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Head-to-head · 15 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 60% chose Tulane University. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 15 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

15
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 15 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Louisiana State University logo Chose LSU
40%
Chose Tulane University Tulane University logo
60%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$19,750
78.0% get a grant
$37,500
87.0% get a grant
$32,078 net tuition

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$39,000
n = 5
$135,000
n = 7
View all-time (43 cross-admits)
40% chose LSU 60% chose Tulane University
Rank summary
LSU
#78
LSD
USN #85
Tulane University
#53
LSD
USN #70
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Louisiana State University logo
LSU
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Tulane University logo
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
USN Rank
#85
#70
LSD Rank
75+ (0.003)
Top 75 (0.006)
LSAT 25th
155
159
LSAT Median
157
161
LSAT 75th
160
164
GPA Median
3.74
3.67
Acceptance Rate
38.5%
40.0%
Class Size
230
241
Yield Rate
47.6%
29.0%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Louisiana State University logo
LSU
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Tulane University logo
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuition (In-State)
$19,750
$69,578
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$19,750
-
Median Grant
$19,750
$37,500
% Receiving Grants
78.0%
87.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Louisiana State University logo
LSU
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Tulane University logo
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
BigLaw (501+)
3.5%
19.2%
Federal Clerkships
4.5%
7.0%
State & Local Clerkships
5.6%
2.3%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
87.9%
90.7%
Bar Pass Rate
84.9%
77.7%

Overview

About LSU vs Tulane University

Across 15 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 40% enrolled at Louisiana State University and 60% at Tulane University.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Louisiana State University and Tulane University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Tulane University is ranked #70 compared to #85 — a gap of 15 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Tulane University has a median LSAT of 161 compared to 157, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Tulane University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Louisiana — Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and Tulane University in New Orleans — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

Employment outcomes differ substantially: Tulane University places 19.2% of graduates into large law firm positions, compared to 3.5% for the other school. This 16 percentage point gap is significant for applicants targeting BigLaw careers.

On cost, Louisiana State University has lower tuition at $19,750 per year compared to $69,578. Combined with employment rates of 87.9% (LSU) and 90.7% (Tulane University), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing Tulane University reported a higher median scholarship — $135,000 versus $39,000 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.