to admissions will also serve as applications for scholarships. Louisiana Tech offers a lot of opportunities for you to get involved on campus! Student life activities include: • 14 intramural sports • 17 Greek-letter organizations, • Student Government Association • Band and flag line • and so much more! In fact, Louisiana Tech has 160+ student organizations for you to choose from! These organizations welcome new members constantly and will help you feel right at home on campus! You will find Louisiana Tech in Louisiana’s college town, Ruston. Known for its Peach Festival, Ruston offers lots of charm and beauty for its residents. Ruston’s historical downtown is complete with several boutiques and restaurants and is the epicenter for many Louisiana Tech activities including pep rallies and the Dog Days of Summer. Louisiana Tech offers several ways to visit campus and meet other future students. In addition to weekly visits, the University hosts events such as Legacy Day, Time Out for Tech, and Dog Days of Summer. These events offer tours along with a big Tech welcome. At Louisiana Tech University, you become a member of our Tech Family from your very first day on campus. You belong at Tech.
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Southern University and A&M College By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This story is brought to you by Southern University and A&M College. For more than 140 years, Southern University and A&M College has provided an accessible and dynamic higher education experience. As the flagship of the Southern University System — the only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the nation — the university is an ever-shining beacon on the picturesquebluff oftheMississippi Riverinthecapital city of Louisiana. WhileanHBCU, Southern has a diverse population of students, faculty and staff, makingeveryone feel welcome to embark upon their educational pursuits. Students come from 40 states in the U.S., including Louisiana, with 63 parishes represented. Nearly 30 countries are also represented in this fall class. With
more than 7,000 students, the student-instructor ratio still allows personable instruction and advisement, ensuring academic success at every level. A consistent trailblazer, Southern has more than 30 academic programs awarding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Its arts, nursing, engineering, computer science and business programs, among others, continue to grow to become among the best in the state and nation. The university’s athletic programs continue to excel and its renowned marching band — the Human Jukebox — is inarguably one of the most elite college marching bands in the nation. Students enjoy a holistic experience, with various student activities and volunteer opportunities to connect to the surrounding community. There are a number of student organizations, including Greek letter fraternities and sororities. Students can also elect to choose to reside on campus, choosing from various floorplans and facilities that have all of the amenities to ensure that “home away from home” is as comfortable as possible. Southern is also a leader in economic and workforce development on local, state,
and national levels. Recent projects and collaborations include a partnership with energy company Entergy to support classroom and lab infrastructure improvements to increase the number of minority engineers; partnership with international technology company DXC, which aims to expand the number of degrees awarded annually in computer science, management, and STEM-related fields; continued relationships with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies such as NASA; and the establishment of the Valdry Center for Philanthropy, which offers programming in the philanthropic and nonprofit fields. Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university was recently listed among the top 20 HBCUs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Southern University and A&M College 801 Harding Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70813 225-771-4500 | subr.edu
Begin with big dreams. Finish Stronger at Southern University.
Apply today at subr.edu #WeAreSouthern
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Our top tips and trends to help Louisiana students make the most of their college experience By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com adaptable. Here are some key trends to keep in mind on your own educational journey: Across the country, more people are transferring to a different college after a year or two. Sometimes, another university is in a more desirable location or offers a specific program that’s a better fit for a student’s goals. If you begin to think you want to transfer, do a lot of research ahead of time. Visit your new potential school and talk with the staff and other students. Check to see which of your existing credits will transfer.
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or many in Louisiana, the idea of going to college is an exciting option. Multiple studies have shown that a bachelor’s degree can increase a person’s earning power by several thousand dollars. Other credentials, such as an associate’s degree or industry certification, can also unlock new career opportunities. But the cost can be daunting. At most Louisiana public universities, a 12-hour semester for an in-state student can cost $7,000 to more than $10,000 in tuition and fees. That does not include other expenses such as books and materials, housing, transportation and more. The good news is that there are several financial aid options available for Louisiana students who want to pursue higher education. Here are some key tips for families:
Fill out the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) at www. studentaid.gov. By completing this form, a prospective student will be applying for a variety of financial aid options, including TOPS for new Louisiana high school graduates. Look for scholarships specific to your chosen university or intended major. Many schools offer scholarships based on a person’s background or career field. In addition, some national organizations and associations also offer scholarships for students interested in their industries. Research local scholarship options and apply for as many as possible. Several community groups offer one-time scholarships each year. These include law enforcement agencies, civic organizations and more. Consider a community college. In Louisiana, most community
colleges cost $4,000 to $4,500 per semester in tuition and fees for in-state students. These are an excellent option for a student seeking an associate’s degree in a specific field or someone looking to build up credits in core courses before moving to a four-year institution. Keep records of all expenses and receipts, as they may be tax-deductible. Many people who work in higher education often say, “It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.” There will inevitably be bumps along the road to earning a college degree. You’ll struggle in some courses and excel in others. You might decide to change majors and pursue a different career path. All of it is okay and all part of the learning process. Universities themselves are also undergoing lots of changes, so folks there understand the importance of being flexible and
Transferring can be a positive option, but it’s also a big move, so you will want to be as prepared as possible. Your courses won’t all look the same. Many universities have returned to mostly in-person classes, but most experts think the online and hybrid courses that
took hold during the pandemic will continue to be offered to some extent. These days, the path to a degree could include a mixture of lectures, seminars, online courses, lab work, webinars and other formats. Stay organized. To successfully complete courses, students need skills like self-motivation and time management. Some like to keep a physical planner or calendar. Others prefer productivity apps or other digital resources. Use whatever works for you so you don’t miss deadlines and assignments, as doing so could have a negative impact on a grade. Have fun! College is a great time to learn more about yourself and make lifelong friendships. Attend campus events. Join organizations that interest you. Find time to connect with your classmates over coffee or lunch. All of this will help you find your people and place in the world.
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Baton Rouge Community College Baton Rouge Community College is the second largest institution of higher learning in the Capital City, serving Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes throughout its eight locations. The educational sites are located in Baton Rouge, Central, Jackson, Port Allen, and New Roads. The beautiful and conveniently situated Mid City Campus is the main campus and is located at 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. www.mybrcc.edu Phone: 1-866-217-9823 Email: BRCCAdmissions@mybrcc.edu IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN DO Baton Rouge Community College was designed to support the ever-changing needs of Greater Baton Rouge. The college has open enrollment and several opportunities throughout the academic year for students to enroll in courses, including 15-week, 12-week, and 7-week semesters, online learning, night and weekend classes. LET BRCC DEVELOP YOUR TALENT Developing raw talent is what the faculty and staff at Baton Rouge Community College specialize in and they’re available to support you in your application and enrollment process. Applying online is the fastest, easiest way to apply for admission. • Complete an application at www.mybrcc.edu/
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enrollment. • Contact the Office of Admissions at 1-866-217-9823 or email BRCCAd missions@MyBRCC.edu. AFFORDABILITY & ASSISTANCE Baton Rouge Community College’s tuition and fees are among the most affordable in Louisiana. All students applying for need based aid should complete the FAFSA via www.fafsa. ed.gov to begin the financial aid process. BRCC offers a variety of payment plans and financial support options. SHARE THE BEAR • Maxwell, the BRCC Bear, is the School mascot • BRCC Athletics has baseball, softball and men’s and women’s basketball and teams are known as the Bears and Lady Bears. • BRCC has over 70 degree and certificate options in technical education, workforce, and transfer programs. • BRCC’s Dual Enrollment Program provides an opportunity for qualified high school students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, TRANSFERS In 2020, more than 2,000 BRCC students transferred to LSU, Southern University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Nicholls State University to continue their college careers in pursuit of bachelor’s degrees. BRCC now has 19 certificates and degrees that can be earned fully online and 77 certificates and degrees that can be earned by completing over 50 percent of the coursework online.
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SOUTH LOUISIANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMISSION INFO Learn more about the admissions process, financial aid, or schedule a campus tour by contacting the Admissions Office at SLCC. Lafayette Campus 1101 Bertrand Dr. Lafayette, LA 70506 admissions@solacc.edu P: (337) 521-9000 Hours Monday: 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. Tuesday: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Wednesday: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Thursday: 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS BEGINS HERE.
At South Louisiana Community College, we know our students by name. Because whether you’re learning a technical skill, enhancing your existing skill set or getting a jump-start on your four-year degree, you’ll receive the one-on-one attention and support you need for a lifetime of success. Countless programs at SLCC have a high jobplacement rate, each with highly competitive wages. Our small-campus environments — nine total across Acadiana — are friendly, affordable, and close to where you live and work. Your educational journey begins here.
YOUR SUCCESS. OUR TOP PRIORITY.
If it’s preparing you for university studies, or equipping you with skills needed to enter the workforce, SLCC gives students the tools they need for a lifetime of success. SLCC’s programs prepare students for the workforce or for a four-year degree in two years or less. Students are given the foundation to succeed whether they’re going right to work after graduation or continuing their collegiate career. Not sure what to study? SLCC staffers can help with guidance that will help place students on a career path that fits their unique interests and goals. Plus students benefit from SLCC’s job placement services, meaning students have support even after they’ve earned their diploma.
FIND YOUR FOCUS.
Each program offered by SLCC was designed with your future in mind. Prepare for the workforce, polish your skills, or earn college credits across areas
of study including business, healthcare, education, industrial technology, and much more. Graduates will be prepared to walk straight into the workforce or transfer earned credits to any four-year university in the country. Get the knowledge you need to earn your degree, plus the applied know how it takes to thrive. A community like no other. We’ve built a closeknit community that encourages, challenges and supports students as they pursue their educational, professional and personal goals. With campuses spread across Acadiana, SLCC students spend less time commuting and more time learning. Our faculty members and staff are like an extended family for students, meaning you will receive the right amount of attention and support needed for education and career success. Plus with plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus, you’ll make new friends — and new memories — as you prepare for a future of success.
GET YOUR CAREER IN GEAR. There’s a reason the community looks to SLCC when recruiting top talent. First, we give students the skills they need to thrive, and then we teach them the techniques that assure businesses they’d be a perfect fit. SLCC has strong ties to local businesses, and many come to SLCC looking for talented workers. If you’re looking for a quality job, with the opportunity to earn a high-paying salary, you’ve got an in with SLCC.
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ONLINE ORIENTATION
ADAM DAVIS, Business Graduate
$26 MILLION
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" " " # " $
!
10 0 1921
Delgado has served the New Orleans region since 1921. Y
2021
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ONLY $39.95
That’s a century of education that works!
Delgado is the largest community college in our state, with more than 100 educational programs enrolling 18,000 students, including those in college degree, transfer credit, and career-focused programs. We are one of the Top 10 community colleges nationwide for the number of career certification credentials awarded annually.
Delgado is the right choice. www.dcc.edu
A unique Mardi Gras experience in a hardcover collectors’ book PORCHES.PICTORIALBOOK.COM
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Pineville, LA • 1-800-487-1906 • lacollege.edu
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Nicholls State University
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This story is brought to you by Nicholls State University. Nicholls State University is a public, accredited fouryear university in Thibodaux, Louisiana. We are located 45 minutes from New Orleans and an hour and ten minutes from Baton Rouge. Nicholls is home to over 6,200 undergraduate students with a faculty to student ratio of 20 to 1. Nicholls offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a specialist degree in school psychology. Programs – We offer over 70 degree programs including Nursing, Medicine, Business, Education, Sciences, Arts, Culinary, and more! Students are taught by faculty with the highest possible education for their respective fields. Our classes are smaller and faculty make themselves available outside of class to students that want to gain more knowledge or experience. The Louisiana Center for Dyslexia is housed on our campus
and the Louisiana Coastal Center will also be housed at Nicholls. The Sales Education Foundation has named the Nicholls professional sales program ‘Best in North America’. Study.com ranked Nicholls Nursing in the Top 50 in the US. Campus Living - Nicholls has a variety of exceptional housing options from apartments to traditional residence hall rooms. We continue to be one of the safest universities in Louisiana! All housing options are new or recently renovated. Our nationally ranked dining service offers an array of healthy options. Our student recreation center is amazing and offers a variety of intramural sports to help keep students moving. Student Life - Nicholls has more than 70 student organizations with everything from Student Government to a Bass Fishing team. Nicholls has one of Louisiana’s largest Honors Programs, which includes the opportunity to study abroad for free! Greek Life has a rich history at Nicholls and several of our nationally recognized fraternities and sororities are award winners including the distinction ‘Top Chapter in the Country’.
Athletics - NCAA, Division I, Southland Conference, 14 teams, many of which are southland conference champs with rings to prove it! Nicholls students never have to pay to attend athletic. They present their Colonel ID and they are in! Traditions – At Nicholls, our campus traditions begin at orientation and carry on into the freshman experience with events like the Traditions Pep Rally, the pirogue races, Homecoming, Crawfish Day, tailgating for athletic events, movie nights on the field, bayou clean ups, concerts, plays, Colonel Fest, and more! Nicholls uses best practices on campus to ensure that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is a top priority. To learn more about our post-COVID 19 practices please visit www.nicholls.edu/covid19 We invite you to experience everything Nicholls has to offer by visiting! Colonel Day is a great option and you can check it out on our website www.nicholls.edu/ colonelday. You can also participate in an on-campus tour by making an appointment. Call 985-448-4507 to schedule or go to www.nicholls.edu/tour
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River Parishes Community College By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
pipefitting, HVAC, electrical, and more. RPCC’s campuses in Gonzales, Plaquemine, Reserve, and now in St. Charles Parish offer students of
This story is brought
all ages the opportunity to improve their lives through
to you by River Parishes Community College.
affordable education close to home. For students not ready for college courses or wanting to earn a high school
River Parishes Community College is an open-admis-
diploma, our Work Ready U program has coursework and
sion institution committed to serving the ever-growing
testing preparation to get students ready for the HiSET.
educational needs of our diverse community. We offer a
RPCC partners with local industrial and
broad spectrum of educational opportunities including
business communities to provide scholarships, educa-
associate degrees in academic and industrial fields,
tional grants, internships, and apprenticeships in fields
transfer degrees which allow students to transfer
from nursing to process operations. Our partnerships
credits to Louisiana four-year colleges and universities,
also provide work-force training for those already
and workforce diplomas and certificates in numerous
employed to continue their education in a customized
trades including nursing, medical assisting, welding,
real-world manner.
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Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University provides students formative education
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU), formerly Our Lady of the Lake College, provides dedicated students a rigorous and formative education that prepares them to be highly skilled professionals, integrated thinkers and faith-filled citizens. The University was founded in 1923 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady (FMOL) and is faithful to its mission grounded in Franciscan values. FranU is accredited to offer doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in nursing, health sciences, humanities, behavioral and natural sciences. FRANU IS… • A Catholic, Franciscan community committed to your intellectual, social and spiritual development • A University that will challenge you academically and is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential • Committed to providing service opportunities that uniquely prepare you to live out your purpose and make a difference in the world
FRANU BY THE NUMBERS: • 1923 – year founded • 100% Pass Rates: Nursing (BSN), Medical Laboratory Science, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Physician Assistant
• 19,500+ hours served in the community by students enrolled in service-learning courses • 25 students — average class size • 1,340+ — enrollment • 10,000+ square feet of state-of-the art simulated learning spaces for clinical instruction • Over 80% of FranU students receive Financial Aid APPLICATION DEADLINES: Fall – July 1 Spring – December 1 Summer – May 1 Apply Online: franu.edu/apply Application fee: $35
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: High school transcript or high school equivalency certificate and official ACT or SAT test scores. Transcripts from any college, community college or university attended are also required, if applicable. For more information, please visit franu.edu/admissions.
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS FranU participates in federal financial aid, Louisiana TOPS and Go Grant programs. For more details, visit franu.edu/ financialaid. Information about scholarships can be found online at franu.edu/scholarships. Deadline for full consideration for all scholarships is November 15.