LSU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

LSU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia ($21,430 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 9.5% lower than at Louisiana State University ($13,700 vs. $15,142).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 24.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $2,883 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at Louisiana State University (about $7,425 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at Louisiana State University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 6.7% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($14,094 vs. $13,203).

LSU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 20 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming LSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

LSU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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).

• University of Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $983 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($20,900 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($216 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 67%)

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.