Louisiana State University-Alexandria: 57.7% Acceptance Rate

57.7%Acceptance

$7,050Tuition

4,414Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,205Earnings

#16 in LouisianaPublic4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Louisiana State University-Alexandria serves as a regional campus that focuses heavily on health sciences and nursing programs. The university enrolls 4,414 students in a rural setting just outside Alexandria. Women make up 72% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong emphasis on nursing and allied health fields. LSU-Alexandria has built its reputation around preparing students for healthcare careers in central Louisiana.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $8,365 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $7,050. Graduates earn a median of $42,205 ten years after starting college. Students typically leave with $19,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201. The 62.7% loan repayment rate suggests graduates generally find steady work to handle their obligations.

Nearly 89% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community feel on campus. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention from professors. However, only 35.5% of students graduate within six years, and the 67.8% retention rate indicates some students struggle to stay enrolled. The campus houses just 390 students, so most commute from the surrounding area.

Academics & Faculty

LSU Alexandria operates as a regional public university serving central Louisiana with a focus on professional preparation and workforce development. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than larger state universities, though the 35.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies. The university is known for its nursing, education, and business programs that directly feed into local job markets. Many students attend part-time while working, which explains the 67.8% retention rate. The school emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than research, with programs designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in healthcare, education, and business sectors throughout Louisiana.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.5%
Retention Rate: 67.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,205
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$44,021
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$42,235
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$30,228
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$30,228
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$29,685
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

With 4,414 students spread across a rural-fringe campus, Louisiana State University-Alexandria feels more like an extended community college than a traditional university experience. Only 390 housing spots exist for the entire student body, meaning most of the 88.54% in-state students commute from home or nearby apartments. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name, but it also means fewer campus activities and social options.

Alexandria sits about two hours from both Baton Rouge and Shreveport, placing students in Louisiana's geographic center without easy access to major city amenities. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need both air conditioning and occasional light jackets, but rarely heavy winter gear. With 72.29% women and a 67.83% retention rate, the student body skews heavily female and many transfer elsewhere after freshman year. Weekends often revolve around the seven NAIA sports teams or driving to larger cities for entertainment. The campus culture centers more on academics and career preparation than traditional college social life.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 390 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–58°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 140.3"
Annual Snowfall: -2,332.9"

Student Demographics

LSU Alexandria draws heavily from Louisiana, with nearly 9 in 10 students staying close to home for college. The student body is predominantly female, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more women. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing LSUA serves many first-generation and working-class families from central Louisiana. The racial diversity mirrors the region, with a significant African American population alongside white students. This creates a tight-knit campus community rooted in local culture and focused on practical career preparation.

Men: 27.7%
Women: 72.3%
White: 57.6%
Black: 20.2%
Hispanic: 1.0%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 88.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.6%

Location

Alexandria sits in central Louisiana, about 135 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and 200 miles southeast of Shreveport. The city of roughly 45,000 residents serves as a regional center for commerce and healthcare in the Red River Valley. Students find themselves in a mid-sized community that blends Southern charm with practical amenities. With 88.54% of LSUA's enrollment coming from in-state, most students are familiar with Louisiana's culture and climate. The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting that offers more space and quiet than urban environments while maintaining access to city services. Alexandria's location provides easy access to outdoor recreation along the Red River and nearby Kisatchie National Forest. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Louisiana State University-Alexandria with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alexandria, Louisiana 71302-9121

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,205
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,752
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 62.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana State University-Alexandria?

Louisiana State University-Alexandria accepts 57.67% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1010, with most admitted students scoring between 910 and 1110. LSUA serves as a regional branch of the LSU system, focusing on accessible higher education for central Louisiana.

How much does Louisiana State University-Alexandria cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,365 annually after financial aid at LSUA. In-state tuition is just $7,050, while out-of-state students pay $14,650. The school keeps costs affordable as part of its mission to serve working-class students in rural Louisiana.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Louisiana State University-Alexandria?

LSUA maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,414 total students. The retention rate is 67.83%, reflecting the challenges many first-generation college students face. This smaller branch campus emphasizes personalized attention and support services.

How much do Louisiana State University-Alexandria graduates earn?

LSUA graduates earn a median salary of $42,205 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.3%, showing strong job placement in the region. However, only 35.50% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the school's diverse student population that includes many part-time and working students.

Where do students live at Louisiana State University-Alexandria?

LSUA has housing capacity for just 390 students on its rural-fringe campus in Alexandria. With 88.54% of students coming from Louisiana, most commute from the surrounding central Louisiana region. The campus serves as a commuter-friendly option for local students seeking affordable higher education.

What makes Louisiana State University-Alexandria unique in terms of student demographics?

LSUA has an unusually high proportion of female students at 72.29%, compared to just 27.71% male students. The student body is 57.57% white and 20.19% Black, reflecting the demographics of central Louisiana. This gender imbalance is common among regional universities that emphasize education, nursing, and social work programs.