History:
The history of all higher education in Louisiana began in 1825 with the establishment of Centenary College, now located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Of the 10 colleges and universities that are members of LAICU, 9 have religious affiliations.

Students:
Of the approximately 29.000 students enrolled in LAICU institutions

            75% attend full time
            67% are undergraduates; 33% are graduate or first professional students
            57% are female; 43% are male
            43% represent diverse student populations
            30% receive federal Pell grants
            40% of first time freshman are Louisiana residents.

Quality:
Louisiana residents attending a Louisiana independent institution are eligible for the TOPS.

             8.13% of all TOPS awards go to independent college students
             7.48% of all TOPS Performance awards go to independent college students
            13.36% of all TOPS Honors awards go to independent college students

Commitment:
The average ratio of students to faculty is 16:1.
95% of all first time, full time undergraduates receive financial aid.

Results:
Enrollment: Louisiana independent institutions enroll 15.7% of all 4 year college students in Louisiana;
Degrees:  Louisiana independent institutions award 20.1% of all degrees awarded at 4 year institutions:
             
               15.6% of all bachelor's degrees
               25.26% of all master's degrees
               43.13% of all doctorate degrees
               44.0% of all first professional degrees