Castillo Rancon
Not all college campuses are created equal. In Louisiana, some go above and beyond by providing students with a city-like atmosphere, all while maintaining a cozy campus environment. If you want to see which ones top the list, here are 10 campuses that hit the sweet spot between lively and intimate.
Louisiana State University
LSU spans over 1,000 acres and serves more than 30,000 students. With its own zip code, hospital, housing, and dining, the campus functions like a small city. Tiger Stadium, the University’s massive football arena, seats over 102,000 and anchors a campus rich with over 400 active student organizations.
Tulane University
Covering 110 acres in uptown New Orleans, Tulane University enrolls about 14,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. This University includes on-site medical services and student housing. Moreover, its historic buildings and strong connection to New Orleans create a distinctive, city-embedded college experience unlike anywhere else in Louisiana.
Louisiana Tech University
What does a tech-driven college town look like? The answer probably lies here. Louisiana Tech University spans 280 acres in Ruston and serves over 11,000 students. The grounds feature a research park and collaborative innovation spaces. Focused on engineering and technology, the school blends academics with real-world problem-solving and strong student support services.
McNeese State University
McNeese State University covers 121 acres in Lake Charles and educates nearly 7,000 students. Its footprint features over 79 buildings, a 1,560-acre farm used for research, and more than 100 academic programs across multiple colleges. This compact setting supports a focused, career-driven education rooted in southwest Louisiana’s economic region.
Grambling State University
Located in northern Louisiana, Grambling State University stands as a proud and historic HBCU. Nearly 5,000 students study across more than 40 degree programs spread through multiple colleges. The 375-acre campus features academic buildings, cultural spaces, and athletic facilities that highlight its deep roots in leadership and social change.
University Of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans sits beside Lake Pontchartrain and blends academic focus with urban energy. This campus spans 195 acres and features housing and research hubs. Besides that, UNO provides over 60 fields of study to nearly 8,000 students, connecting education to innovation and the rhythm of the surrounding city.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Life at Southeastern Louisiana University unfolds across 365 acres in Hammond, where more than 13,000 students pursue academics in a setting rich with nature. A student-run organic farm supplies fresh food, while trails and on-campus housing foster connection. It all adds up to a place that functions like its own community.
LSU Shreveport (LSUS)
LSUS thrives like a compact city with Pilots Pointe Apartments, The Port dining hall, a full bookstore, and a student-run radio station. The 200-acre campus buzzes with over 50 student organizations, recreation spots, and academic support through the Noel Memorial Library and research institutes—all within a close-knit, walkable environment.
Nicholls State University
Located in Thibodaux, Nicholls State spans 287 acres and serves over 6,000 students. Student-run businesses and the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute create a vibrant environment. With programs in business and culinary arts, the campus operates as a self-sufficient hub for learning and innovation.
Xavier University Of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana, located in New Orleans, is rooted in faith and academic excellence. The 63-acre campus enrolls more than 3,300 students in health sciences and liberal arts. With high medical school acceptance rates, Xavier is a national leader in preparing African-American graduates for success in medicine and other professional careers.
