LSU vs. UNM

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than UNM based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 23,124 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); University of New Mexico Main Campus is in Albuquerque, NM (Large City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of New Mexico Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; University of New Mexico Main Campus 15:1.

LSU vs. UNM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or UNM? 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 New Mexico Main Campus than LSU ($6,347 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of New Mexico Main Campus are 20.6% lower than at Louisiana State University ($12,026 vs. $15,142).
• Louisiana State University is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNM (about $1,814 more per year; $11,954.00 vs. $10,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.5% higher at UNM than at Louisiana State University (about $4,429 more per year; $33,060.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of New Mexico Main Campus than at Louisiana State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by University of New Mexico Main Campus students ($14,094 vs. $13,140).

LSU vs. UNM Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 230 points higher than at UNM (1030).
• Incoming LSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at UNM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; University of New Mexico Main Campus 890/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; University of New Mexico Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; UNM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UNM (3.42).
• UNM has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 31.2% at UNM.

LSU vs. UNM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and UNM? 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 New Mexico Main Campus's (44%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than UNM graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of New Mexico Main Campus graduates have a $1,400 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($19,500 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, UNM graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($201 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNM students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 47%)

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.