University of Louisiana at Monroe logo

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, LA Public ยท Urban www.ulm.edu
Accept Rate
74.56%
Grad Rate
50.7%
Enrollment
4,891
Avg SAT
1102
Tuition
$9,190
Median Salary
$46,769
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a close-knit, community-focused atmosphere where students are known by name, not just a number. With a moderate enrollment of under 5,000, the campus feels manageable and supportive, fostering a family-like environment. Itโ€™s a place where Southern hospitality meets academic ambition, creating a welcoming and encouraging setting for learning.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.56%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 110275th Pctl
10501350
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1924
1122436

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate of 74.56%, ULM is moderately selective, so aim for an SAT score above the 1102 average to strengthen your application. Highlight any involvement in health sciences, business clubs, or community service in your essays, as these align with the university's top programs. Since the in-state tuition is significantly lower, Louisiana residents should be sure to complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1102
40080012001600
School range: 1050โ€“1350

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

Academics & Majors

ULM is renowned for its top-tier Health Professions programs, particularly its highly regarded nursing and pharmacy schools. The university also excels in Business, Psychology, and Biology, offering students hands-on learning and research opportunities through its College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated to student success.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
30.9%
Business & Marketing
13.3%
Psychology
13%
Biology & Biomedical
5.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
5.4%
Computer Science
3.6%
Education
3.2%
Social Sciences
2.5%
Criminal Justice
2.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.1%
History
1.8%
Communications
1.5%

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

By The Numbers

50.7%
Graduation Rate
72.3%
Retention Rate
4,891
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
$9,190
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$11,633
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,552
Cost of attendance/year
33.4%
Receive Pell Grants
34.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Monroe

Student life in Monroe is relaxed, with outdoor activities along the Ouachita River being a popular pastime. For entertainment, students frequent the historic downtown area for its local restaurants and live music, or head to nearby Pecanland Mall for shopping. The city also offers a minor league baseball team and seasonal festivals that provide a taste of local culture.

Local Rent Check

$757 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Monroe
Explore Monroe

Reality Check

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

$36,760
$0Est. 4 Years: $36,760

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,769):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

ULM's campus is generally considered safe, with a dedicated University Police Department that patrols regularly and offers safety escort services. The surrounding Monroe area has typical city crime rates, so students are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly-ranked and affordable nursing and pharmacy programs.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and accessible, supportive faculty.
  • โœ“ Significant financial aid available, with 33.4% of students receiving Pell Grants.
  • โœ“ Manageable urban campus setting with a strong sense of community.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 50.7% is below the national average.
  • โœ— Monroe's location in northeastern Louisiana is somewhat isolated from major metropolitan hubs.
  • โœ— Campus social scene may feel quieter compared to larger state universities.

Notable Alumni

Terry Bradshaw
Legendary NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Fox Sports analyst.
Kyle Williams
Former NFL player who had a long and successful career, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers.
Catherine D. 'Cathy' Gierer
Award-winning journalist and former news anchor for KNOE-TV in Monroe.

Frequently Asked Questions

ULM is best known for its exceptional Health Professions programs, especially its Nursing and Pharmacy schools, which are highly respected regionally and nationally. It also has strong programs in Business & Marketing, Psychology, and Biology. The university prides itself on providing hands-on learning and research opportunities within these key fields.

No, ULM is not considered a highly selective school. With an acceptance rate of 74.56%, it offers admission to a majority of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1102, and having a GPA in line with or above this average will make you a competitive candidate.

Campus life at ULM is community-oriented and intimate due to its small enrollment of under 5,000 students. Students enjoy a variety of outdoor activities thanks to the nearby Ouachita River and participate in numerous student organizations and campus events. The overall vibe is friendly and inclusive, typical of Southern hospitality.

For in-state students, the value is excellent. With an affordable tuition of $9,190 and a net price of $11,633, it is a financially accessible option. The 10-year median earnings of $46,769 for graduates, particularly from its strong nursing and business programs, indicates a positive return on investment, especially for those who manage their costs effectively.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

St. Francis Medical Center Ochsner Health CenturyLink City of Monroe Ouachita Parish School System
Smart Start Score
52

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 7,302
  • In-State Tuition $9,190
  • Out-of-State $21,290
  • Zip Code 71209

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 34.8% โ™€ 65.2%

The Money Talk

At $9,190 for in-state students, UML offers a solid education at an affordable price, making it a financially smart choice for Louisiana residents. The average net price of $11,633 is manageable, and with a 10-year median earnings of $46,769, graduates see a reasonable return on investment. Out-of-state tuition at $21,290 is still competitive compared to many other universities, offering good value for non-residents.

*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 $9,190
Housing (12 mo) $9,084
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $25,474
With avg financial aid:
$11,633/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.