LSU vs University of Arkansas: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and University of Arkansas, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
LSU vs University of Arkansas at a glance
LSU admits 73.3% of applicants and University of Arkansas 74.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,286 at LSU and $17,571 at University of Arkansas. Six-year graduation rates are 68% and 70.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- LSU admits 73.3% of applicants and University of Arkansas 74.3%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,286 a year at LSU and $17,571 at University of Arkansas; University of Arkansas costs $1,715 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,670 at LSU and $12,718 at University of Arkansas.
- 68% of students graduate within six years at LSU, against 70.9% at University of Arkansas.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $64,338 for LSU and $63,588 for University of Arkansas; LSU is $750 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at LSU and $20,500 at University of Arkansas.
- LSU enrolls 30,594 students (midsize city) and University of Arkansas 28,677 (small city).
Side by side
LSU and University of Arkansas in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | LSU | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 73.3% | 74.3% |
| Applicants | 36,561 | 21,462 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1340 | 1030–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–30 | 21–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,286 | $17,571 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,551 | $10,496 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,228 | $31,550 |
| Cost of attendance | $35,774 | $28,924 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,670 | $12,718 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,598 | $12,559 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $18,807 | $14,381 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,421 | $19,256 |
| Over $110,000 | $27,239 | $23,211 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 68% | 70.9% |
| First-year retention | 84.7% | 86.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $64,338 | $63,588 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 30,594 | 28,677 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Baton Rouge, LA | Fayetteville, AR |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
LSU reports 68 bachelor's programs and University of Arkansas 77; 52 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about LSU vs University of Arkansas
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into LSU or University of Arkansas?
LSU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: LSU admits 73.3% of applicants and University of Arkansas admits 74.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: LSU 1180–1340; University of Arkansas 1030–1220.
Which is cheaper, LSU or University of Arkansas?
University of Arkansas has the lower average net price after grants: $19,286 a year at LSU against $17,571 at University of Arkansas. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,670 and $12,718. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do LSU or University of Arkansas graduates earn more?
LSU graduates earn more at the median: $64,338 ten years after entry for LSU and $63,588 for University of Arkansas. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, LSU or University of Arkansas?
University of Arkansas does: 68% of LSU students graduate within six years, against 70.9% at University of Arkansas.
How big are LSU and University of Arkansas?
LSU has 30,594 students in Baton Rouge, LA and University of Arkansas has 28,677 students in Fayetteville, AR.