Choosing the right college is a critical decision for high school students and their families. It can have a significant impact on a student’s academic, professional, and personal life. In this comparison piece, we will examine two popular institutions: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). We will provide an overview of each school, discuss their costs and tuition, admissions criteria, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus facilities, alumni success, rankings, and outcomes.
UL Lafayette Overview
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) is a public research university located in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is the largest campus within the University of Louisiana System and the second-largest university in the state. UL Lafayette offers over 80 undergraduate programs and more than 30 graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees. The campus is known for its strong engineering, nursing, architecture, and business programs. With a diverse student body and a wide range of student organizations, UL Lafayette provides a rich and engaging learning environment for its students.
UL Lafayette Costs & Tuition
UL Lafayette offers affordable education, with in-state tuition for undergraduate students averaging around $9,912 per year and out-of-state tuition costing approximately $24,110 per year. For graduate students, in-state tuition is around $10,170 per year, and out-of-state tuition is about $22,084 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
UL Lafayette Admissions
Admission to UL Lafayette is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 63%. The university considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The average high school GPA of admitted students is around 3.4, and the average ACT score is between 21 and 27.
UL Lafayette Degrees Offered
UL Lafayette offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. Some popular undergraduate programs include engineering, nursing, business, education, and the liberal arts. Graduate programs offered by the university cover areas such as engineering, architecture, computer science, and education. The university also offers online degree programs, enabling students to pursue higher education from any location.
UL Lafayette Academics
The academic environment at UL Lafayette is challenging and engaging, with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The university offers a variety of academic resources, including tutoring services, academic coaching, and career guidance. Additionally, UL Lafayette provides opportunities for undergraduate research and collaboration with faculty on various projects.
UL Lafayette Diversity
UL Lafayette is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its community. The university has a diverse student body, with approximately 40% of students identifying as members of minority groups. To further support diversity and inclusion, UL Lafayette offers various resources, such as multicultural organizations and a diversity council, which work to promote cultural understanding and acceptance on campus.
UL Lafayette Students
The student population at UL Lafayette consists of over 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including both full-time and part-time students. The university offers a variety of student organizations and clubs, catering to various interests and providing ample opportunities for students to get involved, learn new skills, and make lasting connections.
UL Lafayette Campus
The UL Lafayette campus spans over 1,500 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and a well-equipped library. Students have access to a variety of amenities, such as dining halls, fitness centers, and recreational facilities. The campus also hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
UL Lafayette Alumni
UL Lafayette boasts an impressive network of alumni who have achieved success in various industries. Notable alumni include former Governor Kathleen Blanco, NFL player Brian Mitchell, and musician Sonny Landreth. The university’s alumni association provides resources and networking opportunities for graduates to help them achieve success in their chosen fields.
UL Lafayette Rankings
UL Lafayette is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation. According to the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, UL Lafayette ranks #298-389 in National Universities. Additionally, the university’s engineering and nursing programs have been recognized for their excellence.
UL Lafayette Outcomes
Graduates of UL Lafayette go on to pursue successful careers in various industries. According to the university’s data, 86% of graduates secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UL Lafayette graduates is around $42,000 per year.
FAU Overview
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida, with additional campuses in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Fort Pierce, and Jupiter. FAU offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, nursing, and liberal arts. With a diverse student body and numerous student organizations, FAU provides a vibrant and engaging learning environment for its students.
FAU Costs & Tuition
FAU is an affordable option for higher education, with in-state undergraduate tuition averaging around $6,360 per year and out-of-state tuition costing approximately $23,166 per year. For graduate students, in-state tuition is around $8,633 per year, and out-of-state tuition is about $28,191 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
FAU Admissions
Admission to FAU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 63%. Similar to UL Lafayette, the university evaluates applicants based on a variety of factors, such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The average high school GPA of admitted students is around 3.6, and the average ACT score is between 21 and 26.
FAU Degrees Offered
FAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study, including popular programs in business, engineering, nursing, education, and the liberal arts. The university also provides online degree programs for students seeking flexibility in their higher education pursuits.
FAU Academics
FAU offers a rigorous and engaging academic environment, with a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. The university provides numerous academic resources, such as tutoring and academic advising, to support student success. Like UL Lafayette, FAU encourages undergraduate research and collaboration with faculty on various projects.
FAU Diversity
FAU is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion on its campuses. The university has a diverse student body, with approximately 50% of students identifying as members of minority groups. FAU offers numerous resources to promote diversity and inclusion, including multicultural organizations and a dedicated Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
FAU Students
FAU has a student population of over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including full-time and part-time students. The university offers numerous student organizations and clubs, providing opportunities for students to get involved, develop new skills, and make lasting connections.
FAU Campus
FAU’s main campus in Boca Raton spans over 850 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and a well-equipped library. Students have access to a variety of amenities, such as dining halls, fitness centers, and recreational facilities. The campus also hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
FAU Alumni
FAU has an extensive network of alumni who have achieved success in various industries. Notable alumni include astronaut Steve Swanson, former U.S. Representative Robert Wexler, and professional baseball player Jeff Fiorentino. The university’s alumni association provides resources and networking opportunities for graduates to help them achieve success in their chosen fields.
FAU Rankings
FAU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation. According to the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, FAU ranks #298-389 in National Universities. Additionally, the university’s business and engineering programs have been recognized for their excellence.
FAU Outcomes
Graduates of FAU go on to pursue successful careers in various industries. According to the university’s data, 87% of graduates secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for FAU graduates is around $45,000 per year.
UL Lafayette vs FAU Cost Comparison
Both UL Lafayette and FAU provide affordable education options for students. While FAU offers lower in-state tuition for undergraduate students ($6,360 per year) compared to UL Lafayette ($9,912 per year), the out-of-state tuition for both universities is relatively similar, with FAU costing $23,166 per year and UL Lafayette costing $24,110 per year. Similarly, for graduate students, FAU offers lower in-state tuition rates ($8,633 per year) compared to UL Lafayette ($10,170 per year), while out-of-state tuition is comparable for both schools.
UL Lafayette vs FAU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions for both UL Lafayette and FAU are moderately competitive, with both universities having an acceptance rate of around 63%. Both schools consider various factors in their admissions process, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. The average high school GPA of admitted students at FAU is slightly higher (3.6) compared to UL Lafayette (3.4). However, the average ACT score range for both schools is relatively similar (21-27 for UL Lafayette and 21-26 for FAU).
UL Lafayette vs FAU Academic Difficulty
Both UL Lafayette and FAU provide rigorous and engaging academic environments, with student-faculty ratios of 20:1 and 21:1, respectively. Both schools offer numerous academic resources and opportunities for undergraduate research and collaboration with faculty on various projects.
UL Lafayette vs FAU Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates of both UL Lafayette and FAU are relatively similar. According to each university’s data, 86% of UL Lafayette graduates and 87% of FAU graduates secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for FAU graduates ($45,000 per year) is slightly higher than that of UL Lafayette graduates ($42,000 per year).
