LSU vs. MC

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than MC based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 4,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Mississippi College is in Clinton, MS (Large Suburban setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mississippi College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; Mississippi College 14:1.

LSU vs. MC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or MC? 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 MC ($21,430 vs. $28,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University are 6.1% lower than at Mississippi College ($15,142 vs. $16,120).
• Mississippi College is 96.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $11,546 more per year; $23,500.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.8% higher at LSU than at Mississippi College (about $5,131 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $23,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi College than at Louisiana State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Mississippi College students ($14,094 vs. $12,676).

LSU vs. MC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 60 points higher than at MC (1200).
• Incoming LSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at MC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; Mississippi College 1140/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; Mississippi College 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; MC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at MC (3.56).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than MC (29.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 91% at MC.

LSU vs. MC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and MC? 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 Mississippi College's (51%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than MC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $4,100 lower median loan debt than MC graduates ($20,900 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MC graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MC students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 59%)

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.