LSU vs. UH

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston is larger than LSU based on total student enrollment (47,980 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 Houston is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; University of Houston 22:1.

LSU vs. UH Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or UH? 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 University of Houston than LSU ($14,309 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston are 25.5% lower than at Louisiana State University ($11,286 vs. $15,142).
• Louisiana State University is 23% more expensive for in-state tuition than UH (about $2,237 more per year; $11,954.00 vs. $9,717.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at LSU than at University of Houston (about $6,084 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $22,547.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at University of Houston (88% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 15.9% larger than aid received by University of Houston students ($14,094 vs. $12,159).

LSU vs. UH Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 10 points higher than at UH (1250).
• Incoming LSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at UH).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; University of Houston 1160/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; University of Houston 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; UH - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027; UH May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UH (3.46).
• UH has a higher acceptance rate (73.9%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 26.5% at UH.

LSU vs. UH Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and UH? 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 Houston's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Houston earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than LSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston graduates have a $1,150 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, UH graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($204 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UH students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 61%)

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.