About University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The Ragin' Cajuns bring engineering excellence and Cajun culture together on a campus of 12,269 students in mid-sized Lafayette. This public research university has built a strong reputation in engineering and computer science while celebrating the unique heritage of Acadiana. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme and actress Donna Douglas from The Beverly Hillbillies. With a 74.56% acceptance rate, ULL welcomes students into programs that blend technical rigor with regional pride.
Students pay an average net price of $14,118 after aid, making this one of Louisiana's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $47,089 ten years out, which helps explain why most handle their typical $22,902 in debt with monthly payments around $243. The math works especially well for Louisiana residents, who comprise 94.91% of the student body and pay just $10,418 in tuition.
The campus reflects Louisiana's diversity, with 58.44% white students and 26.54% Black students creating a community that mirrors the state. About 76% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting students find their place among the bayous and research labs. The Ragin' Cajuns compete in Division I Sun Belt athletics with 12 varsity sports supported by over $8 million in athletic scholarships.
Students pay an average net price of $14,118 after aid, making this one of Louisiana's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $47,089 ten years out, which helps explain why most handle their typical $22,902 in debt with monthly payments around $243. The math works especially well for Louisiana residents, who comprise 94.91% of the student body and pay just $10,418 in tuition.
The campus reflects Louisiana's diversity, with 58.44% white students and 26.54% Black students creating a community that mirrors the state. About 76% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting students find their place among the bayous and research labs. The Ragin' Cajuns compete in Division I Sun Belt athletics with 12 varsity sports supported by over $8 million in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
UL Lafayette operates as a public research university with notable strength in engineering and computer science programs that reflect Louisiana's growing tech sector. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel impersonal, especially in popular majors. About 52% of students graduate within six years, which suggests many struggle to stay on track academically. The university has built a solid reputation for its petroleum engineering program, taking advantage of Louisiana's oil industry connections. Computer science and business programs also draw students seeking practical career preparation. Research opportunities exist, but undergraduates often compete with graduate students for faculty attention and lab positions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 76.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,089
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,739 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Master | $76,460 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,856 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,888 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $60,161 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $56,505 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $52,607 |
Campus Life
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette sits in the heart of Cajun country, about two hours from New Orleans and three from Houston. With housing for only 3,678 students out of 12,269 enrolled, most students live off-campus in Lafayette's affordable apartment complexes. The city embraces its French heritage through festivals, food, and music that become part of student life.
Louisiana's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for winter. The Ragin' Cajuns compete in 12 Division I sports, with football games at Cajun Field drawing passionate crowds. With 94.91% of students from Louisiana, campus culture runs deep with local traditions like tailgating with jambalaya and boudin. Students frequent downtown Lafayette's music venues and restaurants on weekends, experiencing authentic Cajun and Creole culture. The semester system allows for internships in the region's growing tech and energy sectors. Greek life and over 150 student organizations provide community on a campus where many students commute from nearby towns.
Louisiana's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for winter. The Ragin' Cajuns compete in 12 Division I sports, with football games at Cajun Field drawing passionate crowds. With 94.91% of students from Louisiana, campus culture runs deep with local traditions like tailgating with jambalaya and boudin. Students frequent downtown Lafayette's music venues and restaurants on weekends, experiencing authentic Cajun and Creole culture. The semester system allows for internships in the region's growing tech and energy sectors. Greek life and over 150 student organizations provide community on a campus where many students commute from nearby towns.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,678 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1900
Campus Safety (2023)
59 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 15 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–60°F
- July Avg
- 72°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -2,333.1"
Student Demographics
Nearly 95% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the university's deep roots in Acadiana culture and its role as the region's flagship institution. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for full universities but notable given ULL's strong engineering programs that traditionally skew male. The student body is more diverse than many Southern universities, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. With 39% receiving Pell Grants, ULL serves many first-generation college students from working-class Cajun and Creole families seeking affordable access to higher education.
- Men
- 41.8%
- Women
- 58.2%
- White
- 58.4%
- Black
- 26.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 94.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.8%
Location
Lafayette sits in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun country, about 130 miles west of New Orleans. The city of 121,000 anchors Acadiana, a region famous for its French heritage, spicy cuisine, and lively music scene. With 94.91% of students from Louisiana, the campus reflects the area's distinctive culture. Lafayette serves as both a college town and regional center for the oil and gas industry. Students experience authentic Cajun festivals, from Mardi Gras celebrations to crawfish boils. The flat, subtropical landscape features bayous and wetlands rather than mountains or beaches. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare University of Louisiana at Lafayette with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,089
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,844
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $243/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,902
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette accepts 74.56% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public research university. The Ragin' Cajuns draw heavily from Louisiana, with 94.91% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Louisiana at Lafayette cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,118 annually at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,226 on average, while graduates leave with a median debt of $22,902.
What is University of Louisiana at Lafayette known for academically?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette operates as a large public research university with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The school has built a strong reputation for engineering and computer science programs alongside its unique Cajun culture studies.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
The university maintains a 52% six-year graduation rate with graduates earning a median salary of $47,089 ten years after graduation. About 95.6% of graduates find employment, though the 76.01% retention rate suggests some students transfer or leave early.
Where do students live at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
The campus houses 3,678 students in on-campus facilities, serving the 12,269-student body in midsize Lafayette. Room and board costs $11,988 annually for students who choose to live on the Louisiana campus.
How competitive are the Ragin' Cajuns in athletics?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette fields 12 varsity sports with 447 total athletes competing in NCAA Division I's Sun Belt Conference. The athletic department awards $8,037,341 in scholarships to support the Ragin' Cajuns' competitive programs.
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