
Shreveport, LApublicwww.lsus.edu/
Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSUS) is a public university with a tight-knit community vibe and a pragmatic academic focus, particularly strong in business, criminal justice, and biological sciences. With an acceptance rate hovering around 50-83%, it’s accessible yet selective, offering a balance of affordability and personalized support. The campus thrives with 70+ student organizations, though its graduation rates lag behind national averages, reflecting its mix of non-traditional and first-generation students.
LSUS is moderately selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 47% to 83.9% across sources, reflecting its mission to serve a diverse student body. The average admitted student has a 3.35 GPA and SAT/ACT scores around 1038 (SAT) or 22 (ACT), though some reports suggest higher ranges (1180–1320 SAT, 24–30 ACT). Notably, 99% of accepted students submit ACT scores, emphasizing its regional appeal. Applications are due by April 15, and the school leans heavily on in-state applicants.
LSUS offers 20+ undergraduate majors and a dozen graduate programs, with standout departments in Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Biological Sciences—its top three most popular degrees. The university emphasizes practical education, with programs like Digital Arts and Computer Science gaining traction. While it lacks engineering, it’s ranked #3 among Louisiana public universities for overall academic quality. The student-faculty ratio supports personalized attention, though the breadth of programs is narrower than larger state schools.
With 70+ clubs and organizations, LSUS punches above its weight in campus engagement. Greek life, academic honor societies, and niche groups like virtual scavenger hunts during the pandemic highlight its creative community-building. The school’s Student Success Teams provide tailored support, and peer mentoring is a hallmark. Students describe the vibe as 'friendly and welcoming,' though the lack of residential housing (per Wikipedia’s note on commuter demographics) means social life is often self-driven.
LSUS grads face mixed results: a 38% graduation rate (well below the 59% national midpoint) and a 6-year rate of 44.74%, signaling challenges with retention. However, alumni earn an average salary of $47,477, with some reports noting higher figures for specific programs. The Class of 2025 at LSU’s main campus (a proxy for state trends) averaged $68,000 salaries, but LSUS’s outcomes likely skew lower due to its focus on non-traditional and part-time students.
LSUS is a bargain by design: the net price averages $7,587 after aid, with 91% of first-year students receiving grants or scholarships. Tuition and fees are offset by robust state aid programs, and the average financial aid package totals $9,974. The school’s Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps families budget, though costs rise slightly for out-of-state students. For context, the annual Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. is roughly $7,022, far below the $20,077 national midpoint for public colleges.
LSUS carves a niche as Louisiana’s #3 public university, offering hyper-localized support (think: peer mentoring, success teams) and a low-stakes admissions process that prioritizes access over prestige. Its strengths—Accounting, Criminal Justice, and flexible online programs—cater to working adults and First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students. The campus culture, though commuter-heavy, fosters connection through inventive programming (e.g., pandemic-era virtual scavenger hunts). For students seeking affordability and a tight-knit community, LSUS delivers—just don’t expect Big 12 football or sprawling research labs.