Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU offers over 70 master’s and 50 doctoral programs, with particular strength in petroleum engineering, architecture, and business (especially accounting and construction management). The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, with 89% of programs requiring writing-intensive courses and 64% incorporating senior capstones. First-year experiences (34%) and service learning (21%) are less uniformly implemented. The university’s research focus is underscored by its Carnegie R1 designation, though some departments (beyond its flagship programs) are critiqued as "sub-standard" by industry observers.

Life at LSU revolves around its Italian Renaissance-style campus (250+ buildings) and die-hard school spirit. Only 29% of students live on campus, with most opting for off-campus housing in Baton Rouge. The university assigns every freshman a Student Success Team for academic and social support. Football games—especially tailgates—are cultural pillars, but LSU also fosters engagement through mentorship programs and campus organizations (evidenced by its active [@lsucampuslife](https://www.instagram.com/lsucampuslife/) Instagram).

LSU’s four-year graduation rate is 50%, rising to 68% at six years (national average: 62%). Recent graduates earn a median early-career salary of $49,218, though 2025 bachelor’s graduates averaged $68,000—beating the national benchmark ($63,000). The Class of 2029 set records for academic achievement, with 61.4% Louisiana residents. Notably, outcomes vary by major: engineering and business graduates typically outearn peers in liberal arts.

In-state tuition runs $11,954 annually, with 93% of freshmen receiving financial aid (average award: $13,378). LSU offers merit scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $90,000/year, including automatic consideration for prestigious Stamps Scholarships. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator estimates costs after grants, though out-of-state students should budget significantly more. Work-study and Louisiana-specific aid (like TOPS) help offset expenses.

LSU merges Southern tradition with serious academics—its petroleum engineering program rivals Texas A&M’s, while its tailgates are the stuff of SEC legend. The campus’s architectural grandeur (think: oak-lined quads and Venetian palazzo-inspired buildings) contrasts with its gritty research labs. For Louisianans, it’s the clear flagship; for out-of-staters, it offers a lower-cost alternative to peer Southern publics with comparable outcomes. Just don’t expect quiet weekends—this is Tiger territory.