Grambling State University

Grambling State University admits approximately 23.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 4 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Grambling State in the highly selective category, with significantly more competitive admission than typical four-year institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights the stark difference between Grambling State's selectivity and most public universities serving similar student populations. This level of selectivity means that even qualified students may face uncertainty in the admission process, despite the institution's strong commitment to access and diversity.

Students should approach Grambling State as a selective institution and build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates. The combination of selective admission with exceptional access to underrepresented students makes Grambling State distinctive among public universities.

For students seeking both academic rigor and institutional commitment to diversity, this selectivity profile represents a balanced approach to admission. The sections below provide context on admitted student characteristics and alternative schools with more accessible admission processes while maintaining similar educational outcomes and commitment to student success.

Grambling State offers 9 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Information Science/Studies ranks #48 nationally and #2 in Louisiana, producing 27 graduates with median earnings of $43,980 and a value score of 6.0.

Biology, General ranks #246 nationally and #6 in Louisiana, graduating 51 students with median earnings of $42,857 and a value score of 33.4. Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians ranks #23 nationally and #2 in Louisiana, with 46 graduates earning $40,485.

Corrections Administration is the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 100 students annually with median earnings of $33,296 and ranking #181 nationally. Business Administration and Management graduates 32 students with median earnings of $34,679.

Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies ranks #1 in Louisiana, graduating 30 students with median earnings of $31,093. All tracked programs are designated as top majors at the school, reflecting the institution's focused academic portfolio and specialized strengths.

Grambling State University's published cost of attendance is $25,100 per year—that's $16,706 in out-of-state tuition ($7,683 for Louisiana residents), $10,990 for room and board, and $1,800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $19,125 after financial aid, representing savings of $5,975 from the sticker price.

The net price is $5,032 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating above-average costs relative to similar institutions. Financial aid covers a smaller portion of costs compared to peer institutions, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for families.

The gap between published and actual costs is relatively modest compared to institutions with more substantial financial aid programs. Net prices range from $16,447 for the lowest-income families to $24,356 for families earning over $110,000, showing a progressive aid structure but limited overall affordability relief.

The moderate aid savings combined with above-peer pricing creates cost challenges that families should carefully evaluate using personalized financial planning tools to understand their specific obligations and payment options.

Grambling State graduates demonstrate substantial earnings growth over time despite starting from modest initial levels. Median earnings rise from $25,589 six years after enrollment to $29,689 at eight years and $41,109 at ten years, representing 60.7% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on cohorts of 1,063, 1,381, and 1,247 graduates respectively, providing confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $5,371 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Grambling State at the 75th percentile for earnings uplift.

This positive performance indicates the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success beyond what demographic characteristics alone would predict. Low-income graduates earn $30,400, reflecting meaningful economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Earnings span from $21,673 at the 25th percentile to $59,505 at the 75th percentile, a 2.7:1 ratio that reflects differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 23% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry.