Academic Comparison between LSU and South Carolina

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and University of South Carolina-Columbia are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. LSU is located in Baton Rouge, LA and South Carolina is located in Columbia, SC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • South Carolina has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,298) than LSU ($28,631).
  • It is harder to admit to South Carolina than LSU.
  • South Carolina has a higher submitted SAT score (1,255) than LSU (1,255).
  • South Carolina has higher submitted ACT score (27) than LSU (27).
  • LSU has more students with 41,705 students while South Carolina has 38,532 students.
  • South Carolina has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while LSU's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • South Carolina has more full-time faculties with 1,753 faculties while LSU has 1,371 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
LSU South Carolina
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical Collegevs.University of South Carolina-Columbia
Baton Rouge, LouisianaLocationColumbia, South Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,954
Out-Of-State$28,631
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,688
Out-Of-State$36,298
72%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$13,378Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,193
73.33 %Acceptance Rates60.15 %
22.96 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.94 %
1,255SAT Score1,270
27ACT Score29
69 %Graduation Rate79 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
85 %Retention Rate92 %
41,705Student Population38,532
1,371Number of Faculties1,753
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
More Rivals