Kiplinger's Best Value Report on LSU affordability

Acceptance rates are meaningless unless you know both the statistical profile of the admitted students and the applicant pool. LSU's entering class profile is in the top 2 or so in the SEC West (not counting A&M). LSU's entering classes have generally been improving since the implementation of entrance requirements. Graduation rates are important, but so is maintaining academic standards for earning a degree.

Kiplinger

How We Calculate Value

Cost and financial aid (33%): We consider low sticker prices, generous need-based aid, and percentage of need met (the extent to which financial aid bridges the gap between the family’s expected contribution and the cost of attendance).

Student indebtedness (14%): With student borrowing on the rise, we now give extra points for low average debt at graduation and low percentage of students who borrow.

Competitiveness (22%): High test scores among incoming freshmen, a low admission rate and a high yield (the percentage of accepted applicants who enroll) indicate selectivity and intellectual synergy.

Graduation rates (18%): The sooner your kid gets a diploma, the more money you save. We give maximum points for the four-year graduation rate and half that amount for a strong six-year rate.

Academic support (13%): The number of students per faculty and the freshman retention rate measure the school’s ability to support its academic mission.

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Keep telling your self it is because of high academic standards! I have some beach front property for sale in Arizona just for you.

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Competitiveness (22%): High test scores among incoming freshmen, a low admission rate and a high yield (the percentage of accepted applicants who enroll) indicate selectivity and intellectual synergy. Graduation rates (18%): The sooner your kid gets a diploma, the more money you save. We give maximum points for the four-year graduation rate and half that amount for a strong six-year rate.

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Selectivity doesn't mean much either apart from knowing what the applicant pool looks like.

Graduation rates are interesting, but essentially meaningless for serious students. The ones who don't graduate don't graduate because they don't study, don't put in the academic effort necessary. If I am the parent of unmotivated student, I might be concerned about the graduation rate. If I am the parent of a motivated, good student, I would be more interested in other data.

I would say for an LA resident it is super affordable since just to get into LSU means you're qualified for TOPS. So basically come up with some cash to cover room & board, you're almost set.