Alabama vs. LSU

Comparable Facts

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

Louisiana State University is larger than Alabama based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 40,846 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Louisiana State University is in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Louisiana State University 21:1.

Alabama vs. LSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or LSU? 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 Alabama ($21,430 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 0.8% lower than at Louisiana State University ($15,016 vs. $15,142).
• The University of Alabama is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $226 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.4% higher at Alabama than at Louisiana State University (about $5,541 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at The University of Alabama (88% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University students ($17,503 vs. $14,094).

Alabama vs. LSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 30 points higher than at LSU (1260).
• Incoming Alabama students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at LSU (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Louisiana State University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Louisiana State University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; LSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Alabama (3.76).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 23% at LSU.

Alabama vs. LSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and LSU? 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $2,850 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($20,900 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($216 vs. $245).
• More LSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 59%)

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.