Best Schools in New Orleans, LA

Midwest Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been providing CDL training for over 27 years and has graduated over 20,000 students. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training, as well as endorsements such as Passenger and School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, and Doubles and Triples. The school is committed to providing top-quality education with experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment. Midwest Truck Driving School aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently, preparing them for successful careers as professional drivers. The school's 160-hour Class A CDL program is CVTA-certified and meets FMCSA's ELDT requirements. The program includes classroom instruction, range training, and real-world driving experience. Midwest Truck Driving School also offers a Class B CDL course and a B to A upgrade course. They focus on hands-on training with manual transmission trucks and cover essential topics such as FMCSA regulations, ELD training, and adverse weather conditions. Midwest Truck Driving School has earned a 5.0-star rating on Google with positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable and patient instructors. The school also won the 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics, reflecting their commitment to ethical business practices and student success. They offer various financial assistance options, including veteran benefits, tribal and government programs, workforce development resources, company-sponsored programs, scholarships, and in-house financing.

Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) has been providing CDL training for over 50 years. Established in 1972, DDA has campuses in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and West Monroe, Louisiana, and Little Rock, Arkansas. DDA provides hands-on training from experienced instructors, preparing students to pass the CDL exam and begin their trucking careers. The academy boasts industry-standard equipment and connections to trucking employers. They offer various Class A CDL training programs, including advanced and basic options, with day and evening classes available. DDA is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) provides diverse educational opportunities with campuses across Acadiana, including Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, Ville Platte, and Morgan City. SLCC focuses on workforce placement and offers evening and online classes to accommodate working students. The college utilizes similar professors, courses, and textbooks as the local university, ensuring academic rigor. SLCC is known for its supportive environment, with instructors and advisors who are helpful and communicative. The smaller class sizes allow for more personalized attention, making it a solid choice for those seeking vocational training or a stepping stone to a four-year university.

Coastal Truck Driving School helps individuals build better futures through career-ready CDL training in Louisiana with flexible programs, experienced instructors, and hands-on training.

Diesel Driving Academy™ has been providing CDL training in Louisiana since 1972. With campuses in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Monroe, they offer hands-on Class A CDL training that prepares students for careers in trucking. DDA's programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on training on private driving ranges, and on-the-road training with experienced instructors. They offer weekday and weeknight scheduling options and strong industry connections. Diesel Driving Academy offers multiple Class A CDL training programs designed to fit various experience levels and career goals. These programs meet all federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements for earning a Class A CDL. Financial aid options are available to help students afford training. Graduates benefit from lifetime job placement assistance, ensuring they have access to commercial truck driving jobs across local, regional, and national carriers. Diesel Driving Academy instructors have real truck driving experience and teach the same skills drivers use every day on the road. Students train on late-model tractors and trailers similar to the equipment used by many trucking companies. DDA has built a reputation for hands-on training delivered by instructors who know the industry firsthand. Campuses are located in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and West Monroe, Louisiana.

Thrive New Orleans is a social enterprise dedicated to creating opportunities and resilience within the New Orleans community. They focus on providing affordable housing, job training, and business training to help individuals overcome obstacles and build a better future. Their programs include workforce development, entrepreneurship support, community initiatives, and environmental projects. Thrive New Orleans aims to empower people with resources and relationships to transform their lives, families, and communities, fostering a thriving local economy for all. They offer training programs like Thrive Works Green, which prepares individuals for careers in climate-resilient jobs.

New Orleans Safe Driving School, a family-owned enterprise established in 1984 by Jewel A. Carney Sr., a retired Greyhound bus driver, and now operated with his sons, Jewel A. Carney Jr. and Jermaine A. Carney, is committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. The school offers a range of driving courses tailored to different age groups and licensing needs, including a 38-hour course for young learners (15-17 years old), a 14-hour course for adults (18+), and specialized CDL and forklift training. They focus on giving students the skills they need to be safe drivers.

South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) is a public community college established in 1997 in Lafayette, Louisiana. It aims to provide academic and vocational training to residents in Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes. SoLAcc is a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and merged with Acadiana Technical Colleges in July 2012, expanding its reach to eight parishes. The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certifications across four academic divisions: Business, Information Technology, and Technical Studies; Liberal Arts and Humanities; STEM, Transportation, and Energy; and Nursing and Allied Health. SoLAcc has multiple campuses, providing convenient access and online courses for remote learning. The college offers over 50 programs and serves approximately 10,000 students annually. It was recognized by the Aspen Institute as a top 150 community college in 2023. The college emphasizes affordability and offers financial aid options to students. Students can engage in campus life through clubs, organizations, and events, including the Student Government Association and leadership conferences. The college focuses on developing quality programs and ensuring students are prepared for the workforce or further education. SLCC prioritizes learning and community, offering a supportive environment with smaller class sizes and accessible professors.

Compliance Solutions provides environmental health and safety training, equipping employees with the tools to recognize and mitigate workplace hazards. They have been in the industry since 1995, offering courses designed by industry experts with extensive knowledge of codes and regulations. Their goal is to ensure all employees come home safely by imparting knowledge about hazard recognition, risk assessment, and proper safety protocols. They also offer consultation services on industrial hygiene and safety issues. Compliance Solutions offers a wide range of software systems for the effective and efficient implementation of compliance tasks. They support companies in making their compliance processes more effective and efficient with intelligent, AI-powered software solutions. Their software solutions help companies make their compliance processes more effective and efficient. They also provide digital legal and compliance solutions. More than 20,000 companies worldwide rely on Compliance Solutions. The solutions from Compliance Solutions are successfully used in globally operating corporations, in public institutions and organizations as well as in medium-sized companies worldwide. Customer satisfaction is a priority, with a US-based customer service team available to assist with questions or concerns.

Delgado Community College, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers a variety of academic programs and workforce development opportunities. The college is known for providing accessible education with flexible schedules, including hybrid and online classes, to accommodate students balancing school with work and other responsibilities. Many instructors are supportive and knowledgeable, and advisors are easily accessible, even offering online meetings. Delgado aims to support student growth and opportunity, with resources available to explore career paths and prepare for transferring to four-year universities. Delgado's campus community is often described as diverse and friendly, creating an inclusive atmosphere for students from various backgrounds. The college strives to provide quality education at affordable rates, with a focus on student success. While some students have noted administrative inefficiencies, particularly with financial aid and registration, the college is generally seen as supportive and committed to helping students achieve their goals. With multiple campus locations, including City Park, West Bank, and extension sites, Delgado serves a wide range of students in the New Orleans area. The college offers various resources, such as a rent-a-laptop program, and prioritizes the mental health of its students. Delgado's accessible environment and focus on student support make it a popular choice for those seeking higher education in the region. Delgado is a pragmatic approach to entering higher education. It's affordable and an accredited program is more valuable than most more expensive options. Many students use Delgado as a vehicle to get their standard pre-requisites done at a much cheaper cost.

160 Driving Academy in New Orleans offers accelerated Class A CDL training at its Bullard Avenue campus in eastern New Orleans, serving students across southern Louisiana. The program follows the national 160-hour curriculum — 40 hours in the classroom and 120 hours behind the wheel — completed in just four weeks. Instructors like Rob and Ms. Lisa have earned high marks from students for their patience and personalized teaching approach, helping graduates feel confident heading into their CDL skills and road tests. The New Orleans campus is FMCSA ELDT-compliant and provides comprehensive training that covers pre-trip inspections, city and interstate driving, and safety protocols. With low student-to-instructor ratios (approximately 4:1), students receive hands-on attention throughout the program. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 nationally, with employer reimbursement programs available through partner carriers for qualifying students. Job placement assistance is a core feature of the program — graduates are connected with leading trucking employers and can pursue the highest-paying regional and OTR positions. The school also offers free ELDT theory courses, CDL refresher training, and hazmat endorsement certification. Average starting salary for graduates is approximately $55,990 per year. Founded in 2012 and operating 140+ locations nationwide, 160 Driving Academy brings major-network resources to the New Orleans market. The program is a strong fit for career changers in the Gulf Coast region looking to enter the commercial trucking industry quickly and affordably.

The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1958, UNO offers a diverse and welcoming environment with a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and social activities. The university is known for its commitment to student success, with accessible faculty and real-world applicability in its programs. Popular programs include engineering, film, and accounting. UNO provides opportunities for students from various social and economic backgrounds to pursue higher education. The university's location in New Orleans offers a vibrant cultural backdrop, enriching the educational experience with networking, internships, and community engagement. While the campus is considered welcoming and clean, some reviews mention challenges such as bureaucratic issues and a desire for more student life activities. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, UNO aims to provide a supportive academic atmosphere. The university offers bachelor's, master's, post-master's certificates, and doctoral degrees. UNO is recognized as a solid and affordable choice for students seeking personal growth and academic rigor in a diverse urban setting.

Cooper's Defensive Driving School, certified by the National Safety Council (NSC of Louisiana), aims to cultivate safe driving habits. With courses designed to teach individuals how to operate a vehicle safely and avoid collisions, the school prepares students for the challenges of the road. Mrs. Cooper, the founder and instructor, has extensive experience in the driving and safety industry since 2000, including roles as a school bus driver, third-party instructor, and certified school bus instructor. The school emphasizes safe driving practices, training, and awareness.

Safe Road Truck Driving School, located in New Orleans, LA, provides quality and affordable truck and bus driver training services. Their experienced staff offers interpersonal training, ensuring student safety and up-to-date industry knowledge to prepare them for opportunities in the commercial driving industry. The school emphasizes hands-on, safety-oriented Class A CDL training, including classroom, yard, and over-the-road instruction to develop the skills and confidence needed to become a professional driver. Safe Road Truck Driving School aims to create skilled and safe drivers ready for the trucking industry.

Louisiana Truck Driving Training LLC, located in Tickfaw, Louisiana, offers FMCSA-compliant CDL training designed to help students earn their license quickly and confidently. The school prides itself on keeping the CDL process straightforward and easy to navigate, serving students from all over Louisiana. They offer flexible schedules and affordable pricing.

A truck driving school in New Orleans.

Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit and Catholic institution offering a blend of academic and cultural experiences in the vibrant city of New Orleans. The university welcomes students of diverse backgrounds and prepares them to lead meaningful lives, pursue truth and wisdom, and work for a more just world. Grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, Loyola also provides opportunities for professional studies in undergraduate and graduate programs. The small campus size fosters a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere with accessible faculty, allowing for meaningful interactions between professors and peers. Students appreciate the supportive environment that encourages personal growth amid the unique cultural backdrop of New Orleans. Many find the professors experienced and willing to help, creating personal relationships with students due to smaller class sizes. The university encourages students to explore all areas of course offerings, balancing lectures with class discussions. Loyola is known for its strong programs in the arts and counseling. The university also has a good reputation in the region, especially for its law program. Student life is closely intertwined with the city, offering countless opportunities for spiritual, academic, and career progression. Loyola University New Orleans was founded in 1912. The Career Development Center is available to assist students and recent graduates with their career goals. Financial aid is available, and counselors are available to help students navigate the process.