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 27,000 students enrolled in LAICU institutions

            75% attend full time
            70% are undergraduates; 30% are graduate or first professional students
            56% are female; 44% are male
            39% represent diverse student populations
            23% receive federal Pell grants
            54% of first time freshman are Louisiana residents.

Quality:
Louisiana residents attending a Louisiana independent institution are eligible for the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS).

             7.9% of all TOPS awards go to independent college students
            8.6% of all TOPS Performance awards go to independent college students
            14.5% of all TOPS Honors awards go to independent college students

Commitment:
The average ratio of students to faculty is 16:1.
90% of all first time, full time undergraduates receive financial aid.

Results:
Enrollment: Louisiana independent institutions enroll 17.6% of all college students in Louisiana;
Degrees:  Louisiana independent institutions award18.18% of all bachelor's and above degrees
             
               14% of all bachelor's degrees
               21% of all master's degrees
               23% of all doctorate degrees
               51% of all first professional degrees