LSU vs. UC

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with University of Cincinnati Main Campus in Cincinnati, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is larger than LSU based on total student enrollment (45,026 students vs. 41,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); University of Cincinnati Main Campus is in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 19:1.

LSU vs. UC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or UC? 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 Louisiana State University than UC ($21,430 vs. $24,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus are 10.4% lower than at Louisiana State University ($13,564 vs. $15,142).
• University of Cincinnati Main Campus is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $2,022 more per year; $13,976.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at UC than at Louisiana State University (about $679 more per year; $29,310.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (88% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 72% larger than aid received by University of Cincinnati Main Campus students ($14,094 vs. $8,196).

LSU vs. UC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU or UC? 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 UC and LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (1270) is 10 points higher than at LSU (1260).
• Incoming LSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at UC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; UC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027; UC Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UC (3.69).
• UC has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 22.5% at UC.

LSU vs. UC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and UC? 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 University of Cincinnati Main Campus's (59%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than UC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $2,100 lower median loan debt than UC graduates ($20,900 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC graduates ($216 vs. $237).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 57%)

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.