University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs LSU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs LSU at a glance
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 79.8% of applicants and LSU 73.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $17,330 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $19,286 at LSU. Six-year graduation rates are 85.2% and 68%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 79.8% of applicants and LSU 73.3%, so LSU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $17,330 a year at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $19,286 at LSU; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $1,956 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,885 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $14,670 at LSU.
- 85.2% of students graduate within six years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, against 68% at LSU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,314 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $64,338 for LSU; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is $9,976 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,350 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $19,500 at LSU.
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities enrolls 31,855 students (large city) and LSU 30,594 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | LSU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 79.8% | 73.3% |
| Applicants | 35,905 | 36,561 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1300–1500 | 1180–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 24–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $17,330 | $19,286 |
| Tuition, in state | $18,482 | $12,551 |
| Tuition, out of state | $41,368 | $29,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $32,137 | $35,774 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,885 | $14,670 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,188 | $15,598 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,031 | $18,807 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,210 | $23,421 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,424 | $27,239 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.2% | 68% |
| First-year retention | 91.1% | 84.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,314 | $64,338 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,350 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $220 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 31,855 | 30,594 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN | 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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports 114 bachelor's programs and LSU 68; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs LSU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or LSU?
LSU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 79.8% of applicants and LSU admits 73.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 1300–1500; LSU 1180–1340.
Which is cheaper, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or LSU?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the lower average net price after grants: $17,330 a year at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities against $19,286 at LSU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,885 and $14,670. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or LSU graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more at the median: $74,314 ten years after entry for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and $64,338 for LSU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,350 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or LSU?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities does: 85.2% of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students graduate within six years, against 68% at LSU.
How big are University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and LSU?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has 31,855 students in Minneapolis, MN and LSU has 30,594 students in Baton Rouge, LA.