Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a public university in Baton Rouge, LA ranked #586 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 29,207 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 74.0%. Students most often pursue Veterinary Medicine and Chemical Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.0% first-year retention, and 71.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,015, about $3,017 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -38.5%, roughly 123.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,218. That's about $5,530 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 71.0% of students within six years and keeps 84.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,954 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,084 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,296 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,884 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $34,328 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.7% of Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,035 to $26,244 depending on family income. Use Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,140/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,244/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,218
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,218
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,956
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.4%
- Employment Rate 90.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn $49,218 median, the -38.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-670
- SAT Math 560-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 29,207
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.0%
- Graduation Rate 71.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.0%, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 74.0% acceptance rate, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150 and 1330 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Biology, General, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.0%
- Biology, General 6.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.1%
- Marketing 4.7%
- Construction Management 3.4%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 3.3%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Veterinary Medicine $115,070
- 2. Chemical Engineering $111,631
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $104,396
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $101,794
- 5. Construction Management $96,044
- 6. Petroleum Engineering $93,513
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $90,991
- 8. Civil Engineering $88,199
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services $87,385
- 10. Computer Science $86,213
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Construction Management (Master's Degree) $105,934
- 2. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $93,988
- 3. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $90,484
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $89,524
- 5. Construction Management (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $82,941
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $80,219
- 7. Education, Other (Doctoral Degree) $79,901
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $71,928
- 9. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $69,568
- 10. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $68,454
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Veterinary Medicine grads earn $115,070—33% more than Computer Science ($86,213). Graduate: Construction Management programs lead with $105,934 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 351 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 322 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 289 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 168 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 166 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (58 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Animal Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Petroleum Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- History
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- International/Global Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Apparel and Textiles
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Interior Architecture
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Chemistry
- International Business
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Architecture
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Plant Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Social Work
- Landscape Architecture
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geography and Cartography
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Economics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Agricultural Public Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Data Analytics
Online Master's Degrees (57 programs)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Statistics
- Psychology, General
- Petroleum Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Food Science and Technology
- Architecture
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Engineering Science
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Public Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Ocean Engineering
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Biology, General
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Doctoral Degrees (51 programs)â–¼
- Music
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Education, Other
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Geography and Cartography
- Engineering Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Petroleum Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- History
- Social Work
- Agricultural Public Services
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Apparel and Textiles
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Statistics
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Anthropology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Construction Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (25 programs)â–¼
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Education, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Geography and Cartography
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Health
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Housing and Human Environments
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Systems Engineering
- Security Science and Technology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 29,207
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 60.6%
- Asian 4.9%
- Hispanic 10.0%
- Black 18.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #586 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,015 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $49,218 median earnings. The 71.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 84.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's Strengths
Ranked #586 with a B+ grade, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College excel at providing affordable education ($20,015 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College's 84.0% retention and 71.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($49,218 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and $20,015 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 71.0% six-year graduation rate sits 8.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.0% first-year retention is 7.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -38.5% return on investment is 123.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,218 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,015 is roughly $106 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.8% employment rate within three years sits 22.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,015 is about $106 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.7% trails the national share by 7.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, a public university in Baton Rouge, LA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #586 among 1966 schools Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
84.0% of learners come back after year one while 71.0% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -38.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,015 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $34,328.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,313 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,956 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $49,218 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 13% higher.
Roughly 90.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -38.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2750
- Website www.lsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$632.7M