LSU Ranked #1 University in Louisiana by The Wall Street Journal

“The Wall Street Journal” has ranked LSU the top university in Louisiana in its 2026 Best Colleges in America rankings, highlighting LSU’s commitment to preparing graduates for financial success.

"Given the exceptional year LSU has had, it’s no surprise we’re rising in national rankings. LSU is recognized as the top university in Louisiana, and that’s exactly what you should expect from an institution whose mission is to serve this state. That recognition tells me we’re delivering on our promise to our students and to the people of Louisiana," said LSU Interim President Matt Lee.

The ranking also placed LSU in the top 80 universities nationwide for Social Mobility, a measure of how well colleges expand opportunities for students from lower-income families by maintaining strong graduation rates, controlling costs, and ensuring positive career outcomes. This recognition places LSU among the top 15% of universities nationally in this category.

LSU’s success stands out across the SEC, with the university outperforming Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State in the overall rankings.

The WSJ/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings evaluated 584 universities across the country in partnership with College Pulse and Statista. In addition to graduates’ salaries, the rankings consider schools’ graduation rates and their learning environment, based on a survey of about 120,000 students and recent alumni. The survey measures factors such as the quality of teaching and feedback, career preparation and learning facilities, and the likelihood of students recommending their school to a friend.

Next Step

As we build teams that win for Louisiana, the nation, and the world, LSU is putting our state and its citizens on firmer footing for a brighter tomorrow — one win at a time.

See How LSU Is Helping Build a Brighter Future for All of Us