Louisiana State University's published cost of attendance is $34,328 per year, including $28,631 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,954 for Louisiana residents), $14,296 for room and board, and $1,084 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $20,015 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,313 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $34,328 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,631 |
| Room and Board | $14,296 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,084 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,313 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,015 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,035 |
| $30–48k | $17,014 |
| $48–75k | $21,261 |
| $75–110k | $25,140 |
| $110k+ | $26,244 |
Louisiana State University's published cost of attendance is $34,328 per year, including $28,631 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,954 for Louisiana residents), $14,296 for room and board, and $1,084 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $20,015 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,313 from the sticker price. This net price places LSU $4,425 below the peer median of $15,590, making it more affordable than typical institutions of similar scale and mission.
The university's financial aid effectively reduces costs for most students, though the benefit varies significantly by family income level. For Louisiana residents, the in-state tuition advantage creates substantial savings compared to out-of-state students, with in-state tuition of $11,954 representing $16,677 less than the out-of-state rate. The combination of moderate sticker prices and meaningful financial aid creates accessible higher education for most Louisiana families, while out-of-state families should carefully evaluate the net price relative to their income level and alternative options in their home states.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
LSU graduates carry median debt of $20,500, essentially matching the peer median of $20,000 and indicating typical borrowing levels for public research universities. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,059 at the 75th percentile, showing most students borrow modestly with a relatively narrow range of debt outcomes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 falls within reasonable bounds, meaning typical graduates devote about one-third of their first-year earnings to total education debt rather than annual payments. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,466 with monthly payments of $283, representing additional family financial commitment beyond student borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
LSU presents a solid educational investment with reasonable costs and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $61,251 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 74th percentile nationally and $708 above the peer median, while carrying debt levels essentially equal to peer institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates manageable borrowing relative to income potential, particularly for students in the university's stronger programs like engineering and business. Low-income graduates earn $63,700, actually exceeding the overall median by $2,449, demonstrating that the investment pays off across economic backgrounds.
Return on investment ranks at the 80th percentile with well above average performance, reflecting the combination of controlled costs and solid earnings outcomes. The university's particular strength in high-earning programs like Chemical Engineering ($99,522), Construction Management ($83,839), and Mechanical Engineering ($92,171) creates exceptional value for students in these fields.
LSU's financial aid system creates meaningful cost reductions for most families, with the $14,313 average savings reducing the published cost by 42%. The aid structure particularly benefits lower-income students, as evidenced by the 25.7% Pell share representing about 1 in 4 students receiving federal need-based aid.
Net prices range from $14,035 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,244 for families earning over $110,000, indicating aid concentration toward students with demonstrated financial need. The university's net price of $20,015 falls significantly below the peer median of $15,590, though this comparison may reflect differences in in-state versus out-of-state pricing structures across peer institutions.
The progressive aid structure supports LSU's public mission of serving Louisiana residents across income levels while maintaining accessibility for qualified out-of-state students. Students should use LSU's net price calculator to estimate their family-specific costs, as individual circumstances can vary significantly from these broad income-based averages.
The combination of moderate student debt and solid earnings creates manageable repayment conditions for most graduates, particularly those in higher-earning programs like engineering and business. Students should consider that debt levels vary significantly by program choice, family income, and individual financial circumstances, making program-specific debt analysis important for major selection.
