LSU vs. William Carey University

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than William Carey University based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 5,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); William Carey University is in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; William Carey University 14:1.

LSU vs. William Carey University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU or William Carey University? 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 William Carey University than LSU ($15,469 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 46.5% lower than at Louisiana State University ($8,094 vs. $15,142).
• William Carey University is 29.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $3,526 more per year; $15,480.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85% higher at LSU than at William Carey University (about $13,151 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Carey University than at Louisiana State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Carey University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University students ($14,621 vs. $14,094).

LSU vs. William Carey University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU or William Carey University? 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 William Carey University and LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 90 points higher than at William Carey University (1170).
• Incoming LSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; William Carey University 1040/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; William Carey University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; William Carey University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 48.3% at William Carey University.

LSU vs. William Carey University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU and William Carey University? 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $708 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($20,192 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($208 vs. $216).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey University 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.