LSUA vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University Alexandria in Alexandria, LA with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than LSUA based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 6,815 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University Alexandria is located in Alexandria, LA (Rural Fringe setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Louisiana State University Alexandria is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University Alexandria 33:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

LSUA vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSUA or NDSU? 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 Alexandria than NDSU ($8,296 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University Alexandria are 3.3% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($9,598 vs. $9,928).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 57.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSUA (about $4,060 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $7,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at NDSU than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (about $1,114 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $14,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University Alexandria than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University Alexandria students is 18% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($7,561 vs. $6,409).

LSUA vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSUA or NDSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NDSU and LSUA.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Louisiana State University Alexandria (1100) is 10 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 19 at LSUA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Louisiana State University Alexandria 970/1220; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Louisiana State University Alexandria 17/22; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSUA - Required; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman NDSU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at LSUA (3.16).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than LSUA (92.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 66.6% at LSUA vs. 32% at NDSU.

LSUA vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSUA and NDSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Louisiana State University Alexandria's (12%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than LSUA graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University Alexandria graduates have a $5,593 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($17,707 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, LSUA graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($183 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSUA students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 46%)

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.