Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College vs Grambling State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College comes out ahead: 76/100 to 12/100, a 64-point edge over Grambling State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College runs $19,151 a year against $19,809 at Grambling State University - $658 more a year, or about $2,632 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn a median $61,251 against $41,109 at Grambling State University. The cost earns itself back in 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and 35.9 years at Grambling State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College owing a median $20,500 versus $36,500 at Grambling State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.46 and 1.39 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Louisiana State Universit... | Grambling State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,954 | $7,683 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,631 | $16,706 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,151 | $19,809 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $76,604 | $79,236 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,000 | $26,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $61,251 | $41,109 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.8% | 36.2% |
| Payback Period | 8.3 yr | 35.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $36,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $387 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46 | 1.39 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.5% | 56.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.3% | 42.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 73.3% | 44.9% |
| Enrollment | 30,594 | 4,164 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1340 | 920-1080 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Louisiana State Univ... | Grambling State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,056 | $18,666 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $15,696 | $19,007 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,223 | $21,743 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $23,878 | $24,525 |
| $110,001+ | $26,489 | $25,310 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Louisiana State Univ... | Grambling State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $82,617 | $50,208 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,590 | $44,729 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $61,045 | $44,665 |
| Marketing | $60,408 | $41,150 |
| Biology | $56,019 | $54,628 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,245 | $43,324 |
| Psychology | $51,675 | $43,561 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $50,422 | $23,073 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Louisiana State Univ... | Grambling State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 75 | 15 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 73 | 15 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 81 | 1 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 16 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 75 | 13 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 12 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College clearly outperforms Grambling State University (76 vs 12), a 64-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Grambling State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.
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Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Grambling State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.