
Lafayette, LApublicwww.louisiana.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 67%–89% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research university where Cajun culture meets academic rigor. With an 88.8% acceptance rate and strong programs in engineering, sciences, and the humanities, UL Lafayette offers an affordable education steeped in Louisiana's vibrant traditions. Students here enjoy a tight-knit community, robust research opportunities, and a median salary of $42,668 six years after graduation.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
UL Lafayette maintains an 88.8% acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for many students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990–1210 on the SAT or 19–25 on the ACT. First-time freshmen must meet one of the following criteria: 18 ACT English, 500 SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, or a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA. The university also allows deferred admission, letting students postpone enrollment for up to a year.
UL Lafayette offers 80+ majors and 100+ minors, with standout programs in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences. Popular majors include Psychology (5%), Finance (3%), and Mechanical Engineering (3%). The university emphasizes , with a student-faculty ratio of . As a national research institution, it provides undergraduates with hands-on opportunities, particularly in STEM fields.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Life at UL Lafayette is deeply rooted in Cajun culture, with a campus that buzzes with festivals, music, and community events. Students describe the environment as personal and engaging, with ample opportunities for involvement in 200+ student organizations. The university’s YouTube channel showcases testimonials from students who highlight the strong sense of belonging and unique traditions, like cheering for the Ragin’ Cajuns at sporting events.
UL Lafayette’s 4-year graduation rate is 18%, while its 6-year median salary for graduates is $42,668. Earnings 1 year after graduation average $36,427, jumping to $54,844 after 5 years. The university contributes $2.6 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy through its graduates. Retention rates for first-time, full-time students are tracked closely, though specific figures aren’t publicly detailed in the provided sources.
UL Lafayette’s net price after aid is $13,036, with 94% of students receiving financial assistance. The average grant award is $6,553, and 37% of students secure school-specific grants. The university’s Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps families estimate costs, which can be as low as $20,580 for higher-income students and significantly less for those with incomes under $30,000. Affordability is a key selling point, with the Princeton Review noting an 'abundance of scholarship opportunities.'
UL Lafayette blends Cajun charm with academic heft, particularly in engineering and the sciences. Its 88.8% acceptance rate and affordable net price make it accessible, while graduates earn strong mid-career salaries ($54,844 after 5 years). The campus culture is unapologetically Louisianan—think crawfish boils, Zydeco music, and fierce school spirit. For students seeking a research-driven education in a lively, culturally rich setting, UL Lafayette delivers.