Louisiana State University-Alexandria
U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027
#184
Acceptance rate
92.1%
2025
Peer median 80.5%
Out-of-state tuition
$14,725
In-state $7,050
Peer median $17,955
Undergraduates
6,815
Student-faculty ratio 33:1
Peer median 14 : 1
Graduation rate
24.6%
4-year; 6-year rate 32.3%
Peer median 26.9%
“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Louisiana State University-Alexandria (LSU-A) is a public university located in Alexandria, Louisiana. Established in 1999, it has quickly developed a reputation for its strong emphasis on student-centered education and community engagement. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular focus on liberal arts, business, and education. LSU-A prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, which fosters a close-knit learning environment and provides students with personalized attention from faculty members. This supportive atmosphere is complemented by a dedicated faculty who are not only educators but also mentors, guiding students through their academic journeys.
In addition to its academic offerings, LSU-A is known for its vibrant campus culture and commitment to student life. The university hosts various extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and student organizations, encouraging students to engage fully with their campus community. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, which enhance the overall educational experience. LSU-A also places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the workforce, with many programs incorporating internships and hands-on learning opportunities. Graduates from LSU-A are well-regarded by employers, thanks to the university's focus on practical skills and real-world applications in their fields of study. Overall, Louisiana State University-Alexandria stands out as a dynamic institution dedicated to fostering academic excellence and holistic student development.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Louisiana State University-Alexandria has witnessed notable shifts in several critical metrics over the years. One of the most striking trends is the increase in tuition fees. Between 2014 and 2023, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $5,337 to $7,050, representing a 32% increase. For out-of-state students, tuition surged from $9,932 to $14,650, nearly a 48% hike. This escalation poses challenges for students and families, particularly amid rising living costs, potentially impacting enrollment and retention rates.
Speaking of retention, the student retention rate has shown a commendable improvement over the years. In 2013, only 42.5% of students returned for their second year, but by 2023, this figure climbed to 66.7%. This significant increase indicates that the university has been successful in enhancing student support services and engagement, crucial factors in helping students persist through their studies.
Moreover, graduation rates have also reflected a positive trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from a mere 1.3% in 2013 to nearly 19.3% in 2023. The extended graduation rate, measured at 150% of the expected time, has similarly increased, highlighting improvements in academic advising and resources that aid students in completing their degrees.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently comprising a majority. In 2023, approximately 70.3% of undergraduates were women, showcasing the university's appeal to female students, which is consistent with broader trends in higher education across the United States.
In conclusion, while the rising tuition costs present challenges, the university's efforts in improving retention and graduation rates are commendable and essential for fostering a supportive educational environment. Continued attention to these metrics will be crucial for maintaining enrollment and ensuring student success in the coming years.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Baton Rouge, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about 150 mi
- Also known as
- LSUA
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Paul Coreil (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 3184453672
- City
- Alexandria, Louisiana
- Address
- 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302-9121
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 53.5%, women 57.5%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The admission data for Louisiana State University-Alexandria over the years reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and demographic enrollment. Notably, the male admission rate has fluctuated considerably, peaking at approximately 88.6% in 2022 but also dropping to around 35.2% in 2017. This represents a substantial variation, indicating potential shifts in applicant interest or university competitiveness.
Conversely, the female admission rate has remained relatively more stable but still shows a decline from 81.6% in 2009 to 52.0% in 2023. This consistent downward trend highlights the increasing challenges that female applicants may face in gaining acceptance to the university, reflecting broader trends in higher education where institutions are becoming increasingly selective.
Enrollment numbers also depict a complicated picture. After a peak in enrollment in 2016 with 508 students, the numbers have varied, with some years experiencing a drop in total enrollment despite a high number of denials. For instance, in 2018, 470 students enrolled, yet the university denied 1,480 applicants, indicating a highly competitive admission environment.
These statistics suggest a dynamic landscape at Louisiana State University-Alexandria, where the institution's strategies in attracting and admitting students may need to adapt to ensure a balanced and diverse student body. Overall, the data reflects the broader trends in higher education, where selectivity continues to rise, impacting both male and female applicants differently.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 4% submitted SAT, 99% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT scores required for admission
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Data at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The admission test data from Louisiana State University-Alexandria reveals interesting trends concerning standardized test submissions over the years. The data indicates a persistent reliance on ACT scores, with a high percentage of applicants submitting their scores, peaking at 93% in 2008 and 2009. However, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students submitting SAT scores, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are moving towards test-optional admissions.
From 2015 onwards, the institution started reporting both SAT and ACT scores, with the SAT submission rates remaining significantly low, hovering around 5-10%. This could suggest that the ACT is preferred by prospective students in this region, potentially due to its alignment with high school curricula and its perceived accessibility.
Furthermore, the score ranges provided illustrate that the lower and upper quartiles of admitted students have consistently shown improvement in their SAT and ACT scores over the years. For instance, in 2022, the SAT scores for the 25th percentile began at 490, indicating a more competitive admission landscape. The upward shift in scores suggests that the university may be attracting higher-achieving students, aligning with national trends where many institutions are seeking to enhance their academic profiles.
Overall, the data reflects the changing dynamics in college admissions, with Louisiana State University-Alexandria adapting to the shifting landscape of standardized testing. As the conversation around test-optional policies continues nationally, it will be essential for the university to monitor these trends closely and adjust its admissions strategy accordingly.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
959 applicants in 2025, 92.1% admitted
883 admitted 76 not admitted Yield 66.6%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data from Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The graduate data from Louisiana State University-Alexandria reveals interesting trends in degree completion across various fields for the year 2023. Notably, the highest number of bachelor's degrees awarded is in General Studies, with 110 graduates, followed closely by Psychology with 107 graduates. This suggests a strong interest in broad, flexible educational paths that might cater to diverse career aspirations.
In the realm of health and medical-related fields, which have gained significant attention in recent years, Registered Nursing stands out with 59 graduates, indicating a robust pipeline of healthcare professionals entering the workforce. This is especially pertinent considering the ongoing global health challenges, which have heightened the demand for nursing professionals.
Additionally, the data reflects a gap in international student participation, as there are no international graduates reported in bachelor’s or master’s programs. This could point to potential barriers for foreign students or a need for more outreach and support systems to attract diverse talent to these programs.
Interestingly, the numbers in associate degrees show that while there are a few graduates in fields like Health Professions, there is a notable absence in many disciplines, which may indicate a lack of accessibility or interest in pursuing these pathways at the associate level.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a university that is supporting essential sectors like health and general education while also highlighting areas for growth, particularly in attracting international students and strengthening associate degree offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | - | ||
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | ||
| Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $71,652-$90,721 | ||
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $33,748-$43,268 | ||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $33,748-$43,268 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $49,714 | ||
| Accounting. | $50,158 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $35,618 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $46,451 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $30,409 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $40,318 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
Students
6,815 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 29:71 · Freshman retention 69.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,782
- First-year undergraduates 541
- Transfers and others 2,492
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,815)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Louisiana State University-Alexandria in 2023
The student body at Louisiana State University-Alexandria shows a diverse composition across different categories. In 2023, the data reveals a significant number of undergraduate freshmen, with 414 students, comprising 36.7% males and 63.3% females. This gender distribution indicates a growing trend of female enrollment in higher education, which is consistent with national patterns where female students have increasingly outnumbered males in recent years.
The undergraduate juniors represent the largest group at 2,463, with a much lower male representation of 27.7% compared to 72.3% females. This disparity raises questions about the retention rates of male students and the factors contributing to their lower enrollment in this category. For undergraduate transfer students, the numbers reflect a similar trend, with 723 students, where males constitute 24.8% and females 75.2%. This could suggest that transfer pathways may be more appealing to female students or that male students are facing challenges that hinder their academic progression.
The demographic breakdown by ethnicity within these categories further highlights the university's commitment to diversity. However, specific data on ethnic representation is not fully detailed for all categories. The presence of a notable number of African American and Latino students, along with international students, indicates that the university is fostering an inclusive environment.
Overall, the statistics from Louisiana State University-Alexandria paint a picture of a vibrant and diverse academic community, yet they also point to areas where efforts may be needed to engage and retain male students more effectively. As higher education continues to evolve, these trends will remain crucial for understanding and addressing the needs of all student populations.
Age Distribution Among Students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The age distribution data of students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria presents a distinct picture of the undergraduate and graduate demographics. The overwhelming majority of students are under the age of 24, with those under 18 years old comprising approximately 27.6% of the total population, while students aged 18-19 account for 31.2%. This trend underscores the university’s appeal to younger students, likely reflecting a broader pattern observed at universities across the United States where traditional-age students dominate enrollment figures.
Moreover, the data indicates a notable absence of graduate students, as the figures for both graduate male and female students remain at zero across all age categories. This lack of graduate enrollment may suggest that the institution is primarily focused on undergraduate education or that there are limited graduate programs available.
The age group of 25-29 years old shows a significant number of students, with 128 enrolled, which could point to a growing trend of non-traditional students returning to education. This demographic shift aligns with national trends where older students seek to enhance their qualifications or change careers, reflecting the evolving landscape of higher education.
Furthermore, the data highlights a very small number of students over the age of 65, which is indicative of the challenges faced by older adults in pursuing higher education, such as financial constraints or lack of flexible learning options. Overall, the age distribution at Louisiana State University-Alexandria mirrors broader educational trends while emphasizing the need for programs that cater to a diverse age range of learners.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
68 in 2025 · 2.7% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The data reveals a fluctuating trend in the enrollment of international undergraduate students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria from 2004 to 2023. Initially, the percentage of international students was quite low, peaking at 0.70% in 2015, with only 19 international students enrolled among a total of 2,702 undergraduate students. However, there was a significant increase in the following years, particularly from 2015 to 2018, where the percentage of international students reached 2.91% in 2018, which represents a remarkable growth in the diversity of the student body.
After 2018, however, the enrollment of international students began to decline, reaching a low of 1.43% in 2021 amidst the global pandemic. This decline reflects the broader trends observed in higher education during COVID-19, where travel restrictions and safety concerns significantly impacted international student mobility. The enrollment figures in 2022 and 2023 indicate a slight recovery, with 1.83% and 1.49% of international students, respectively.
The challenges presented by the pandemic, alongside evolving immigration policies, have undoubtedly influenced these trends, as international students often face additional barriers when seeking education abroad. As universities worldwide adapt to these changes, it will be crucial for institutions like Louisiana State University-Alexandria to implement strategies that promote a welcoming environment for international students to ensure a diverse and enriching academic community moving forward.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$24,323
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,725
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $7,050
- Room and board
- $9,598
Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 12% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 24%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$57.9M
Expenses$55.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Red River Athletic Conference
Red River Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 37 | 32 |
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Tennis | - | 11 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 34 | 32 |
| Baseball | 43 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 38 | 26 |
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge · 90.3 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans · 161.0 mi
U.S. News #59
-
University of HoustonHouston · 201.5 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of St. Thomas (TX)Houston · 203.5 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Rice UniversityHouston · 204.6 mi
U.S. News #16
-
Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station · 235.7 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 263.6 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Hendrix CollegeConway · 271.1 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
University of MississippiUniversity · 276.4 mi
U.S. News #179
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions surrounding Louisiana State University-Alexandria:
-
Tulane University of Louisiana - Ranked 73rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Tulane is a prestigious research university located in New Orleans, known for its strong programs in law, business, and public health.
-
Rice University - With a remarkable ranking of 17, Rice University in Houston is renowned for its rigorous academics and is particularly noted for its engineering, science, and business programs.
-
University of Houston - Ranked 133rd, the University of Houston offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation.
-
Texas A & M University-College Station - This institution is ranked 47th and is one of the largest universities in the United States, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Mississippi - Known as Ole Miss, this university is ranked 163rd and has a rich tradition in Southern culture, offering a vibrant campus life and strong academic programs.
These schools are known for their academic excellence and diverse offerings, making them excellent choices for students in the region.
Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Louisiana State University-Alexandria
The data from Louisiana State University-Alexandria reveals a significant decline in criminal incidents on campus over the past decade. In 2013, the average number of incidents reported per 1,000 students was 6.48, which indicates a concerning level of campus safety. However, by 2023, this figure had decreased to 0.51, suggesting effective measures have been implemented to enhance student security.
Among the various types of offenses, the most concerning category has been gun-related arrests, which, despite being minimal in recent years, reflects broader societal issues regarding gun violence. Drug and alcohol-related arrests also show a notable decline, with the university experiencing a peak in 2018 but managing to stabilize thereafter. This could be indicative of improved awareness and prevention programs aimed at educating students about the risks associated with substance abuse.
The consistent decrease in crime rates highlights the efforts of the university administration to foster a safer campus environment. It is crucial for institutions to continue prioritizing student safety through robust policies and community engagement. Furthermore, these trends align with national statistics showing a general decrease in campus crime rates, reflecting a collective movement towards improving campus safety across the United States.
As universities continue to adapt to the changing social landscape, ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies will be paramount in ensuring the well-being of all students. For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.