Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
The Vibe Check
LSU Health Shreveport feels like a tight-knit, focused professional community rather than a traditional undergrad campus. The atmosphere is intensely clinical and research-driven, with students deeply embedded in the regional healthcare system from day one. It's a place for learners who are serious about medicine and ready for a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Academics & Majors
The academic focus is laser-sharp on health professions, with notable strengths in medicine, nursing, and allied health. Teaching is deeply integrated with clinical practice at the affiliated hospital, offering students direct patient care experience. Research opportunities are robust, particularly in areas like cancer biology, neurology, and cardiovascular science, supported by the Biomedical Research Foundation.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Shreveport
Shreveport offers a relaxed Southern lifestyle with a growing arts and culture scene, particularly in the historic downtown and Common Street areas. Students often enjoy the city's renowned riverfront parks, live music venues, and a surprising number of excellent local restaurants. For recreation, there are nearby lakes and trails, and the city is a short drive from the Louisiana-Texas border for weekend getaways.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($74,671):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is located in a major medical corridor and is generally considered safe, with campus security services active 24/7. Like any urban area, students should practice standard safety precautions, being aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling between clinics and parking areas after dark.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct integration with a major regional medical center provides unparalleled clinical training opportunities.
- ✓ Specialized focus on health sciences means all resources and faculty are dedicated to your field of study.
- ✓ Graduates are highly sought after within Louisiana's healthcare network, offering strong local job placement.
- ✓ Research programs are well-funded and connected to clinical applications, providing impactful hands-on experience.
Cons
- ✗ Campus life is almost exclusively academic and lacks the traditional social scene of a large undergraduate university.
- ✗ The specialized focus offers very few options for students exploring non-health-related fields.
- ✗ Being located in a medical complex, the campus environment can feel more like a workplace than a traditional college quad.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
LSU Health Shreveport is primarily known for its medical school and its role as a major training hub for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals for North Louisiana. It is a leader in biomedical research, particularly in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurology, and is deeply integrated with the region's hospitals and clinics.
Yes, admission is competitive, especially for the MD program, which has a low acceptance rate typical of medical schools. Applicants are expected to have high GPAs (often 3.7+) and strong MCAT scores, along with significant clinical and research experience. The admissions process is holistic, heavily weighing letters of recommendation and personal statements that align with the school's mission to serve Louisiana.
Campus life is professional and academically intensive, with a student body focused on their studies and future careers. There are very few traditional undergraduate activities, and the social scene is more centered on professional networking and study groups. Students typically engage with the wider Shreveport community for entertainment and relaxation outside of their demanding academic schedules.
For in-state students pursuing a health profession, the value is very strong. The median 10-year earnings of $74,671 reflect a solid return on a public university education. The cost is significantly lower than private medical or health science schools, and the direct pathway to a high-demand career in a region with a shortage of healthcare professionals makes it a financially sound investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1969
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 34
- Zip Code 71103
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a median 10-year earnings of $74,671 and a degree focused on high-demand health professions, the return on investment is solid, especially for in-state students. The relatively low Pell Grant rate suggests a student body that is not predominantly from low-income backgrounds, but the professional nature of the degrees typically leads to stable, well-compensated careers. Given the critical need for healthcare professionals in Louisiana, graduates often find that the tuition investment pays off through strong job security and earning potential.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.