Texas Tech University vs LSU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Texas Tech University and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Texas Tech University vs LSU at a glance
Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and LSU 73.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,890 at Texas Tech University and $19,286 at LSU. Six-year graduation rates are 69.9% and 68%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and LSU 73.3%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,890 a year at Texas Tech University and $19,286 at LSU; LSU costs $604 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,008 at Texas Tech University and $14,670 at LSU.
- 69.9% of students graduate within six years at Texas Tech University, against 68% at LSU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,143 for Texas Tech University and $64,338 for LSU; Texas Tech University is $2,805 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Texas Tech University and $19,500 at LSU.
- Texas Tech University enrolls 32,394 students (large city) and LSU 30,594 (midsize city).
Side by side
Texas Tech University and LSU 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 | Texas Tech University | LSU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 72.7% | 73.3% |
| Applicants | 33,756 | 36,561 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1090–1280 | 1180–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–28 | 24–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,890 | $19,286 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,852 | $12,551 |
| Tuition, out of state | $24,451 | $29,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $28,525 | $35,774 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,008 | $14,670 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,846 | $15,598 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,756 | $18,807 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,147 | $23,421 |
| Over $110,000 | $25,269 | $27,239 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 69.9% | 68% |
| First-year retention | 85% | 84.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,143 | $64,338 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,394 | 30,594 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Lubbock, TX | Baton Rouge, LA |
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
Texas Tech University reports 79 bachelor's programs and LSU 68; 51 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Texas Tech University vs LSU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Texas Tech University or LSU?
Texas Tech University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and LSU admits 73.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Texas Tech University 1090–1280; LSU 1180–1340.
Which is cheaper, Texas Tech University or LSU?
LSU has the lower average net price after grants: $19,890 a year at Texas Tech University against $19,286 at LSU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,008 and $14,670. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Texas Tech University or LSU graduates earn more?
Texas Tech University graduates earn more at the median: $67,143 ten years after entry for Texas Tech University and $64,338 for LSU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Texas Tech University or LSU?
Texas Tech University does: 69.9% of Texas Tech University students graduate within six years, against 68% at LSU.
How big are Texas Tech University and LSU?
Texas Tech University has 32,394 students in Lubbock, TX and LSU has 30,594 students in Baton Rouge, LA.