The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a public research university with approximately 19,000 students. It is renowned for Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Nursing, and Arts & Sciences programs. Admissions are relatively selective, with an approximate acceptance rate of 89%. The graduate rate is roughly 59%, and ULL graduates have average starting salaries of USD $45,000–50,000 (INR 38–42 lakhs) a year.
Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the state's flagship public research university with nearly 34,000 students. LSU has a reputation for programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Law, and Veterinary Medicine. Admissions at LSU are moderately selective with an acceptance rate of almost 74%. LSU has a graduation rate of nearly 67%, and the graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $50,000–55,000 (INR 42–46 lakhs) per annum.
| University of Louisiana | Louisiana State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.4 Out of 10 | 4.9 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1807 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 345 US News 2024 # 1717 US News 2024 | # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 851 QS World University 2026 # 381 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 149 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 401 for Medicine by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 | # 125 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 451 for Medicine by QS World University 2023 # 84 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -59 PG Programs -30 | UG Programs -106 PG Programs -50 Doctorate Programs -42 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89.0 % | 74.0 % |
| Exam Score | GRE-287 IELTS-6.5 SAT-820 TOEFL-79 | GRE-330 IELTS-6.5 SAT-1060 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 33552 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 40482 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 23959 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 28635 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29443 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 33182 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -40482 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -35200 |
| application dates | May 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) | Oct 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Apr 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Apr 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Louisiana | Louisiana State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1900 | 1853 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 24:1 | 21:1 |
| Male:Female | 43.5% Male, 56.5% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10294 #Off campus (with family) - $3919 #Off campus (not with family) - $9746 | #On campus - $11750 #Off campus (not with family) - $16012 #Off campus (with family) - $5420 |
| Weather |
University of Louisiana vs Louisiana State University
Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
Louisiana State University (LSU) typically ranks higher in the world In QS 2026, LSU is approximately 900, with strengths in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Geosciences. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) does not ranked.
General Information
LSU, established in 1853 in Baton Rouge, is Louisiana's flagship public research university, enrolling ~35,000 students, providing a broad array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and ranked as a Carnegie R1 research university. UL Lafayette, established in 1898, is the largest campus within the University of Louisiana system, enrolling ~19,000 students, providing career-directed education with a focus on engineering, technology, and regional industries.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
With more competitive admissions for Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences, LSU has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 74%. UL Lafayette still offers selective programs in computer science, engineering, and nursing, but its acceptance rate is a little more lenient at 89%. Both enroll growing numbers of international students and robust in-state applicant pools.
Research Impact & Facilities
With extensive labs, research facilities, and federal partnerships, LSU is a research-active university, particularly in the fields of agriculture, coastal sciences, engineering, and life sciences. With close ties to Louisiana's oil and gas sectors as well as regional tech firms, UL Lafayette places a strong emphasis on applied research, engineering innovation, and energy industry collaboration.
Cost & Financial Aid
The two schools are both public institutions with low in-state tuition (~$10,000–$11,000) and higher out-of-state tuition (~$27,000–$29,000). Both offer merit aid scholarships, need-based financial aid, and specialized program awards, with LSU having a modestly larger endowment to support research funding.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
LSU graduates shine in engineering, business, agriculture, law, and government, with powerful networks in Louisiana and across the nation. UL Lafayette graduates achieve success in engineering, technology, petroleum, business, and healthcare through close links with regional industry and applied learning initiatives.
