LSU vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than UofSC based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 38,532 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

LSU vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or UofSC? 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 UofSC ($21,430 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 10.6% lower than at Louisiana State University ($13,534 vs. $15,142).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is 6.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $734 more per year; $12,688.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at UofSC than at Louisiana State University (about $7,341 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Louisiana State University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 97.4% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($14,094 vs. $7,139).

LSU vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 10 points higher than at LSU (1260).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 27 at LSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Louisiana State University 24/30; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman LSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

LSU vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and UofSC? 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.

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $2,350 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($20,900 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($216 vs. $240).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.