Purdue vs LSU-A&M

Purdue University-Main Campus and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Purdue, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 58% compared to LSU's 79% in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While Purdue's student body is predominantly White (68%) and Asian (16%), LSU's student population is more diverse, with a larger proportion of Black or African American (30%) and Hispanic or Latino (11%) students. Both universities excel in engineering and agriculture, but Purdue is renowned for its programs in engineering, technology, and science, while LSU is known for its strengths in agriculture, business, and education. With graduation rates of 82% and 73% respectively, both institutions offer promising prospects for academic success. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	West Lafayette, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.9%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1130 - 1320	1190 - 1430
ACT range	23 - 29	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	88.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	36,561	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	25,907	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,045	10,278
Yield rate	27.2%	25.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $35,810 Out of state: $52,487	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$21,010	$14,619
Tuition	$8,038	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,720 Meal plan: $4,434	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	93.0% Average amount $13,235	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,433	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $19,954	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,273 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	6,639 Men 39.7% Women 60.3%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	32.6%	51.2%
International students	4.2%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,657	15,597
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Louisiana Texas Georgia Florida California	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Public Administration and Social Service	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.0%	82.7%
Dropout rate	29.0%	16.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Veterinary Medicine (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,490 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,967 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,305 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $87,944 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,811 Year 2: $71,402 Year 3: $83,027 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,560 Year 2: $60,099 Year 3: $80,274 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,032 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $79,563 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,541 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $77,603 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,643 Year 2: $43,575 Year 3: $69,597 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,301 Year 2: $61,330 Year 3: $68,763 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,429 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $67,944 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,915 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $65,757	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $86,594 Year 2: $112,363 Year 3: $123,756 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,166 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $110,527 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,310 Year 2: $88,342 Year 3: $105,735 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,040 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $104,408 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,895 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,018 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,749 Year 2: $85,981 Year 3: $94,727 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $84,821 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $89,107 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,034 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $88,209 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,843 Year 2: $72,448 Year 3: $85,950 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,780 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $79,694

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Purdue University and LSU?

Purdue University excels in STEM fields, particularly engineering, technology, and agriculture. It's renowned for its rigorous programs and research opportunities in these areas. LSU, while also offering strong STEM programs, has a broader academic portfolio with notable strengths in areas like coastal sciences, petroleum engineering, and business, alongside a strong emphasis on its liberal arts and humanities programs.
How do the campus environments and student life differ between Purdue and LSU?

Purdue's campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a classic Midwestern college town experience, known for its strong school spirit centered around athletics and engineering traditions. LSU, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides a more Southern, vibrant campus atmosphere with a strong emphasis on Greek life, tailgating, and a rich cultural scene influenced by Louisiana's unique heritage.
Which university is larger, and how does that affect the student experience?

Purdue University generally has a larger undergraduate student population than LSU. This can translate to larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, but also a wider variety of clubs, organizations, and resources. LSU, with a slightly smaller student body, may offer a more intimate campus feel and potentially easier access to professors and personalized attention, though both universities strive to provide ample support to their students.
How do the costs of attending Purdue and LSU compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, Purdue has a higher tuition rate for out-of-state students compared to LSU. However, in-state tuition at Purdue might be comparable or even lower than out-of-state tuition at LSU. It's crucial to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can also differ based on location.
What are the strengths of Purdue's engineering program compared to LSU's?

Purdue's engineering program is consistently ranked among the top in the nation, known for its cutting-edge research facilities, strong industry connections, and a highly competitive curriculum. While LSU also has a reputable engineering program, particularly in petroleum engineering and coastal engineering, Purdue's broader range of engineering specializations and overall national recognition often give it an edge in certain fields.
How does LSU's location in Baton Rouge influence its academic offerings and research opportunities?

LSU's location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides unique opportunities for research and academic programs related to coastal studies, environmental science, and the petroleum industry. Its proximity to the Gulf Coast allows for hands-on research in areas like wetland restoration, hurricane resilience, and energy production. The university also benefits from strong partnerships with local industries and government agencies.
What kind of career services and internship opportunities are available at Purdue and LSU?

Both Purdue and LSU offer comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and career fairs. Purdue's strong industry connections, particularly in the Midwest, provide ample internship and job opportunities in engineering, technology, and manufacturing. LSU's location in the South offers opportunities in energy, agriculture, and government sectors. Both universities actively work to connect students with employers in their respective regions and beyond.
How do the athletic programs and school spirit compare between the two universities?

Both Purdue and LSU have strong athletic programs and passionate fan bases. Purdue is a member of the Big Ten Conference, known for its competitive basketball and football programs. LSU is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), renowned for its dominant football program and enthusiastic tailgating culture. Both universities offer a vibrant athletic atmosphere and a strong sense of school pride.
What are some notable alumni from Purdue and LSU?

Purdue boasts notable alumni in various fields, including Neil Armstrong (astronaut), Drew Brees (NFL quarterback), and numerous CEOs and engineers. LSU's notable alumni include Shaquille O'Neal (NBA player), James Carville (political strategist), and several prominent politicians and business leaders. The alumni networks of both universities are extensive and can provide valuable connections for graduates.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between Purdue and LSU?

When deciding between Purdue and LSU, consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, career goals, and financial situation. If you're passionate about STEM fields and prefer a rigorous academic environment with a strong Midwestern college town feel, Purdue might be a better fit. If you're interested in a broader range of academic programs, enjoy a vibrant Southern campus culture, and seek opportunities in the energy or coastal sciences, LSU could be a better choice. Ultimately, visiting both campuses and speaking with current students can help you make an informed decision.

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