The Bayou State is a beautiful mixture of vibrant cultures and fascinating people. Opportunities abound in this state which has proved particularly resilient and hopeful ever since Hurricane Katrina. The people here don’t give up, and their state has flourished because of that. Louisiana has twenty public universities including the well respected LSU system. The eleven private universities in Louisiana include Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana. The state also has ten community colleges and technical schools, including the Louisiana Technical College which boasts forty campuses.
Living in Louisiana
Nearly 4.5 million people live in Louisiana. The population is quite diverse-about 62% white, 32% black, 4% Latino or Hispanic, and 2% Asian. Of the people in Louisiana over the age of 25, three quarters have their high school diploma, and about a fifth have their bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income here is about $44,000 and the median value of a home is $85,000. This falls well under the national median home value of $119,600. In other words, Louisiana is a great place for students and young professionals to buy their first home.
Working in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to the largest volume shipping port in the western hemisphere, the Port of South Louisiana. Louisiana is also the world’s largest producer of crawfish. Fishing and seafood make up a significant portion of the economy, but Louisiana’s opportunities are quite diverse. The state has an increasingly impressive film industry fed by generous tax incentives that draw filmmakers from all over the country to Louisiana. Tourism is also a major part of the economy, therefore many seasonal jobs are readily available.
Things to Do in Louisiana
The opportunities for enjoyment in Louisiana are endless. For the greatest party known to man, head over to Bourbon Street in New Orleans on virtually any night of the year. For a more cultured experience, walk through the French Quarter to take in beautiful architecture, watch amazing street performers, and eat world-class cuisine. Try The Pelican Club for traditional New Orleans feasts in the heart of the French Quarter.
Louisiana is home to the Global Wildlife Center, the largest free-roaming wildlife preserve in the country. This amazing preserve holds over 3,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals. You can also head to Baton Rouge to take tours of the Bayou and see wild alligators first hand. Whatever you do in Louisiana, bring your appetite. The wide selection of French, Creole, and Southern comfort food found throughout the state is nearly impossible to beat.
If you are a resident of Louisiana interested in earning a college diploma, find a college degree or certificate from an accredited Louisiana college or university near you.