University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Rankings, Acceptance Rate & Courses

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.

About the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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.

Courses Offered at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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.

Undergraduate Programs

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.

Graduate Programs at UL Lafayette

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.

Master’s Degrees

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 Degrees

Doctoral programs include:

• Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
• Francophone Studies, English, Biology, Mathematics (Ph.D.)
• Systems Engineering, Earth & Energy Sciences, and others

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Admissions Requirements

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:

University of Louisiana Application Deadlines for International Students

If you're an international student, make sure to apply on time.

Application Deadlines (For International Undergraduate Students)

Late applications are accepted with a $25 late fee. All documents must be submitted by the deadlines below.

Application Deadlines (For Graduate Programs)

How to Apply to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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:

1. Create your application account and fill out the form.
2. Pay the fee and apply. $30 for first-time international applicants
3. Go to the “Application Items” tab to upload documents and send references.
4. 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.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Tuition & Fees (2025–2026)

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 On-Campus Tuition Estimates

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.

Tier 1 refers to standard-cost programs; Tier 2 includes high-cost majors like engineering. Tier pricing does not apply to online programs.

Tuition for Online and Hybrid 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.

Scholarship Opportunities at the University of Louisiana

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.

Student Housing Lafayette LA: Top Picks

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:

• The Pointe at Pinhook
• Santa Rosa 
• Basswood 
• Elora Place