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Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Union, Confidence, Justice"

Public research university
Type
7,819
Total Students
10,183
Undergrad
990
Graduate
$118M
Endowment
(2021)
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
73%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: James B. "Jim" Henderson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Louisiana Tech University

Pioneering research and athletic excellence define Louisiana Tech University.

Louisiana Tech University, affectionately known as La. Tech, stands as a prominent public research institution in Ruston, Louisiana, with a rich history dating back to 1894. Part of the University of Louisiana System, it is officially classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," signifying its significant contributions to academic discovery and innovation. Beyond its robust academic environment, Louisiana Tech is celebrated for its dynamic campus life and fierce athletic spirit, particularly its Bulldogs football and the legendary Lady Techsters women's basketball program.

Founded as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana during the Second Industrial Revolution, the university's initial mission was to equip students with skills in arts and sciences to foster an industrial economy in post-Reconstruction Louisiana. Over its 130-year journey, the institution evolved, undergoing several name changes—from Louisiana Industrial Institute to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute—each reflecting its expanding scope and deepening academic focus before officially becoming Louisiana Tech University in 1970 as it met the criteria for a comprehensive research university. The 1960s also marked a significant milestone with its desegregation, further broadening its commitment to inclusive education.

Today, Louisiana Tech serves a vibrant student body of over 11,000, offering a wide array of programs across its academic colleges. The university's dedication to high research activity ensures students have access to cutting-edge education and opportunities. Beyond its main Ruston campus, Louisiana Tech extends its reach with instructional sites in Bossier City, Shreveport, Barksdale Air Force Base, and the CenturyLink campus in Monroe, making quality education accessible. Students immerse themselves in a lively campus culture, rallying behind the Blue and Red colors, and cheering on their NCAA Division I Bulldogs and Lady Techsters, whose impressive record includes three national basketball championships, cultivating a strong sense of community and pride.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," recognizing its significant research contributions.
  • Founded on July 6, 1894, with an original mission to develop Louisiana's industrial economy through arts and sciences education.
  • Boasts an endowment of $117.9 million (as of 2021) supporting its academic and research endeavors.
  • Home to over 11,000 students, fostering a vibrant and diverse academic community.
  • The Lady Techsters women's basketball team has won three national championship titles (1981, 1982, 1988) and made 13 Final Four appearances.
  • The university's main campus spans 1,774 acres in Ruston, Louisiana, with additional instructional sites across the region.
  • Offers 16 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams, competing in Conference USA.

Timeline

1894
Act No. 68 established "The Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana" on July 6.
1895
First academic session began with 6 faculty members and 202 students.
1897
Harry Howard became the first graduate, receiving a Bachelor of Industry degree.
1898
Name officially changed to Louisiana Industrial Institute by state constitution.
1919
Began granting standard baccalaureate degrees.
1921
Name changed to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute; first Bachelor of Science in Engineering awarded.
1960
The institution became desegregated.
1970
Officially changed name to Louisiana Tech University, satisfying research university criteria.

Leadership

James B. "Jim" Henderson
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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