Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lafayette, Louisiana
88.8% Acceptance Rate
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
88.8%Acceptance Rate
3.4Avg GPA
1219Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$24,631Annual Cost
$47,089Grad Salary
38.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
88.8%
Avg GPA
3.4
Avg SAT
1219
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1120–1255
ACT Middle 50%
23–27
Avg Net Price
$14,118
Need-Based Aid
38.8% receive Pell
University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research university that emphasizes regional impact, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Admissions are based on a combination of academic record and standardized test scores, with a focus on core curriculum completion. The university seeks students who are ready to engage in its active research programs and contribute to its vibrant campus life, which celebrates regional culture and academic growth.
Applicants should highlight their consistency in academic performance and their involvement in extracurricular activities. Because the university has a strong tradition of student collaboration and innovation, highlighting a capacity for teamwork in high school settings is highly encouraged. A successful application demonstrates a student's readiness for the transition to university-level research and professional preparation, while also showing an understanding of how to participate in the university's unique campus and regional community.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Acceptance Rate
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 88.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 88.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.95
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
UL Lafayette GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UL Lafayette is 3.4. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.60-3.80 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.10 and 3.4, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
UL Lafayette GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UL Lafayette utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.40 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.20 – 3.39
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.00 – 3.19
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.99
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Freshman admission allows either a test score OR a 3.0 unweighted GPA to satisfy each of the English and math requirement areas independently - not a single combined threshold
- Louisiana high school graduates face an additional Core 4 Curriculum requirement (19 specific Board of Regents units) beyond the general freshman criteria; out-of-state and homeschooled applicants follow a separate track
- No essay or letters of recommendation required; test scores are not strictly required for initial admission review but must be submitted officially to finalize the admission decision and qualify for academic scholarships
- Automatic scholarship consideration begins at application, but all scholarship requirements (including official test scores) must be met by May 31 of senior year regardless of rolling-admission application timing
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UL Lafayette
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Louisiana at Lafayette's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UL Lafayette Without SAT or ACT?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Average SAT Score: 1219
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is 1219 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1219 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1219 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1255 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Louisiana at Lafayette allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1120, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UL Lafayette. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 560 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 603 | 560 | 645 |
| SAT Composite | 1219 | 1120 | 1255 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1120 then you are below most of the admitted students at UL Lafayette and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1255 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) are good but the admission staff at UL Lafayette tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UL Lafayette is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes University of Louisiana at Lafayette slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 23 | 27 |
Can I get into University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Louisiana at Lafayette — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Louisiana at Lafayette use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Louisiana at Lafayette — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Louisiana at Lafayette uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UL Lafayette
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UL Lafayette is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Run both admission thresholds (test score OR unweighted GPA) - UL Lafayette accepts either independently
UL Lafayette's freshman admission criteria allow a student to qualify via either an 18 ACT English/500 SAT EBRW/250 Accuplacer Writing OR a 3.0 unweighted overall GPA for the English-side requirement, and similarly either a 19 ACT Math/510 SAT Math/250 Accuplacer QAS OR a 3.0 GPA for the math-side requirement - meaning a student can mix and match (qualifying on GPA for one subject area and test score for another) rather than needing to clear a single combined bar. A family should check both subject-area requirements independently rather than assuming one low test subscore disqualifies the whole application.
If the student graduated from a Louisiana high school, confirm Core 4 curriculum completion specifically - it's an added layer beyond the general freshman criteria
Louisiana high school graduates applying as freshmen must meet all general freshman requirements PLUS complete the Louisiana Board of Regents Core 4 Curriculum (19 specific units) - a state-specific curriculum requirement that doesn't apply to out-of-state or homeschooled applicants, who instead follow a separate track. A Louisiana-resident family should verify Core 4 completion on the transcript explicitly, since meeting the GPA/test threshold alone isn't sufficient for in-state graduates if the specific Core 4 courses are missing.
Submit official test scores even though they aren't strictly required - they determine the final admission decision and academic scholarship eligibility
UL Lafayette doesn't require an essay or letters of recommendation, and lists test scores as not strictly required for admission consideration - but the university's own application materials state that official SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to finalize an admission decision and to be considered for academic scholarships. A student with a strong self-reported GPA shouldn't skip sending official scores if scholarship money matters, since the "not required" framing applies to the initial review, not to the final scholarship-eligible decision.
Apply early even though admission is rolling - automatic scholarship consideration has its own hard cutoff
UL Lafayette automatically considers every applicant for university scholarships at the time of application, but the student must meet all scholarship requirements by May 31 of senior year regardless of when they applied - meaning a student who applies in the fall but doesn't finalize required materials (official scores, immunization records, etc.) by May 31 can lose scholarship eligibility even though admission itself remains open under the rolling policy.
Expert Insight:
Acceptance-rate figures for UL Lafayette vary substantially across sources (cited from the high-60s to the low-90s depending on methodology and year), so a family should not anchor planning decisions to any single percentage. The more reliable planning tool is the university's own dual-track GPA/test-score criteria and the Louisiana-resident-specific Core 4 curriculum requirement, both of which are concrete and independently verifiable on a transcript.
UL Lafayette Profile
Full Name
University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette)
City
Lafayette
State
Louisiana
ZIP Code
70503
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UL Lafayette Degree Worth It?
Getting into UL Lafayette can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UL Lafayette offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UL Lafayette is $47,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.34%.
How much does a degree from UL Lafayette Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $24,631. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $14,118.
38.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UL Lafayette and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Louisiana at Lafayette, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UL Lafayette as your choice in the form.
How much does a UL Lafayette Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $47,089. An average UL Lafayette graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | 1205 | 25 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at UL Lafayette
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Louisiana at Lafayette →
Frequently Asked Questions About UL Lafayette Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $47,089 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,631 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
38.8% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette is 88.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.4. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.1, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.1, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.4, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Louisiana at Lafayette is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1219 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1120–1255.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.