Louisiana offers 8 private colleges and universities along with 4 university and technical college systems with a combined total of 30 campuses. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools grants accreditation to 41 educational programs throughout the state. New Orleans is home to the world famous "Mardi Gras", a celebration of food and fun just before the 40 days of Lent, as well as Tulane University, a highly respected private research university. The Louisiana Independent College Foundation manages undergraduate research and scholarship programs to support private higher education in Louisiana. Available degree programs range from two-year associate degrees to doctoral level programs.