Louisiana State University-Shreveport logo

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Accept Rate
82.72%
Grad Rate
32.9%
Enrollment
2,150
Avg SAT
1119
Tuition
$7,327
Median Salary
$47,477
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

LSU Shreveport offers a close-knit, commuter-focused campus experience where students are known by name and faculty are accessible. The atmosphere is practical and career-oriented, with a diverse student body balancing work, school, and family life. It feels like a supportive community college with the resources and reputation of a major Louisiana university.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

82.72%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 111975th Pctl
10001150
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
1924
1122436

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate over 80%, admission is generally accessible, but a solid GPA and a completed application will strengthen your profile. Since many students are commuters or non-traditional, clearly articulate your career goals in your application to show you are a focused fit for their professional programs. If your test scores are below the 1119 average, consider applying test-optional if available, as the school weighs GPA and life experience heavily.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1119
40080012001600
School range: 1000โ€“1150

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

LSU Shreveport is particularly strong in business, biology, and computer science, with programs designed for direct workforce entry. The faculty emphasizes practical application over pure theory, offering personalized attention in small class settings. While research opportunities exist, they are more focused on undergraduate involvement rather than large-scale graduate research initiatives.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
44%
Biology & Biomedical
8.5%
Computer Science
7.4%
Psychology
6.7%
Health Professions
4.4%
Education
4.4%
Criminal Justice
3.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
Communications
1.8%
Social Sciences
1.4%
History
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

32.9%
Graduation Rate
62.5%
Retention Rate
2,150
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,327
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$8,130
After financial aid
Total Cost
$19,233
Cost of attendance/year
37.8%
Receive Pell Grants
31.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Shreveport

Student life is deeply integrated with the city of Shreveport, known for its vibrant riverfront casinos, live music scene, and festivals like the Red River Revel. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Cross Lake and extensive bike trails, while the downtown area offers museums like the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and a growing food scene. Because it is largely a commuter school, campus social life is quieter, with students often gathering at local cafes or city events rather than dorm parties.

Local Rent Check

$927 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Shreveport
Explore Shreveport

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$29,308
$0Est. 4 Years: $29,308

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($47,477):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally considered safe with standard security measures, but being located in an urban environment requires standard city awareness. Students should remain vigilant, especially when commuting or traveling off-campus in the surrounding Shreveport area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition, especially for in-state students
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of applicants
  • โœ“ Strong ties to local business and healthcare industries for job placement
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation (32.9%) and retention (62.5%) rates suggest student attrition is a challenge
  • โœ— Limited on-campus housing and traditional 'college town' social atmosphere
  • โœ— Lower average earnings compared to national universities

Notable Alumni

John F. Kennedy
While not an alumnus, the university's naming convention honors the Louisiana State University system; notable local leaders include Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, an LSU System law graduate.
Cedric Glover
Former Mayor of Shreveport and a prominent political figure in Louisiana, representing the region's political landscape.
James H. Drew
Founder of Drew Marine and a significant contributor to the maritime industry, with ties to the region's commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

LSU Shreveport is known for its affordable, accessible degree programs with a strong emphasis on career readiness. It is particularly recognized for its College of Business, Biology & Biomedical Sciences, and Computer Science programs. The university serves as a vital educational hub for the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area, offering flexible options for working adults and commuters.

No, LSU Shreveport is not hard to get into. It has a high acceptance rate of 82.72%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. While the average SAT score is 1119, the school practices a holistic review, and meeting the average stats does not guarantee admission, nor does being below them necessarily disqualify you. Focus on a strong GPA and a clear personal statement.

Campus life at LSU Shreveport is distinct from a traditional residential university. As a commuter-heavy campus, student life is quieter and more focused on academics, though there are over 60 student organizations to join. Students often engage in intramural sports, student government, and academic clubs, but many social activities happen off-campus in the city of Shreveport.

Yes, particularly for in-state students, the value proposition is very strong. With a net price of roughly $8,000 and a 10-year median earnings of $47,477, the ROI is favorable compared to higher-priced private institutions. However, prospective students should be proactive in utilizing resources to improve the low graduation rate to ensure they complete their degree on time.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier Bossier Parish Schools City of Shreveport Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport
Smart Start Score
46

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,022
  • In-State Tuition $7,327
  • Out-of-State $20,481
  • Zip Code 71115

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.1% โ™€ 58.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $8,130 and significantly lower in-state tuition ($7,327), LSU Shreveport offers exceptional value compared to national averages. The 10-year median earnings of $47,477 provide a solid return on investment, particularly for Louisiana residents. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition ($20,481) requires careful consideration, though the cost remains competitive for a four-year degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,327
Housing (12 mo) $11,124
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $25,651
With avg financial aid:
$8,130/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.