About Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech built its reputation around engineering excellence and proving that small-town schools can compete at the highest levels. The university enrolls 7,819 students in rural Ruston, producing graduates like NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and NBA legend Karl Malone. With an acceptance rate of 62%, Tech attracts students who score an average of 1184 on the SAT. The engineering programs remain the crown jewel, while the Bulldogs consistently punch above their weight in Division I athletics.
Students pay an average net price of $12,209 after financial aid, making this one of Louisiana's more affordable options for quality education. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,279 within ten years, carrying typical debt loads of $22,135. The return on investment works well for most students, especially those in technical fields. Monthly loan payments average $235, manageable given the earning potential.
Nearly all students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community where 84% return for sophomore year. The student body leans male at 57%, reflecting the engineering focus. With only 343 total athletes across 12 sports, Louisiana Tech maximizes talent through smart recruiting and coaching. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace.
Students pay an average net price of $12,209 after financial aid, making this one of Louisiana's more affordable options for quality education. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,279 within ten years, carrying typical debt loads of $22,135. The return on investment works well for most students, especially those in technical fields. Monthly loan payments average $235, manageable given the earning potential.
Nearly all students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community where 84% return for sophomore year. The student body leans male at 57%, reflecting the engineering focus. With only 343 total athletes across 12 sports, Louisiana Tech maximizes talent through smart recruiting and coaching. The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace.
Academics & Faculty
Louisiana Tech built its reputation as an engineering powerhouse, with the College of Engineering and Science drawing students from across the South. The university operates on a quarter system that allows for intensive, focused coursework. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at smaller colleges, but professors remain accessible in this tight-knit campus community. The 58.77% four-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of Tech's programs, particularly in engineering and computer science. Students benefit from strong industry connections that the university has cultivated over its 130-year history. The school also maintains solid programs in business, education, and forestry that serve Louisiana's economic needs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.6%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,279
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $82,440 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $56,415 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,810 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $53,108 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $52,107 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $49,214 |
| Architecture. | Master | $47,260 |
Campus Life
Ruston sits 90 minutes west of Shreveport in Louisiana's pine forests, home to 7,819 students who embrace small-town college life. About 33% of students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where familiar faces appear across the quad daily. The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, with students often gathering at the Davison Athletic Complex or intramural fields between classes.
Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means shorts and t-shirts dominate most of the academic year, though you'll want a light jacket for occasional winter dips into the 40s. Football Saturdays transform the campus as Bulldogs fans pack Joe Aillet Stadium, continuing a tradition that dates back decades. With 99.3% of students from Louisiana, weekend social life revolves around local haunts like Railroad Park or drives to nearby Grambling for parties. The engineering-heavy student body balances rigorous coursework with outdoor activities at Lake Claiborne, just 20 minutes away. Greek life provides additional social structure, though the overall vibe remains relaxed and Southern-friendly.
Louisiana's humid subtropical climate means shorts and t-shirts dominate most of the academic year, though you'll want a light jacket for occasional winter dips into the 40s. Football Saturdays transform the campus as Bulldogs fans pack Joe Aillet Stadium, continuing a tradition that dates back decades. With 99.3% of students from Louisiana, weekend social life revolves around local haunts like Railroad Park or drives to nearby Grambling for parties. The engineering-heavy student body balances rigorous coursework with outdoor activities at Lake Claiborne, just 20 minutes away. Greek life provides additional social structure, though the overall vibe remains relaxed and Southern-friendly.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,614 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1894
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–57°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
Louisiana Tech draws almost entirely from within Louisiana, with 99% of students calling the state home. This deep local connection reflects the university's role as a cornerstone institution for northern Louisiana families. Men slightly outnumber women at 57% to 43%, largely due to the school's well-known engineering programs that have historically attracted more male students. The student body is predominantly white at 74%, with Black students comprising 11% of enrollment. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working-class Louisiana families seeking quality technical education close to home.
- Men
- 56.6%
- Women
- 43.4%
- White
- 73.7%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 99.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.5%
Location
Louisiana Tech sits in Ruston, a college town of about 22,000 people in north-central Louisiana. The campus lies roughly 70 miles from Shreveport and 30 miles west of Monroe. Nearly all students come from within Louisiana, with 99.30% claiming in-state residency. The surrounding region features rolling hills and pine forests typical of the northern Louisiana landscape. Ruston revolves around the university and nearby Grambling State, creating a dual college town atmosphere. The area offers outdoor recreation at Lake D'Arbonne and Lincoln Parish Park, while maintaining that small-town Southern charm where football dominates fall weekends. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Louisiana Tech with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ruston, Louisiana 71272
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,279
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,389
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $235/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,135
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana Tech University?
Louisiana Tech accepts 62.37% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1088 to 1280. The engineering-focused university draws students primarily from Louisiana, with 99.30% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Louisiana Tech University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,209, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,529 after aid. Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,135 and monthly loan payments of $235.
What is Louisiana Tech University known for academically?
Louisiana Tech built its reputation on strong engineering programs that prepare students for high-paying careers. The university operates on a quarter system with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio across its 7,819 students.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Louisiana Tech University?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,279 ten years after graduation with an impressive 95.8% employment rate. The university's 57.60% six-year graduation rate reflects its challenging but career-focused programs.
Where is Louisiana Tech University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Ruston, a small town in northern Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community feel among its 7,819 students. With housing for 2,614 students and an 83.99% retention rate, most students stay connected to campus throughout their college years.
Does Louisiana Tech University have successful athletics programs?
The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I with 343 athletes across 12 varsity sports, backed by nearly $6 million in athletic scholarships. Notable alumni include NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw and NBA legend Karl Malone, highlighting the university's athletic legacy despite its relatively small size.
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