Mansi parihar Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Alabama (UA), located in Tuscaloosa, is a large public research institution with approximately 39,000 students. It possesses a moderately competitive acceptance rate of approximately 80%. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Communications, and Nursing. The six-year graduation rate is roughly 72%. Alumni have average early-career salaries of INR 50–54 lakhs annually ($60,000–65,000).
Louisiana State University (LSU) at Baton Rouge is the flagship public university of Louisiana with an approximate enrollment of 36,000 students. The admissions are moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 74%. Top programs are Engineering, Petroleum Studies, Business, and Agriculture. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 70%, and graduates have average early-career salaries of INR 46–50 lakhs per annum ($55,000–60,000).
| University of Alabama | University of Louisiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 901 QS World University 2026 # 498 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 801 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 1807 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 345 US News 2024 # 1717 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 99 for Engineering by US News 2024 # 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 31 for Law by US News 2025 | # 149 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 401 for Medicine by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 |
| Programs | UG Programs -75 PG Programs -46 | UG Programs -59 PG Programs -30 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76.0 % | 89.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-79 | GRE-287 IELTS-6.5 SAT-820 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 40249.43 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25916.09 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 21050 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 33552 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 40482 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 23959 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 110 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 501 for Computer Science by QS World University 2024 # 601 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024 | # 133 for Computer Science by US News 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33372 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -45243 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for Summer Intake) Feb 28, 2026 (Priority Funding Deadline for Fall Intake) Aug 30, 2026 (Application Deadline for Spring Intake) | Oct 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Nov 1, 2025 (Assistantship Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Mar 1, 2026 (Assistantship Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) May 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Alabama | University of Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1820 | 1900 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 24:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 43.5% Male, 56.5% Female |
| Hostel | #Double Occupancy - $3050 #Single Occupancy - $3450 #4 bedroom suite - $4650 #2 bedroom suite - $4850 #1 bedroom suite - $5050 | #On campus - $10294 #Off campus (with family) - $3919 #Off campus (not with family) - $9746 |
| Weather |
University of Alabama vs Louisiana State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both LSU and Alabama rank in the 600–800 range worldwide. UA is more renowned for Business, Law, and Communication Studies, while LSU ranks higher in Petroleum Engineering, Agriculture, and Earth Sciences. LSU tends to rank higher by subject in energy-related disciplines, but Alabama enjoys a better national profile in business and law.
General Information
UA's Tuscaloosa campus has a reputation for size, student life, and sports culture, especially its football program. LSU, located in Baton Rouge, boasts a similar athletic heritage within the SEC and a reputation for energy and agricultural research. Both have lively student populations and Southern cultural influences, but LSU leans more toward the emphasis of research in applied sciences related to the Gulf.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both schools offer comparable acceptance rates (70–80%). LSU admissions are a bit more competitive for STEM and energy majors, whereas Alabama has wider points of entry, particularly for out-of-state students.
Research Impact & Facilities
LSU is an R1 Carnegie university with high research funding in coastal sciences, petroleum engineering, and agriculture. UA is also R1 with high performance in law, business, and health sciences with expanding biomedical and engineering facilities.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both institutions charge in-state students approximately $11,000–12,000 and out-of-state students approximately $30,000–32,000 each year. Alabama has highly automatic merit scholarships, while LSU gives specific scholarships but is slightly more restricted for international students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
LSU alumni are highly represented in agriculture, energy, and regional industries throughout the Gulf South. Alabama graduates prosper in business, law, communications, and public service, with a more extensive national network of alumni. Both institutions rank highly in the Southeastern U.S., but LSU is specifically dominant in energy and agriculture careers, while Alabama's alumni are more dispersed in business and legal careers.
