If the LSU football program were a stock, would you buy or sell? p. 7
Reveille The Daily
www.lsureveille.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 • Volume 116, Issue 72
More for your money
Brian Sibille
LSU ranks among best-value SEC schools, hopes to stay affordable
Staff Writer
LSU has been ranked among the nation’s best-value colleges yet again by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. The annual list compares hundreds of four-year public institutions based on cost, financial-aid packages and academic criteria like standardized test scores and graduation rates. Academic value weighs heavier
on the ranking than affordability, according to the Kiplinger website. The University fared better in the in-state rankings this year than last, when it nabbed the No. 76 spot. But LSU fell 12 spots in the out-of-state comparison, dropping to 91st from 79th. Schools are given in-state and out-of-state rankings. In-state rankings consider cost of colleges after need-based and non-need-based grants as well as student debt after
In-state
tuition & fees for ranked SEC schools
2. University of Florida 6. University of Georgia 53. University of Arkansas 57. University of South Carolina 72. LSU 74. University of Tennessee 80. University of Alabama 89. Auburn University
graduation. The same process is used for out-of-state rankings with adjustments for higher out-of-state tuitions. “LSU is the most successful public university in Louisiana by a long shot,” said Chancellor Michael Martin. Martin said the University will maintain its affordable status despite previous and impending budget cuts. Efforts to increase efficiency and authority granted by the LA
The University of North Carolina ranked as the best value in America for both in-state and out-of-state students, with less than $18,000 in total costs per year for in-state students and about $26,000 for out-of-state students.
$5,700 $9,472 $7,174 $10,168 $6,354
GRAD Act 2.0 legislation are some saving methods that could help the University remain affordable, he said. “We’re the best deal the public has,” Martin said. “No one wants to undo that.”
Contributing Writer
Contact Brian Sibille at bsibille@lsureveille.com
Out-of-state
tuition & fees for ranked SEC schools
8. University of Florida 9. University of Georgia 56. University of Arkansas $17,606 67. University of South Carolina $26,352 87. University of Tennessee $25,298 89. University of Alabama $21,900 90. Auburn University $22,890 91. LSU $19,362
“Best Value” rankings according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine; tuition and fee totals obtained from the official website of each respective school.
Landscape program receives recognition Ferris McDaniel
$27,936 $27,682
$8,480 $8,600 $8,298
ACADEMICS
graphic by MELISSA RUSHING / The Daily Reveille
Six and a half decades after its start, the University program founded by an ambitious New Yorker has blossomed into one of the nation’s premier landscape architecture schools. “DesignIntelligence,” a bimonthly report on architectural trends and practices, ranked the University’s undergraduate landscape architecture program as No. 1 and the graduate program as No. 2 in the nation — just behind Harvard University. According to “DesignIntelligence,” the ranks spawn from surveying landscape architecture hiring organizations that report schools that are best preparing students for their professional future. “We’re proud of what we do,” said Van Cox, interim director of the University’s Robert LANDSCAPE, see page 6
CONSTRUCTION
Makeover approved for stadium Rachel Warren Staff Writer
Take a good, long look at the west side of Tiger Stadium, because by the fall, it will be receiving a facelift. The LSU System Board of Supervisors’ renovation plans will replace the chain-link fence around the entrance to the west side of the stadium with a wrought iron structure, said Herb Vincent, associate vice chancellor for University Relations and associate athletics director. Vincent said the chain-link fence was put up during a previous renovation and was intended to be temporary. “Wrought iron is much more attractive,” he said. He said the University will also create what he called a “Championship Plaza,” similar to the one at
Alex Box Stadium, to exhibit the history of Tiger Stadium and honor important players. The project will also include areas along North Stadium Drive. Vincent said the gates the Tiger Band uses to enter the stadium will be replaced, and the sidewalks along the street will be repaved. Vincent said the project will cost about $8 million and will be funded by the Tiger Athletic Foundation. Construction should begin this semester, and Vincent hopes the project will be completed by football season. “Fans really don’t get a feel for the history of Tiger Stadium right now,” he said. “This will be a much more attractive entrance.” Vincent said the University has seen a demand for more seating in the stadium and has begun studies
on the project’s feasibility. “We need to find out if the cost is justified,” he said. Vincent also said the University will test the ground around the south end zone, where the structure would be expanded, to find out what’s below the surface and if anything can be built on it. Though there has been talk of upper-deck seats and suites, there is no official plan yet. Vincent said there is no timeline for the project, and he doesn’t know when the preliminary plans will be complete. He said matters pertaining to the expansion have been discussed at Board of Supervisors meetings, but nothing has officially been submitted for approval. rendering courtesy of HERB VINCENT
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
The LSU Board of Supervisors approved a plan to replace the chain link fence on the west side of Tiger Stadium with a “Championship Plaza” and wrought iron entrance.