About Louisiana Christian University
Louisiana Christian University shapes students through faith-based education in small-town Louisiana. This Southern Baptist institution enrolls just 750 students in Pineville, creating an intimate campus where Christian values guide academic life. The university accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1105. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.
The financial picture tells a manageable story for families committed to Christian education. Students pay an average net price of $16,874 after aid, while tuition runs $19,740 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,700 ten years after enrollment, though they typically carry $21,875 in debt with monthly payments of $232. The 95% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the modest 41% six-year graduation rate.
Campus life revolves around faith and community in central Louisiana. Men comprise 57% of the student body, while 85% come from in-state. The Wildcats compete in 10 NAIA sports with 343 total athletes receiving $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. Students live on a campus that houses 703 residents, fostering the tight-knit community that defines the Louisiana Christian experience.
The financial picture tells a manageable story for families committed to Christian education. Students pay an average net price of $16,874 after aid, while tuition runs $19,740 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,700 ten years after enrollment, though they typically carry $21,875 in debt with monthly payments of $232. The 95% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the modest 41% six-year graduation rate.
Campus life revolves around faith and community in central Louisiana. Men comprise 57% of the student body, while 85% come from in-state. The Wildcats compete in 10 NAIA sports with 343 total athletes receiving $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. Students live on a campus that houses 703 residents, fostering the tight-knit community that defines the Louisiana Christian experience.
Academics & Faculty
Louisiana Christian University operates as a small Baptist liberal arts college where faith integrates with traditional academic disciplines. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students personally. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite this close attention. The university emphasizes Christian worldview integration across its curriculum, requiring chapel attendance and faith-based coursework. Students can choose from programs in education, business, nursing, and biblical studies, with many graduates entering ministry or Christian service. The small size of 750 students means limited research opportunities but strong mentorship from faculty who prioritize teaching over publication.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.3%
- Retention Rate
- 60.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,700
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,211 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,937 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,342 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
Campus Life
Louisiana Christian University sits on a tree-lined campus in Pineville, just across the Red River from Alexandria. The 750 students experience four distinct seasons, though Louisiana's mild winters mean a light jacket suffices most days. Summer heat and humidity require plenty of air conditioning and water bottles. With housing capacity for 703 students, nearly all undergraduates live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and faith integration happens naturally in classroom discussions. Chapel services bring the campus together regularly, reflecting the university's Southern Baptist roots. With 343 athletes competing in 10 NAIA sports, Wildcats games draw enthusiastic crowds despite the small enrollment. Weekends often revolve around campus activities, intramural sports, and trips to Alexandria for shopping or dining. The 60.82% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the intimate campus environment or academic demands. Students who thrive here appreciate the personal attention and Christian community atmosphere.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and faith integration happens naturally in classroom discussions. Chapel services bring the campus together regularly, reflecting the university's Southern Baptist roots. With 343 athletes competing in 10 NAIA sports, Wildcats games draw enthusiastic crowds despite the small enrollment. Weekends often revolve around campus activities, intramural sports, and trips to Alexandria for shopping or dining. The 60.82% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the intimate campus environment or academic demands. Students who thrive here appreciate the personal attention and Christian community atmosphere.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 703 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1906
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–58°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
Louisiana Christian University draws students who value faith-based education close to home. With 85% coming from Louisiana, the school has built a strong regional reputation among Baptist families throughout the state. The student body reflects Louisiana's diversity, bringing together white, Black, and Hispanic students in roughly equal measure to the school's Christian mission. More men than women choose LCU, likely drawn to programs like business and criminal justice that align with traditional career paths. Four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education.
- Men
- 56.8%
- Women
- 43.2%
- White
- 56.4%
- Black
- 27.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.1%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 84.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.8%
Location
Louisiana Christian University sits in Pineville, a small suburb in central Louisiana just across the Red River from Alexandria. The twin cities form the region's commercial center, with a combined metro population of about 150,000. Pineville offers the feel of a traditional Southern college town while staying connected to Alexandria's shopping and dining options. The area sits in Louisiana's piney woods region, known for rolling hills and dense forests that provide a different landscape from the state's famous bayous and coastal plains. Students enjoy outdoor recreation at nearby Kisatchie National Forest. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Louisiana Christian University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Pineville, Louisiana 71359
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,700
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,629
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $232/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,875
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana Christian University?
Louisiana Christian University accepts 74.61% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. Incoming students typically score around 1105 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT, reflecting the university's mission to serve students with varying academic backgrounds.
How much does Louisiana Christian University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,874 annually after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $28,996. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $21,875 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Louisiana Christian University?
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 across the 750-student campus, ensuring personalized attention in this Baptist-affiliated setting. However, only 39% of students graduate within four years, suggesting academic challenges despite the small class sizes.
What do Louisiana Christian University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $51,700 ten years after graduation, with a 95.2% employment rate. The university's Christian liberal arts focus prepares students for diverse careers, though earnings start lower at $42,657 in the first year.
Where is Louisiana Christian University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pineville, Louisiana, housing 703 students in a small suburban setting. With 343 student-athletes competing in 10 NAIA sports and receiving over $2.1 million in athletic scholarships, the Wildcats emphasize both faith and athletics.
Is Louisiana Christian University religiously affiliated?
Founded in 1906, the university maintains strong ties to the Southern Baptist Convention and Louisiana Baptist Convention. The faith-based mission attracts students seeking Christian higher education, with 85% coming from within Louisiana.
