Louisiana's premier public research university pioneering engineering and innovation since 1894.
Louisiana Tech offers 135+ degrees and programs across five colleges: Applied and Natural Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences, Engineering and Science, and Liberal Arts. The university is renowned for pioneering engineering programs, including the nation's first cyber engineering BS degree (2012) and the world's first nanosystems engineering degree (2007). With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio and emphasis on hands-on learning, students work alongside faculty in studios, labs, and classrooms. The university maintains a 82% retention rate and 53.3% six-year graduation rate, the highest in the University of Louisiana System.
The pedestrian-friendly main campus centers around the historic Quad with the Lady of the Mist fountain and features 86 buildings, many in Colonial Revival style. Centennial Plaza serves as a vibrant gathering space with dining, shops, and event venues. Louisiana Tech fields 16 NCAA Division I sports teams (7 men's, 9 women's) competing in Conference USA. The university hosts 180+ student organizations and provides residential life in multiple halls. Ruston, a town of approximately 22,000, offers outdoor recreation including parks, lakes, and world-class mountain biking trails.
Louisiana Tech became a selective-admissions university in 1992 and has raised admissions criteria four times since 2000. The average freshman ACT score is 23.9. Over 90% of students receive some form of financial assistance. The university operates on a quarter system (three quarters equal two semesters), awarding semester hours. Dual enrollment and advanced placement options are available for prospective students.
Louisiana Tech graduates achieve the fastest time-to-degree completion in Louisiana (4.7 years average) and rank #1 in highest early career earnings among Louisiana universities (Georgetown CEW). As of May 2017, the university has awarded more than 100,900 degrees. The institution emphasizes workforce development and economic development through its research centers and innovation enterprise, preparing students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.