About Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University attracts students seeking hands-on engineering education in one of America's most remote college settings. With just 1,391 students, this small public university sits near the Canadian border in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The school has built a reputation for practical engineering programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment. Nearly 90% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a specialized engineering school. Students pay an average net price of $14,368 after aid, with low-income families paying just $9,949. Graduates earn a median of $49,045 ten years after college, which helps explain the manageable $23,250 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $246, making the degree affordable for most engineering careers. The 97.5% employment rate shows strong job placement.
Lakers compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 150 total athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention in labs and classrooms. However, the 69% retention rate suggests the remote location and rigorous programs aren't for everyone. Students who thrive here typically love outdoor activities and prefer small-town college life over big-city distractions.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a specialized engineering school. Students pay an average net price of $14,368 after aid, with low-income families paying just $9,949. Graduates earn a median of $49,045 ten years after college, which helps explain the manageable $23,250 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average $246, making the degree affordable for most engineering careers. The 97.5% employment rate shows strong job placement.
Lakers compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 150 total athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention in labs and classrooms. However, the 69% retention rate suggests the remote location and rigorous programs aren't for everyone. Students who thrive here typically love outdoor activities and prefer small-town college life over big-city distractions.
Academics & Faculty
Lake Superior State University built its reputation on engineering programs that prepare students for careers in the automotive and manufacturing industries. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide hands-on mentoring in labs and field work. Engineering students benefit from the school's proximity to major shipping channels and industrial facilities along the Great Lakes. The 53.93% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of technical coursework, though graduates earn a median of $49,045 within ten years. The university also offers strong programs in fisheries and wildlife, criminal justice, and business. Small class sizes allow for intensive research opportunities typically found only at larger universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.9%
- Retention Rate
- 68.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,045
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,601 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,639 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $36,312 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,988 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
Lake Superior State sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow can linger into April. The campus houses 1,108 students in dormitories, accommodating nearly 80% of the total enrollment of 1,391. Students bundle up for walks between classes and embrace the harsh winters as part of the experience.
Sault Ste. Marie feels isolated from major cities, sitting roughly 350 miles north of Detroit and just across the border from Ontario. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Nearly 90% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Lakers hockey draws passionate crowds during the long winter months, while outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of nearby Lake Superior for kayaking and hiking when weather permits. The engineering programs attract students who don't mind the remote location for quality hands-on training. Campus life revolves around close friendships and indoor activities during the extended winter season, with students often crossing into Canada for weekend trips.
Sault Ste. Marie feels isolated from major cities, sitting roughly 350 miles north of Detroit and just across the border from Ontario. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Nearly 90% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Lakers hockey draws passionate crowds during the long winter months, while outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of nearby Lake Superior for kayaking and hiking when weather permits. The engineering programs attract students who don't mind the remote location for quality hands-on training. Campus life revolves around close friendships and indoor activities during the extended winter season, with students often crossing into Canada for weekend trips.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,108 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–23°F
- July Avg
- 54°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 67.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -548.9"
Student Demographics
Lake Superior State draws primarily from Michigan, with nearly 90% of students coming from in-state. The strong local pull reflects the university's reputation as an affordable engineering school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Women slightly outnumber men at 56% to 44%, though the gender split is closer than at many liberal arts colleges. About three in ten students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking practical degrees. The student body of 1,391 creates a tight-knit community where students bond over harsh winters and outdoor recreation near the Canadian border.
- Men
- 44.5%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 73.1%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 0.5%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 89.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.1%
Location
Sault Ste Marie sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 350 miles north of Detroit and directly across from Ontario, Canada. The town of roughly 13,000 residents hosts Lake Superior State's 1,391 students in a remote setting where 89.52% of undergraduates come from in-state. The campus overlooks the St. Marys River and the famous Soo Locks, where massive freighters pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, creating a true northern wilderness experience. The area offers excellent outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Lake Superior State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Sault Ste Marie, Michigan 49783
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,045
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,223
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lake Superior State University?
Lake Superior State University accepts 76.91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1113. This Upper Peninsula engineering school provides accessible admission for students seeking technical programs near the Canadian border.
How much does Lake Superior State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,368, with lower-income families paying as little as $8,477 annually. Students graduate with a median debt of $23,250 and monthly loan payments of $246.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake Superior State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 across 1,391 total students. This small public university is known for its strong engineering programs and close-knit academic environment in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Lake Superior State University?
Graduates achieve a 97.5% employment rate with median earnings of $49,045 after ten years. The 56.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's technical focus and hands-on learning approach.
Where is Lake Superior State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in remote Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, with housing for 1,108 students and a 68.83% retention rate. Lakers compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and $1.88 million in athletic scholarships.
Does Lake Superior State University serve mostly in-state students?
Yes, 89.52% of students come from Michigan, with the same $14,266 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. This unique pricing structure makes the border location equally accessible to students from Michigan and neighboring areas.
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