LSU-A&M vs Washington State University (WSU)

Louisiana State University (LSU) and Washington State University (WSU) are two distinct universities with unique offerings and characteristics. LSU, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a public land-grant research university with a vibrant student life and a strong focus on agriculture and engineering. WSU, situated in Pullman, Washington, is also a public land-grant research university known for its exceptional programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. While both universities share similarities, they also have notable differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university better aligns with your academic aspirations, personal preferences, and future goals.

	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	Washington State University
Overview
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	Pullman, Washington
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Town: Distant
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%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.9%	85.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1130 - 1320	N/A
ACT range	23 - 29	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%
Students submitting ACT score	88.0%
Total number of applicants	36,561	18,197
Total number of admissions given out	25,907	15,607
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,045	4,007
Yield rate	27.2%	25.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $35,810 Out of state: $52,487	In state: $28,767 Out of state: $44,083
Average net price	$21,010	$11,877
Tuition	$8,038	In state: $10,457 Out of state: $25,773
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,720 Meal plan: $4,434	Room/dormitory: $7,400 Meal plan: $4,350
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	93.0% Average amount $13,235	86.0% Average amount $9,993
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,433	27.0% Average amount $5,042
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $19,954	3.0% Average amount $15,454

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,273 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	24,278 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	6,639 Men 39.7% Women 60.3%	5,565 Men 44.7% Women 55.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	32.6%	15.2%
International students	4.2%	5.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	8,657	7,043
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	Washington California Oregon Idaho Hawaii

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Public Administration and Social Service	Business Engineering Social Sciences Health Professions Education
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.0%	59.5%
Dropout rate	29.0%	38.1%
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	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $135,393 Year 3: $143,888 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,911 Year 2: $123,178 Year 3: $127,531 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,080 Year 2: $100,915 Year 3: $120,737 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,957 Year 2: $112,073 Year 3: $119,910 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $106,275 Year 2: $105,813 Year 3: $117,478 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $82,971 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $96,760 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,468 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $88,746 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,693 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $81,535 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,112 Year 2: $68,808 Year 3: $80,939 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,531 Year 2: $72,881 Year 3: $79,650

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Louisiana State University (LSU) and Washington State University (WSU)?

LSU and WSU differ significantly in location, campus culture, and academic strengths. LSU, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers a vibrant Southern experience with a strong emphasis on SEC athletics and a prominent Greek life. WSU, situated in Pullman, Washington, provides a more Pacific Northwest atmosphere, known for its strong research programs, particularly in agriculture and engineering, and a close-knit community feel. LSU tends to have a larger student body and a more urban setting compared to WSU's smaller, more rural environment.
How do the academic reputations of LSU and WSU compare?

Both LSU and WSU are respected institutions, but they have different areas of academic prominence. LSU is known for its programs in engineering, business, and mass communication, particularly its Manship School of Mass Communication. WSU excels in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. While both offer a wide range of programs, consider your specific academic interests when evaluating their reputations.
What is the cost of attendance at LSU versus WSU?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, LSU tends to be more affordable for in-state students compared to WSU. However, out-of-state tuition at LSU can be competitive with WSU's out-of-state rates. Be sure to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's official website, and factor in living expenses, which can differ based on location (Baton Rouge vs. Pullman).
How do the campus cultures at LSU and WSU differ?

LSU's campus culture is deeply rooted in Southern tradition, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly surrounding SEC athletics. Greek life is also very prominent. WSU offers a more laid-back, Pacific Northwest vibe. While school spirit is still present, it's often expressed differently, with a greater focus on community involvement and outdoor activities. WSU also has a strong sense of community due to its location in a smaller college town.
What are the popular majors at LSU and WSU?

At LSU, popular majors include Business Administration, Engineering (particularly Petroleum and Chemical), Mass Communication, and Biological Sciences. At WSU, popular majors include Engineering (particularly Mechanical and Electrical), Business, Agricultural Sciences, and Nursing. These are just some of the popular options; both universities offer a wide array of programs to suit diverse interests.
What are the admission requirements for LSU and WSU?

Admission requirements for both LSU and WSU typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT, though test-optional policies may apply), and a well-rounded application showcasing extracurricular activities and personal essays. Specific requirements may vary by program, so it's essential to check the admissions website of each university for the most up-to-date information.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at LSU and WSU?

Both LSU and WSU offer a wide range of student life and extracurricular activities. LSU boasts a vibrant Greek life, numerous student organizations, and a strong focus on athletics. WSU also has a variety of clubs and organizations, with a greater emphasis on outdoor recreation and community service. Both universities provide opportunities for students to get involved and enhance their college experience.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between LSU and WSU?

Both LSU and WSU offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. LSU's location in Baton Rouge provides access to opportunities in the energy, government, and business sectors. WSU's strong ties to the agricultural and engineering industries in the Pacific Northwest offer unique internship and career prospects in those fields. The best choice depends on your career aspirations and desired location.
What is the campus setting like at LSU and WSU?

LSU is located in Baton Rouge, a medium-sized city with a vibrant cultural scene. The campus is relatively urban, with easy access to city amenities. WSU is situated in Pullman, a smaller college town in eastern Washington. The campus is more rural and offers a close-knit community feel. Consider whether you prefer a city or a more rural environment when making your decision.
Are there any specific programs that one university is particularly known for over the other?

Yes. LSU is particularly well-regarded for its Petroleum Engineering and Manship School of Mass Communication. WSU is renowned for its Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, and research in areas like plant pathology and sustainable agriculture. If you're interested in these specific fields, it's worth investigating the respective programs in more detail.

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