Texas A & M University-College Station (TAMU) vs LSU-A&M

Envision yourself as a student navigating the vast landscape of higher education, seeking the perfect university to cultivate your academic aspirations. As you embark on this journey, allow us to present a comprehensive comparison between two esteemed institutions: Texas A&M University-College Station and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. While both universities share a rich history and commitment to academic excellence, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our meticulously crafted comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these institutions apart, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which university aligns seamlessly with your academic pursuits, extracurricular interests, and personal preferences.

	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	Texas A & M University-College Station
Overview
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	College Station, Texas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
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%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.9%	64.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1130 - 1320	1140 - 1380
ACT range	23 - 29	25 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	72.0%
Students submitting ACT score	88.0%	28.0%
Total number of applicants	36,561	43,763
Total number of admissions given out	25,907	28,132
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,045	12,323
Yield rate	27.2%	43.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	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: $31,703 Out of state: $58,598
Average net price	$21,010	$22,253
Tuition	$8,038	In state: $9,339 Out of state: $36,234
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,720 Meal plan: $4,434	$11,400
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	93.0% Average amount $13,235	64.0% Average amount $10,877
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,433	27.0% Average amount $5,082
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $19,954	6.0% Average amount $17,615

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,273 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	56,723 Men 52.9% Women 47.1%
Graduate students	6,639 Men 39.7% Women 60.3%	15,807 Men 52.3% Women 47.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	32.6%	4.9%
International students	4.2%	6.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	8,657	11,342
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	Texas California Louisiana Virginia Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Public Administration and Social Service	Engineering Business Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.0%	83.4%
Dropout rate	29.0%	3.0%
Transferred out	N/A	12.8%
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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,529 Year 2: $134,726 Year 3: $134,672 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $199,818 Year 2: $144,240 Year 3: $132,724 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,892 Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: $132,550 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,294 Year 2: $115,761 Year 3: $126,377 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,377 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $105,826 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,282 Year 2: $82,685 Year 3: $97,319 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,907 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $96,092 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,110 Year 2: $80,669 Year 3: $95,309 Marine Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,754 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $94,608 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,783 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $92,911

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between Texas A&M and LSU?

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas, a city with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is expansive, offering a blend of historic buildings and modern facilities. Louisiana State University (LSU) is situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the state's capital. LSU's campus is known for its beautiful, tree-lined pathways, iconic architecture, and proximity to the city's cultural and entertainment offerings. Both campuses offer a vibrant student life, but the surrounding environments differ in terms of city size and regional culture.
How do the academic programs at Texas A&M and LSU compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Texas A&M is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, boasting nationally recognized programs in these fields. LSU excels in programs related to petroleum engineering, coastal studies, and architecture. While both universities have robust liberal arts programs, the specific strengths and specializations within each college may vary. Prospective students should research the specific departments and programs that align with their academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance at Texas A&M versus LSU?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies between the two universities and depends on residency status (in-state or out-of-state). Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates compared to other major public universities. It's recommended to consult the official websites of Texas A&M and LSU for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition and fees, as these figures can change annually. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset the cost of attendance.
How does student life and extracurricular activities differ at Texas A&M and LSU?

Student life is a significant aspect of both universities. Texas A&M is known for its strong traditions, such as the Aggie Ring and the 12th Man, fostering a close-knit community. The university offers a wide array of student organizations, including academic clubs, sports teams, and Greek life. LSU also has a vibrant student life, with a strong emphasis on athletics, particularly football. The university offers numerous student organizations, social events, and recreational activities. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build lasting relationships.
What are the athletic programs like at Texas A&M and LSU?

Both Texas A&M and LSU have highly competitive athletic programs, particularly in football. Texas A&M competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and LSU is also a prominent member of the SEC. Both universities have a rich history of athletic success and passionate fan bases. The atmosphere at football games and other sporting events is electric, creating a strong sense of school spirit. Students at both universities have ample opportunities to participate in intramural sports and support their respective teams.
How do the admission requirements compare between Texas A&M and LSU?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a review of academic transcripts. Both universities consider a student's GPA, course rigor, and extracurricular activities in their admission decisions. Admission standards can vary depending on the specific program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. It's advisable to check the official admissions websites of Texas A&M and LSU for the most current and detailed information on application requirements, deadlines, and any specific program prerequisites.
What are the career services and job placement opportunities like at Texas A&M and LSU?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. They host career fairs, provide internship opportunities, and connect students with potential employers. Texas A&M and LSU have strong industry connections, particularly in fields related to their academic strengths. Graduates from both universities are highly sought after by employers in various industries. The specific career services offered and the industries represented at career fairs may vary, so it's beneficial to explore the career services websites of each university to understand their offerings.
How does the research environment differ at Texas A&M and LSU?

Both Texas A&M and LSU are major research institutions, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Texas A&M has a strong focus on engineering, agriculture, and biomedical research, with significant funding and resources dedicated to these areas. LSU also has a robust research environment, with strengths in areas such as coastal studies, energy, and environmental science. The specific research opportunities available may vary depending on the department and the faculty's research interests. Students interested in research should explore the faculty profiles and research centers at each university to identify potential opportunities.
What is the overall campus culture like at Texas A&M and LSU?

Texas A&M is known for its strong traditions, emphasis on leadership, and a welcoming atmosphere. The university fosters a sense of community and Aggie spirit. LSU is known for its lively campus culture, strong athletic traditions, and a focus on Southern hospitality. Both universities offer a diverse student body and a wide range of social and cultural activities. The overall campus culture at each university is unique, and prospective students should consider which environment best suits their personal preferences and values.
Which university is better for a specific major, Texas A&M or LSU?

The 'better' university for a specific major depends on the individual student's academic interests and career goals. Texas A&M is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. LSU excels in petroleum engineering, coastal studies, and architecture. Students should research the specific programs, faculty, and resources available in their chosen field at each university. Consider factors such as program rankings, research opportunities, and career placement rates when making a decision. Visiting both campuses and talking to current students and faculty can also provide valuable insights.

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