Louisiana Christian University named one of most affordable programs for teachers

Photo by Alena Noakes

By Dr. Elizabeth Clarke,

Pineville, LA (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University has been listed as one of the most affordable teacher-prep bachelor degree programs in the West South Central region of the U.S., which includes Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma by educationdegree.com.

“LCUs 3+1 advanced education program offers an excellent opportunity for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in 3 years,” said Amy Craig, dean of the School of Education, “and work as a full-time teacher while they earn their Master’s of Arts in teaching degree in their fourth year.“

Students at LCU can choose from many different areas of education and different ways to access their coursework—from traditional classrooms, fully online instruction, and hybrid courses.

Educationdegree.com explains on its site that the list came from examining every qualified initial teacher prep program in all four states—both public and private—and examining the state average cost-per-credit for both groups.

“Small class sizes for individualized instruction and personal attention… an intimate, Christ-centered learning environment … and some of the most affordable tuition rates among private colleges anywhere are just a few of the distinctives that Louisiana Christian University has to offer future teachers,” said LCU President Rick Brewer. “LCU also offers academic and personal support here through the Student Success Center, which includes individual tutoring, study groups and peer tutoring, and a newly established Center for Calling & Career.”

Louisiana Christian University offers:

BA (On-Campus)

  • Elementary
  • Art, K-12
  • PE, K-12

BA/BS Secondary (On-Campus)

  • English
  • French
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

BM Music (On-Campus)

The estimated cost per credit at LCU is $345 less per-credit than the state average for similar programs at private colleges.

The program is nationally accredited and also offers a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a 3+1 program that allows teacher candidates to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in four years.

LCU has an outstanding student success rate of 100% PRAXIS pass rate, Craig said.

Graduate of the program, Haley Vezinat, said she was apprehensive about taking it because it’s a standardized test, but she passed on the first try.

Vezinat said professors challenged students with material that more than adequately prepared them for the practitioner’s licensing exam.

Vezinat teaches and coaches at Rapides High School in Lecompte.

She said she loves her job and the professors in the program at LCU are always available to answer questions and offer advice.

“Professor (Wendy) O’Halloran came out to watch me teach and gave me tips,” she said. “They were there for me.”

For more information on any of the education programs at LCU, please visit lcuniversity.edu/education.