Acceptance Rate
85%
Avg. SAT
1360
75th percentile
“A welcoming public university in Monroe, Louisiana, blending Southern charm with a focus on health sciences and community impact.”
Monroe, LA
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Monroe, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) carries a legacy of accessibility and regional pride since its founding in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College. Originally established to provide affordable education during the Great Depression, it evolved into a four-year institution by 1950 and joined the University of Louisiana system in 1999. Today, ULM stands as a cornerstone of northeast Louisiana, drawing students who value a close-knit campus and a practical approach to learning. You’ll find a student body that often hails from within the state, eager to stay connected to their roots while pursuing degrees that lead to tangible careers.
What sets ULM apart is its unpretentious, community-driven spirit. This isn’t a sprawling urban campus or a research giant; it’s a place where you can expect professors to know your name and classmates to feel like neighbors. The surrounding city of Monroe, with a population of about 50,000, offers a slower pace compared to bigger Louisiana hubs like Baton Rouge or New Orleans, which can be a comfort or a constraint depending on your taste for city life. If you thrive in a quieter, more personal environment and appreciate Southern hospitality, ULM could feel like home, but if you’re craving constant bustle or diverse cultural scenes, the smaller scale of both campus and city might leave you wanting more.
One tradeoff to consider is the regional focus—many students and resources are tied to Louisiana’s needs, which can limit exposure to broader national or global perspectives. Campus facilities are functional rather than flashy, reflecting the university’s emphasis on affordability over luxury. Still, for students who want a grounded, supportive start to their college journey, ULM’s blend of tradition and practicality makes it a compelling choice in the Deep South.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, academics are rooted in preparing students for careers that serve the region, with standout programs in health sciences, particularly pharmacy and nursing. The College of Pharmacy, one of only two in the state, has a strong reputation for producing graduates ready to tackle Louisiana’s healthcare challenges, while the nursing program benefits from hands-on clinical partnerships with local hospitals. You’ll find a curriculum that prioritizes real-world application over abstract theory, which means many classes focus on skills you can use directly after graduation. Beyond health sciences, ULM offers solid programs in education and business, often tailored to meet local workforce demands.
Classroom experiences here lean toward the personal, with smaller class sizes in upper-level courses allowing for meaningful interaction with faculty, though introductory lectures can feel crowded as the university balances its nearly 7,500 undergraduates. Research opportunities exist, especially in health-related fields, but they’re not as extensive as at larger state schools, so if you’re set on cutting-edge labs or broad interdisciplinary studies, you might need to seek those elsewhere. The academic culture encourages persistence over competition, but some popular programs like pharmacy can be rigorous to enter and complete, requiring early focus and strong planning from students.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
6,761 undergrad • 1,840 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
59%
Black / African American
23%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
14%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Monroe, LA
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at ULM pulses with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe, where Southern traditions and school spirit weave into everyday interactions. You can expect a typical week to balance academics with events like tailgating before Warhawk football games at Malone Stadium, where students rally in maroon and gold to cheer on their team. Social life often revolves around on-campus activities—think student organization meetups, Greek life events, or casual hangouts at the Student Union—since Monroe itself doesn’t offer a sprawling nightlife. Annual traditions, such as the Spring Fever Week with concerts and games, give you a chance to unwind and connect with peers in a relaxed setting.
Living on campus, where many first-year students reside in residence halls like Bayou Suites, fosters a tight community, though housing options can fill up quickly, pushing some to look off-campus in Monroe’s affordable but less vibrant neighborhoods. The Louisiana climate brings hot, humid summers and mild winters, which can be a plus for outdoor activities along the nearby Ouachita River but a challenge during sticky August move-ins. While the social scene is welcoming, it’s not as dynamic or varied as at larger universities, so if you’re seeking a high-energy party culture or urban adventures, you might find ULM’s quieter rhythm a bit limiting.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
73%
4 Years Graduation Rate
49%
6 Years Graduation Rate
59%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$46,769
73% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Louisiana at Monroe and return in the fall. 49% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 59% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
49%
4-5 years
10%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
40%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,788
Acceptance
85%
Undergrads
6,761
4-Year Grad Rate
49%
Endowment
$38M
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
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