ALEXANDRIA, La. (2/19/2026) – Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has been ranked the #1 Safest College Campus in Louisiana and the #7 Safest College Campus in America by Niche.com, placing the university among the most secure learning environments nationwide.
The ranking, part of Niche’s annual Safest Colleges list, evaluated more than 2,000 colleges and universities across the country using federal crime data and student-reported experiences. LSUA’s place in the top 1% nationally demonstrates the university’s long-standing commitment to student safety, campus wellbeing, and a learning environment where students can focus on academic and personal success.
According to Niche, the Safest Colleges ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, including campus crime statistics reported under the Clery Act, combined with student survey responses measuring perceptions of safety. The methodology weighs multiple factors, including campus crime rates, alcohol-related and drug-related arrests, residence hall incidents, and student feedback on campus safety, producing both a national ranking and a Niche Safety Grade.
LSUA’s Performance
LSUA’s performance stands out sharply when viewed against national benchmarks. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate that the national average campus crime rate across U.S. colleges is approximately 16.9 incidents per 10,000 full-time equivalent students. In contrast, LSUA’s federally reported crime data reflect little to no reportable campus crime, positioning the university well below national norms and contributing to its top-tier ranking.
This recognition builds on LSUA’s reputation as a close-knit, rural campus that functions much like a small municipality. Located just southeast of Alexandria, LSUA serves thousands of students each day within a compact, walkable campus supported by a dedicated university police department. With a visible law-enforcement presence and proactive safety practices, LSUA has consistently maintained a secure environment conducive to learning and engagement.
Student experience data further reinforces the ranking. Niche’s methodology assigns significant weight to student survey responses, and LSUA students consistently report feeling safe on campus, both during the day and at night, reflecting confidence in campus security measures, lighting, facilities, and community culture.
Freshman
LSUA freshman Jason Rodriguez explained, “No matter where I am, or the time of day, I always feel safe on campus. Even at night, I can walk across campus to the gym and back with confidence and without a concern for my safety. The fact that I can see the blue emergency phones along the sidewalk and our campus police driving around gives me the reassurance of knowing I am safe on campus.”
Jaycie O’Conner, a sophomore nursing major continued, “LSUA feels safe and welcoming. Faculty, staff, and police all treat students like their own family, which is extremely important for a comfortable atmosphere. We are a close-knit community. Campus police are regularly present, which adds more security and reassurance when I am out and about on campus. As a young woman, this provides me with more confidence and ease to walk from the residence halls to class and even the gym at night.”
LSUA’s safety ranking complements the university’s broader momentum, including record enrollment growth, strong retention, and increasing national recognition for academic quality and value. As Louisiana’s most affordable four-year public university and the LSU System’s only undergraduate-only institution, LSUA continues to demonstrate that accessibility, excellence, and safety are not competing priorities but essential components of student success.
The full Safest Colleges ranking and methodology are available at Niche.com.
Written by Adam Lord
Image credit – Mira Alvarado
Image [L-R] – Sgt. Albert “Marty” Brown, Chief Donald Collins, Sgt. Mechelle Williams | LSUA University Police
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