According to INDEXDOTCOM, Louisiana is located in the southern United States and is bordered by Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, Texas to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The state has an area of 51,843 square miles and is divided into four distinct regions: Coastal Plains, North Louisiana Hills, Central Louisiana Lowlands, and South Louisiana Plains. The Coastal Plains region is made up of marshy wetlands along with barrier islands that protect the coastline from storms. North Louisiana Hills consists of rolling hills and forests, while Central Louisiana Lowlands are home to flat terrain that includes large swamps. South Louisiana Plains are a mix of prairies and cypress swamps. The state also contains a number of rivers including the Mississippi River, Red River, Atchafalaya River, Sabine River, Pearl River, Calcasieu River and Ouachita River. According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Louisiana is home to a variety of universities, both public and private. The state’s flagship university is Louisiana State University (LSU), located in Baton Rouge. LSU is a major research institution with a diverse student body and offers over 200 degree programs across 12 colleges and schools. Other public universities in the state include the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University, Southern University, and Nicholls State University. Each of these universities offer a variety of degree programs and are known for their excellent academic standards. Louisiana also has many private universities including Tulane University in New Orleans; Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport; Loyola University New Orleans; Dillard University in New Orleans; Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans; Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans; and Our Lady of the Lake College near Baton Rouge. These institutions are well-regarded for their academic excellence as well as their commitment to service learning opportunities and community engagement initiatives.