Southeastern Louisiana University: 99.0% Acceptance Rate

99.0%Acceptance

$8,373Tuition

9,514Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,482Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University builds teachers and serves its region with practical programs that prepare students for real careers. The university enrolls 9,514 students in Hammond, a small city about an hour from New Orleans. Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning walked these halls, along with businessman Frank Ameduri. Nearly 98% of applicants get accepted, making this an accessible choice for Louisiana students seeking quality education without top admissions pressure.

Students pay an average net price of $12,174 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $46,482 ten years after leaving school. Most students borrow modestly, with median debt of $22,113 and monthly payments around $234. The employment rate hits 94.8%, suggesting the university's career-focused approach works. With 66% of borrowers successfully repaying loans, the financial outcomes appear manageable for most graduates.

Nearly two-thirds of students are women, and 97% come from Louisiana. The Lions compete in Division I athletics with 12 varsity sports. However, academic outcomes need attention - only 45% of students graduate within six years. The 76% retention rate suggests some students struggle to stay engaged, though those who persist generally find employment after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Southeastern Louisiana University built its academic reputation on teacher education, producing educators who staff schools across Louisiana and the Gulf South. The university operates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors despite its regional public university size. Students can choose from programs spanning education, business, nursing, and liberal arts. The 44.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, as 33% of students receive Pell Grants. Southeastern's strength lies in practical, career-focused programs that prepare graduates for Louisiana's job market. The university maintains its commitment to accessible education while serving a student body that is 97.4% in-state residents.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.8%
Retention Rate: 76.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,482
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$92,712
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$61,728
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$61,516
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$56,776
Engineering Technology, General.	Bachelor	$52,107
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$51,106
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$49,696
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$48,823
Education, Other.	Master	$46,321
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$43,798

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Hammond sits an hour northwest of New Orleans, putting students within reach of the French Quarter's nightlife and internship opportunities. The 365-acre campus houses 2,648 students, meaning about 28% of the 9,514 total enrollment lives on campus. Most students are Louisiana natives, with 97% coming from in-state.

The humid subtropical climate means shorts and flip-flops dominate most of the academic year. Students spend weekends at Lake Pontchartrain, just minutes from campus, or catching Lions games at Strawberry Stadium. The university's 12 Division I sports teams compete in the Southland Conference, with 381 student-athletes representing about 4% of the student body. Greek life provides social structure for many students, while the 76% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their footing. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the education programs that put Southeastern on the map. When students need city excitement, New Orleans beckons with its music scene and job market that helps explain the solid 95% employment rate after graduation.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,648 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	8	6	0
Stalking	7	4	0
Burglary	4	0	0
Fondling	2	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	0
Rape	2	2	0
Domestic Violence	2	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–61°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 64.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly 98% of students at Southeastern Louisiana University come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep roots in serving southeast Louisiana communities. Women make up 62% of the student body, largely drawn to the university's well-known teacher education programs that have prepared generations of Louisiana educators. The campus attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with about one-third receiving Pell Grants. This regional public university has built its reputation by providing affordable, accessible higher education to local families who want quality programs close to home.

Men: 38.1%
Women: 61.9%
White: 65.4%
Black: 19.3%
Hispanic: 7.2%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.0%

Location

Hammond sits 45 miles northwest of New Orleans in southeastern Louisiana's piney woods region. The city of 20,000 residents provides a classic college town atmosphere where Southeastern's 9,514 students make up nearly half the local population. Students can reach the French Quarter in under an hour for weekend trips while enjoying small-town Louisiana charm during the week. The area blends suburban conveniences with easy access to Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore. Hammond's downtown district revolves around the university, creating tight community connections. The humid subtropical climate means year-round outdoor activities and mild winters. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Southeastern Louisiana University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hammond, Louisiana 70402

Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,482
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,649
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $234/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,113

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southeastern Louisiana University?

Southeastern Louisiana University accepts 98.98% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students across Louisiana. The average ACT score is 21, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of students in the region.

How much does Southeastern Louisiana University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Southeastern Louisiana University is $12,174, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,806. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university keeps education affordable for Louisiana families.

What is Southeastern Louisiana University known for academically?

Southeastern Louisiana University is recognized for its strong teacher education programs that prepare educators across Louisiana. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and 9,514 total students, the university maintains a personal learning environment while offering comprehensive undergraduate programs.

What are the graduation rates at Southeastern Louisiana University?

Southeastern Louisiana University has a 44.8% six-year graduation rate and 76.24% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,482 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 94.8% showing strong job market outcomes.

Where is Southeastern Louisiana University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Hammond, Louisiana, a small city setting that serves the greater New Orleans area. With housing capacity for 2,648 students and 12 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division I, campus life centers around the Lions athletic programs and regional Louisiana culture.

Does Southeastern Louisiana University have any famous alumni?

The university's most notable alumnus is NFL quarterback Eli Manning, who won two Super Bowl championships with the New York Giants. With 97.44% of students coming from in-state, Southeastern Louisiana University has deep roots in training professionals who stay and work in Louisiana.