Louisiana Tech University logo

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

Louisiana Tech: Innovating since 1894 with a legacy of research and athletic excellence.

Louisiana Tech University, affectionately known as La. Tech, stands as a distinguished public research institution in Ruston, Louisiana, with a rich history spanning over a century. Established on July 6, 1894, during the transformative Second Industrial Revolution, its original mission was to cultivate an industrial economy in post-Reconstruction Louisiana through education in the arts and sciences. Over the decades, it evolved through several name changes—from the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana to Louisiana Industrial Institute and then Louisiana Polytechnic Institute—each reflecting its growth into a significant technological hub before finally becoming Louisiana Tech University in 1970, affirming its status as a robust research institution.

Today, Louisiana Tech is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," underscoring its commitment to groundbreaking discovery and academic rigor. Prospective students will find a vibrant academic environment rooted in its polytechnic heritage, offering a wide array of programs designed to prepare them for an evolving world. The university proudly offers diverse baccalaureate degrees, including its pioneering Bachelor of Science in Engineering, first granted in 1921.

Beyond academics, the university boasts a spirited student experience, highlighted by its NCAA Division I athletic programs. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team consistently draws crowds, but it's the legendary Lady Techsters women's basketball program that truly shines, having secured three national championships in 1981, 1982, and 1988, alongside an impressive 13 Final Four appearances. With a student body of over 11,084, Louisiana Tech fosters a dynamic community where innovation, confidence, and justice, as enshrined in its motto, guide students toward success.

Key Highlights

  • Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity."
  • Lady Techsters women's basketball boasts 3 national championships and 13 Final Four appearances.
  • Endowment stands at $117.9 million (2021).
  • Student enrollment totals 11,084 across its academic programs.
  • Originally established in 1894 to develop Louisiana's industrial economy.
  • Member of the University of Louisiana System and NCAA Division I Conference USA.
  • Guided by the motto: "Union, Confidence, Justice."

Timeline

1894
Established as 'The Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana' on July 6.
1895
First academic session commences on September 23.
1898
Renamed Louisiana Industrial Institute.
1921
First Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree awarded; renamed Louisiana Polytechnic Institute.
1960
University begins desegregation efforts.
1970
Officially renamed Louisiana Tech University.

Leadership

James B. "Jim" Henderson
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Louisiana Tech University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search