Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Louisiana Tech University logo

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA·Public·8,312 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 8,312 students.

86%
Accept
8,312
Students
$11,864
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$49,200
Earnings
10 yr
$22,135
Debt

About This School

Louisiana Tech University is a public institution located in Ruston, Louisiana with approximately 8,312 undergraduate students enrolled. Louisiana Tech University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,864 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, and the typical graduate earns $49,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Louisiana Tech University is a public research university in Ruston, Louisiana, United States. It is part of the University of Louisiana System and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $12,209 average net price is genuinely affordable, and a median debt of just $15,000 at graduation is well below the national average — real strengths for cost-conscious families. However, the 58% graduation rate is a legitimate concern, meaning roughly 4 in 10 students who start here don't finish, which is worth asking the school about directly. If you're drawn to engineering, business, or research opportunities at an R2 doctoral university in a small-town setting and have a clear plan to stay on track, this can be a solid, low-debt path to a $49,200 median salary a decade out.

Founded
1894
Setting
Distant town
Avg Faculty Salary
$9,177

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions16%
Engineering13%
Biological Sciences6%
Computer Science5%
Psychology4%
Social Sciences2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Karl MaloneWill WrightTerry BradshawPaul MillsapSaxby ChamblissMuse WatsonMousa Mohammed Abu MarzookP. J. BrownGarret GravesTrace AdkinsTeresa WeatherspoonCheryl Ford

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1191
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile680

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,125
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,866
Avg Net Price
$11,864
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$7,676
$30–48k$8,619
$48–75k$11,146
$75–110k$15,674
$110k+$16,207

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$22,135

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
82%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,135
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$44,300
Female graduates$32,700

Gap: 26% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,135
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.2x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White73%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian2%
Two or more races2%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,312 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Louisiana Tech University

1310 West Railroad Avenue

Ruston, LA 71272

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Louisiana

Browse all Louisiana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.