About Grambling State University
Grambling State University built its reputation on the gridiron and in the stands, where its world-famous Tiger Marching Band has performed at Super Bowls and Mardi Gras parades for decades. This historically black university enrolls 4,144 students in rural Louisiana and has produced NFL legends like Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and Hall of Fame receiver Charlie Joiner. The campus sits in a small town setting where football Saturdays define the rhythm of campus life. Students face a 42% acceptance rate, with average SAT scores around 915.
The financial picture requires careful planning. Students pay an average net price of $19,125 after aid, with 72% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $41,109 ten years after graduation, but carry median debt of $36,500 with monthly loan payments of $387. The 41% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to manage their debt burden relative to their earnings.
Women make up 65% of the student body, and 93% of students are Black. The 32% six-year graduation rate trails national averages, though 76% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Athletics remain central to campus identity, with 330 student-athletes competing across 11 Division I sports and drawing significant scholarship support totaling over $3.5 million annually.
The financial picture requires careful planning. Students pay an average net price of $19,125 after aid, with 72% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $41,109 ten years after graduation, but carry median debt of $36,500 with monthly loan payments of $387. The 41% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to manage their debt burden relative to their earnings.
Women make up 65% of the student body, and 93% of students are Black. The 32% six-year graduation rate trails national averages, though 76% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Athletics remain central to campus identity, with 330 student-athletes competing across 11 Division I sports and drawing significant scholarship support totaling over $3.5 million annually.
Academics & Faculty
Grambling State serves as a historically black university with a broad range of undergraduate programs, though students face significant academic challenges. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention in many classes. Only 32% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the academic and financial hurdles many face. The school traditionally emphasizes education, business, and communications programs. About 72% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university primarily serves low-income students who often work while studying. Grambling's academic reputation stems more from developing first-generation college graduates than from research excellence. The university provides essential educational access in rural Louisiana, where few other four-year options exist.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,109
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $82,204 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $40,485 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $39,009 |
| Social Work. | Master | $36,745 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $34,277 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Master | $31,839 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
Campus Life
Grambling sits in rural northern Louisiana, about 45 minutes from Monroe and two hours from Shreveport. The campus houses 2,389 students, meaning roughly 58% of the 4,144 total enrollment lives on campus. You'll need both sunscreen and a light jacket here - Louisiana's humid subtropical climate brings hot, sticky summers and mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
The Tigers are legendary for their football program and the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, which has performed at multiple Super Bowls and Mardi Gras parades. Game days transform the small town atmosphere, drawing alumni and fans from across the region. With 64.55% women and 92.78% Black students, Grambling maintains its identity as a top HBCU. Students often travel to nearby Ruston for shopping and dining options, or make weekend trips to Monroe. Greek life and student organizations provide most campus social activities. The tight-knit community feel means professors know your name, but the 25:1 student-faculty ratio can make popular classes crowded.
The Tigers are legendary for their football program and the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, which has performed at multiple Super Bowls and Mardi Gras parades. Game days transform the small town atmosphere, drawing alumni and fans from across the region. With 64.55% women and 92.78% Black students, Grambling maintains its identity as a top HBCU. Students often travel to nearby Ruston for shopping and dining options, or make weekend trips to Monroe. Greek life and student organizations provide most campus social activities. The tight-knit community feel means professors know your name, but the 25:1 student-faculty ratio can make popular classes crowded.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,389 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–54°F
- July Avg
- 69°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.1"
Student Demographics
Grambling draws students from across the nation who want the HBCU experience, with 46% coming from out-of-state. The student body is overwhelmingly Black, reflecting the university's mission as a historically Black institution. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for many HBCUs where education and nursing programs attract female students. Most students come from working-class families, with 72% receiving Pell Grants. This creates a tight-knit community where students share similar backgrounds and understand the value of education as a pathway to opportunity.
- Men
- 35.5%
- Women
- 64.6%
- White
- 0.5%
- Black
- 92.8%
- Hispanic
- 1.5%
- Asian
- 0.1%
- In-State Students
- 53.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 72.2%
Location
Grambling sits in rural northern Louisiana, about 45 miles from Monroe and 65 miles from Shreveport. The 4,144-student campus operates in a classic small college town setting where the university dominates the local landscape. Students find themselves surrounded by pine forests and farmland typical of the region's agricultural character. The town's population swells during football season when the famous Tiger Band draws crowds. With 53.83% of students coming from Louisiana, many appreciate the quieter pace compared to urban campuses. The setting offers a tight-knit community feel where basketball games and homecoming celebrations become major social events. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Grambling State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Grambling, Louisiana 71245
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,109
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,402
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $387/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $36,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Grambling State University?
Grambling State University accepts 42.37% of applicants, making it moderately selective for an HBCU. The average SAT score is 915, reflecting the university's mission to serve students from diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Grambling State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $19,125, with 72.17% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $16,447, making this historically black university accessible to low-income students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Grambling State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 25:1 across the 4,144-student campus. This relatively high ratio is typical for public universities, though students benefit from Grambling's tight-knit HBCU community atmosphere.
What are the graduation outcomes at Grambling State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 32.30%, while graduates earn a median salary of $41,109 ten years after enrollment. The retention rate of 76.19% shows that most students who start at Grambling stay engaged with their education.
Where is Grambling State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Grambling, Louisiana, with housing for 2,389 students on campus. Women make up 64.55% of the student body, and 92.78% of students are Black, creating a strong cultural community at this historic institution.
Is Grambling State University known for its athletics program?
Grambling competes in NCAA Division I with 330 total athletes across 11 varsity sports. The Tigers are legendary for their football program and world-famous marching band, with $3.5 million in athletic scholarships supporting student-athletes.
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