Empowering You with Knowledge and Community
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is the second-largest university in the state of Louisiana and the largest in the University of Louisiana System. It’s known for academic quality, a diverse campus, and a strong focus on sustainability. UL Lafayette offers more than 240 majors, minors, and concentrations, along with 50 graduate and 24 online programs. You can choose what fits your goals, on campus or online. The university was also ranked among the world’s top 25 eco-friendly schools in 2019.
The university is also recognized for its strength in the arts. For example, the Chamber Singers earned fifth place at the international CantaRode choral competition. From UL Lafayette housing to admissions, tuition, and student life, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was founded in 1898 and became a four-year university during the 20th century. It adopted its current name in 1999.
The U.S. Department of Education has named UL Lafayette the most affordable university in Louisiana. In 2023, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus expanded with the addition of 19.2 acres from the former Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.
Nearly 130,000 people have earned degrees from UL Lafayette since its founding. As of Fall 2024, 15,665 students are enrolled, including 2,233 graduate students and over 450 international students from more than 70 countries. It has an acceptance rate of 89%, making it accessible to many students.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette sits on a 1,300-acre campus. The university is ranked #377 among National Universities and #200 among Top Public Schools. These rankings are based on widely accepted measures of academic performance.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers over 240 majors, minors, and concentrations, including robust undergraduate, graduate, and online options across a wide range of disciplines.
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers 6 undergraduate degrees:
B.A. in Art or Music Education (Grades K–12)
B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Grades PK–3)
B.S. in Elementary Education (Grades 1–5)
B.S. in Middle School Education (Grades 4–8)
B.S. in Secondary Education and Teaching
B.S. in Kinesiology
The college is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for its initial teacher licensure programs.
The UL Lafayette Graduate School offers flexible and career-focused graduate programs. You can choose from:
Doctoral Degrees
Master's Degrees
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) Programs
Graduate Certificates
Non-Degree Options
Online Programs
UL Lafayette holds the R1 Carnegie Classification for “Very High Research Activity,” placing it in the same category as top-tier institutions like Harvard and Princeton. It also ranks among the top 10 universities in the nation for research funded by business, according to the National Science Foundation.
UL Lafayette offers a broad range of master’s programs in fields such as:
Business Administration (MBA)
Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical)
Computer Science & Computer Engineering
Education (Curriculum, Leadership, Special Education)
Biology, English, French, Counseling, and more
Doctoral programs include:
Nursing Practice (DNP)
Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Francophone Studies, English, Biology, Mathematics (Ph.D.)
Systems Engineering, Earth & Energy Sciences, and others
To apply for a graduate program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, you must:
Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university
Submit three letters of recommendation
Provide official transcripts (with certified English translations, if needed)
Submit GRE or GMAT scores, if the program requires them
Provide transcripts in the original language along with exact English translations
Include mark sheets and a diploma if the transcript does not indicate degree conferral
UL Lafayette offers a free transcript review but may occasionally request a third-party evaluation.
The admissions process evaluates more than just grades and test scores. UL Lafayette also considers your work experience, research background, leadership roles, and any challenges you’ve overcome.
English Language Requirements:
If your degree is not from an English-speaking country, you must submit one of the following:
Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
Duolingo | 110 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 79 |
TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 |
PTE Academic | 53 |
If you're an international student, make sure to apply on time.
Late applications are accepted with a $25 late fee. All documents must be submitted by the deadlines below.
Semester | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|
Fall (A & B Terms) | June 1 |
Spring (A & B Terms) | October 1 |
Summer (A & B Terms) | March 1 |
Semester | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|
Fall | May 15 |
Spring | October 1 |
Applying to a graduate program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a simple process. Here’s what you need to do as an applicant:
Create your application account and fill out the form.
Pay the fee and apply. $30 for first-time international applicants
Go to the “Application Items” tab to upload documents and send references.
Send official test scores and transcripts to UL Lafayette. They are usually added to your checklist within 2–3 business days of receipt.
After your application is complete:
The Graduate School will evaluate your file.
Then, your program’s department will review your application.
Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified by email and can view your status in the portal.
Your tuition at UL Lafayette depends on several things, whether you’re studying as an undergraduate or graduate student, taking classes online or on campus, and what program you’re enrolled in. International students also have added fees. The university offers both flat-rate and package-priced programs, depending on the format and degree.
International students studying on campus pay based on credit hours and program type. Costs differ between standard programs (Tier 1) and high-cost majors (Tier 2). The following table shows estimated tuition for a 12-credit load per semester.
Student Type | Semester | Estimated Tuition (12 Credit Hours) |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate – Tier 1 | Fall | ~$6,494 |
Undergraduate – Tier 2 | Fall | ~$13,358 |
Graduate | Fall | ~$7,045 |
Undergraduate – Tier 1 | Summer | ~$5,551 |
Graduate | Summer | ~$5,935 |
Tier 1 refers to standard-cost programs; Tier 2 includes high-cost majors like engineering. Tier pricing does not apply to online programs.
Students in fully online programs pay the same rate per credit hour, no matter where they live. Some degrees, like the online MBA or RN to BSN, charge a total package price instead of a per-credit fee. Hybrid courses (part online, part on-campus) may include extra support fees.
Program | Tuition Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate – Tier 1 | $380 per credit hour | Same rate for all students |
Undergraduate – Tier 2 | $480 per credit hour | Flat rate for all students |
Graduate | Package price | Includes tuition and materials |
Undergraduate – Tier 1 | Package price (pay-as-you-go) | Affordable, financial aid available |
Graduate | $275 per credit hour | For returning adult learners with some college credit |
Undergraduate Hybrid Courses | +$30 per credit hour (fee) | Distance learning support fee |
Graduate Hybrid Courses | +$50 per credit hour (fee) | Distance learning support fee |
UL Lafayette offers several scholarships to help students reduce the cost of their education. Scholarships are awarded for strong academics, transfer status, international background, or continued progress at the University. Let’s first understand the types and then how to get a scholarship.
Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
Fleur-de-Lis Scholarship (First-Time Freshman) | $6,864 per semester (up to 8 semesters) | - Completion of a recognized secondary program comparable to a U.S. high school - 2.5 GPA (U.S. scale) - ACT 20 or SAT 1030 - Regular admission - Apply by June 20 (Fall) or Dec 16 (Spring) |
Cayenne Scholarship (Transfer Students) | $6,864 per semester (up to 8 semesters) | - 12+ non-remedial credit hours from a U.S. college - 2.75 GPA on all college-level work - No bachelor’s degree - Not a re-entry student - Regular admission |
| AmberScholar Scholarship | Over $33,000 total | - Open to students from 220+ countries |
All freshmen must live on campus at UL Lafayette. Rooms are first come, first served after paying the $250 fee. After the first year, many students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette choose to move off campus. Several nearby apartments offer convenient amenities and easy access to campus. With Amber, students can browse and book Lafayette LA student housing that fits their needs.
These are some apartments near UL Lafayette:
You can apply online by creating an account on the university’s admissions website. Be sure to submit your high school or college transcripts and test scores.
Yes. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette dorms offer several on-campus housing options, including residence halls and student apartments.
Yes. Many students move off campus after their first year. There are plenty of apartments near University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Tuition varies based on your residency status and program. In-state students typically pay less than out-of-state or international students.
Yes. Students can apply for federal aid, Louisiana state programs like TOPS, and scholarships offered by the university.