University of Louisiana at Monroe: 70.1% Acceptance Rate

70.1%Acceptance

$9,190Tuition

4,891Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,769Earnings

#10 in LouisianaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Louisiana at Monroe

ULM built its reputation around health sciences and aviation programs that serve Louisiana and beyond. The 4,891-student campus in Monroe produces graduates like country star Tim McGraw and former NBA player Frank Jackson. This regional public research university draws 93% of its students from in-state, creating a close-knit community feel in northeast Louisiana's largest city.

Students pay an average net price of $11,633 after financial aid, making ULM one of Louisiana's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $46,769 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $21,500. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a manageable burden given post-graduation earnings. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 facing a net price of just $9,709.

Women make up 65% of the student body, reflecting ULM's strong nursing and health science programs. The Warhawks compete in Division I Sun Belt Conference athletics with 13 varsity sports and 378 total athletes. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate signals that students need strong academic preparation and support to succeed. The 72% retention rate suggests many students who start at ULM stay to finish their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

ULM operates as a regional public research university with particular strength in health sciences and aviation programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 50.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university has built a solid reputation for its nursing and pharmacy programs, which attract students throughout Louisiana and neighboring states. Aviation students benefit from hands-on flight training programs that prepare graduates for commercial pilot careers. With 92.99% of students coming from Louisiana, ULM serves as an affordable option for in-state residents seeking professional programs without the competition of flagship universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 50.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.6%
Retention Rate: 72.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,769
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$121,641
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$71,351
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$67,101
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$61,516
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$59,124
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$57,318
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$55,964
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$55,770
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$52,107
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$51,273

View all 86 programs →

Campus Life

Monroe sits about two hours from Shreveport and three hours from New Orleans, giving students access to bigger cities without the urban price tag. Only 46% of the 4,891 students can fit in campus housing, so most live off-campus in this northeast Louisiana town. The humid subtropical climate means you'll sweat through August move-in and rarely need more than a light jacket in winter.

With nearly 93% of students from Louisiana, ULM feels like a tight-knit community where everyone knows someone who knows someone. The 65% female student body creates a social active that leans heavily toward Greek life and campus organizations for weekend activities. Aviation students buzz about the flight training program, while nursing and health science majors dominate the academic conversation. Basketball games draw decent crowds to support the Warhawks, though football struggles to fill seats. Students often head to the Ouachita River for outdoor activities or make weekend trips home since most live within driving distance of family.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,257 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1931

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Stalking	3	3	0
Rape	1	1	1
Burglary	2	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0
Fondling	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–57°F
July Avg: 72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.6"

Student Demographics

ULM draws overwhelmingly from Louisiana, with 93% of students calling the Bayou State home. This regional pull reflects the university's role as a key educational center for northeast Louisiana and surrounding areas. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, largely due to strong nursing and health science programs that attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing ULM serves many first-generation college students from working-class families. The diverse student body includes significant African American representation, mirroring the demographics of the rural communities and small cities that feed into the university.

Men: 34.8%
Women: 65.2%
White: 58.1%
Black: 24.3%
Hispanic: 3.4%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 93.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.4%

Location

Monroe sits in northeastern Louisiana, about 100 miles east of Shreveport and 90 miles west of Jackson, Mississippi. The city of roughly 48,000 residents anchors the Twin Cities area along with West Monroe across the Ouachita River. ULM's 238-acre campus sits in this mid-sized college town surrounded by Louisiana's piney woods and farmland. The Ouachita River runs through the heart of the community, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities. Monroe offers that sweet spot between small-town charm and urban amenities, with enough restaurants and entertainment to keep students engaged without the overwhelming pace of a major metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare University of Louisiana at Monroe with similar schools in the region.

Address: Monroe, Louisiana 71209-0000

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,769
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,508
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Louisiana at Monroe?

The University of Louisiana at Monroe accepts 70.11% of applicants, making it moderately accessible for students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1085-1320 on the SAT with an average of 1203. This regional university focuses on serving students primarily from Louisiana, with 92.99% coming from in-state.

How much does the University of Louisiana at Monroe cost after financial aid?

Students at ULM pay an average net price of $11,633 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,709 annually, while those earning over $110,000 pay $15,747. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, helping keep this public university affordable for Louisiana residents.

What academic programs is the University of Louisiana at Monroe known for?

ULM has built a strong reputation for its health sciences and aviation programs, serving the region's workforce needs. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs with 4,891 total students. As a public research university founded in 1931, it focuses on practical career preparation for its predominantly in-state student body.

What are the graduation rates at the University of Louisiana at Monroe?

ULM graduates 50.67% of students within four years and 50.60% within six years. The university retains 72.27% of first-year students, indicating room for improvement in student success. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,769 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 95.7%.

Where do students live at the University of Louisiana at Monroe?

ULM houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 2,257, though many of the 4,891 students live off-campus in Monroe. Room and board costs $10,182 annually for those living on campus. The student body is 65.20% female and reflects Louisiana's diversity with 58.07% white students and 24.27% Black students.

Does the University of Louisiana at Monroe compete in Division I athletics?

ULM competes as the Warhawks in NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference. The university fields 13 varsity sports with 378 total student-athletes supported by $5.56 million in athletic scholarships. Notable alumni include country music star Tim McGraw and former NBA player Frank Jackson, bringing national recognition to this regional university.