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75.7%Acceptance
$11,954Tuition
29,207Students
71%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,251Earnings
#4 in LouisianaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Tiger pride runs deep at this Louisiana powerhouse where 29,207 students gather in Baton Rouge's mid-sized city setting. The university built its reputation on championship football and produces NBA stars like Shaquille O'Neal and political heavyweights like strategist James Carville. With a 76% acceptance rate, LSU welcomes motivated students who score around 1230 on the SAT. The public research university dominates Louisiana athletics while serving as the state's flagship institution.

Students pay an average net price of $20,015 after financial aid, which proves reasonable given graduates earn a median $61,251 within ten years. In-state students get the better deal at $11,954 in tuition compared to $28,631 for out-of-state residents. Graduates typically carry $20,500 in debt with monthly payments around $217. The investment pays off with a 94% employment rate after graduation.

Saturday football games define campus culture where 526 student-athletes compete across 17 sports with over $12 million in athletic scholarships. The student body leans female at 56% and draws primarily from Louisiana with 72% in-state enrollment. With an 84% retention rate and 71% graduating within six years, most Tigers stick around to finish what they started.

Academics & Faculty

LSU operates as a major research university with particular strength in petroleum engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The school's 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common, especially in introductory courses. About 71% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in navigating a large public university system. The agricultural and mechanical heritage shows in strong programs like animal sciences and engineering. LSU's research focus creates opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside faculty on projects. The university's location in Louisiana's capital provides internships in government and industry. Students serious about academics find solid programs, but success requires initiative in such a large environment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
88.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
70.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.0%
Retention Rate
84.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,251
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Veterinary Medicine. Bachelor $78,029
Chemical Engineering. Bachelor $76,460
Industrial Engineering. Bachelor $73,949
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $71,402
Mechanical Engineering. Master $71,015
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $68,965
Veterinary Medicine. Doctoral $67,660
Construction Management. Bachelor $67,101
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $66,915
Accounting and Related Services. Master $63,005

View all 302 programs →

Campus Life

Purple and gold dominate every corner of this sprawling Baton Rouge campus, where 29,207 students live and breathe Tiger pride. Only 30% of undergraduates live in the 8,765-capacity residence halls, but campus feels electric on game days when 102,000 fans pack Tiger Stadium. Students spend weekends tailgating in the Parade Grounds, exploring downtown Baton Rouge's music venues, or soaking up Louisiana sun that rarely requires more than a light jacket.

The humid subtropical climate means flip-flops work year-round, though you'll want an umbrella during frequent afternoon thunderstorms. With 71% of students from Louisiana, the culture runs deep with Cajun influences and Southern hospitality. Friday nights revolve around Mike the Tiger, the live mascot whose habitat sits right on campus. Students gather at the Chimes for crawfish, cheer at baseball games in Alex Box Stadium, and study late in the 24-hour library. New Orleans sits just 80 miles southeast, perfect for weekend adventures when campus life needs a break.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
8,765 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

291 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 53 22 5 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 68 0 0 0
Stalking 33 14 0 1
Rape 24 12 0 0
Dating Violence 20 12 0 0
Aggravated Assault 13 2 0 2
Fondling 6 1 0 0
Robbery 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
40°–60°F
July Avg
73°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
60.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

LSU draws students who bleed purple and gold, with 72% coming from Louisiana to stay close to home for top-tier academics and legendary football. The student body skews female at 56%, reflecting strong programs in fields like education, social work, and health sciences. Nearly one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing LSU's commitment to serving working-class Louisiana families. White students make up the majority at 61%, while Black students represent 19% of enrollment, creating a diverse campus that mirrors Louisiana's cultural heritage. This mix produces graduates who often stay in-state to build careers.
Men
44.4%
Women
55.6%
White
60.6%
Black
18.6%
Hispanic
10.0%
Asian
4.9%
In-State Students
71.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.7%

Location

Baton Rouge sits 80 miles northwest of New Orleans along the Mississippi River, serving as Louisiana's capital city with a population of around 230,000. The campus spreads across 2,000 acres in this mid-sized city that blends government, industry, and college life. Students experience a true Southern atmosphere with year-round warmth, Cajun and Creole culture, and the political energy of the state capital. The 71.56% in-state enrollment reflects LSU's role as Louisiana's flagship university. Downtown Baton Rouge offers internships in government and petrochemical industries, while the nearby Atchafalaya Basin provides outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare LSU with similar schools in the region.
Address
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-2750
Alex Bregman during his at-bat, March 2
Alex Bregman during his at-bat, March 2
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow
James Carville 1
James Carville 1
Claire L. Chennault
Claire L. Chennault
Edwin Edwards
Edwin Edwards

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,251
Median Earnings (5 years)
$63,498
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,000
Loan Repayment Rate
72.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?

LSU admits 75.72% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for a major research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1320 on the SAT. This Tigers powerhouse attracts students who want big-time college athletics alongside solid academics.

How much does Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,015 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $11,954 while out-of-state students face $28,631 in tuition costs. The university keeps costs manageable for Louisiana families, with 71.56% of students coming from in-state.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?

LSU maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its 29,207 enrolled students. The retention rate sits at 84.01%, showing most students adjust well to campus life in Louisiana's capital. This public research university balances accessibility with academic support.

What do Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn?

LSU alumni earn a median salary of $61,251 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.2%, reflecting strong job placement in Louisiana and beyond. Graduates typically leave with $20,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217.

Where do students live at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?

The campus houses 8,765 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $14,296 annually. LSU's Baton Rouge location puts students in a mid-size city that serves as Louisiana's political center. The Tigers create a active campus culture that extends well beyond the legendary football program.

How strong are athletics at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College?

LSU fields 17 varsity sports with 526 total athletes competing in NCAA Division I. The university awards $12,378,616 in athletic scholarships annually. This SEC powerhouse has produced legends like Shaquille O'Neal and maintains fierce rivalries with Alabama and Auburn.