LSU vs. Belhaven University

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with Belhaven University in Jackson, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Belhaven University based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 4,213 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Belhaven University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; Belhaven University 12:1.

LSU vs. Belhaven University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or Belhaven University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Belhaven University than LSU ($16,299 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belhaven University are 35.3% lower than at Louisiana State University ($9,800 vs. $15,142).
• Belhaven University is 153.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $18,296 more per year; $30,250.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Belhaven University than at Louisiana State University (about $1,619 more per year; $30,250.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at Belhaven University (88% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belhaven University students is 67.6% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University students ($23,625 vs. $14,094).

LSU vs. Belhaven University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU or Belhaven University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Belhaven University and LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Incoming LSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Belhaven University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; Belhaven University 1010/1298.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; Belhaven University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; Belhaven University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Belhaven University (3.5).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 18.5% at Belhaven University.

LSU vs. Belhaven University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and Belhaven University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Louisiana State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $7,502 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($20,900 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($216 vs. $293).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.