
403 Main Street, Grambling, LA 71245, USA


Grambling State University provides a diverse athletics program that competes primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The university sponsors several varsity sports, giving students a wide range of opportunities to participate in competitive athletics. Its programs include football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, and bowling.
Football at Grambling State has a historic reputation and remains a significant part of campus life. The team competes in Division I FCS, drawing considerable attention from fans and alumni alike. Basketball is offered for both men and women, allowing student-athletes to compete at a high level in the SWAC conference. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, further broaden the scope of athletics, providing additional venues for student participation.
In addition to traditional team sports, Grambling State includes track and field and tennis, which provide individual and team competition opportunities throughout the academic year. The university emphasizes fostering athletic development alongside academic achievement, aiming to cultivate well-rounded student-athletes.
Overall, the athletics program at Grambling State supports an array of sports that cater to different interests and skill sets, contributing to the university's vibrant campus community and fostering school pride.
Grambling State University offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests. Among prominent organizations are the Tiger Marching Band and the Black Dynasty Modeling Troupe, both serving as significant cultural and artistic outlets for students. The university also supports numerous academic and professional clubs that provide opportunities for intellectual growth and career development.
In addition to these groups, social organizations play an important role in campus life. Approximately 35% of male students and 65% of female students participate in sororities and fraternities, reflecting a strong presence of Greek life within the student body. These social organizations contribute to community building and offer leadership experiences for their members.
Grambling State University hosts a diverse student body with a total enrollment of 1,112 new students, including 954 freshmen and 158 transfer students. These numbers represent an average intake size, placing the university near the midpoint compared to other institutions. The undergraduate population predominantly falls within the late teens to early twenties age range, with the largest groups being 18-19 years old (1,379 students) and 20-21 years old (1,308 students). There is also a sizeable presence of older students across various age brackets, reflecting a flexible learning environment that accommodates both traditional and non-traditional students. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant representation in the 22-24, 25-29, and 30-39 age ranges, underscoring the university's appeal to those pursuing advanced degrees later in life.
Racial and ethnic composition at Grambling State University is notably distinct, with a very high number of African American students, totaling 3,845 individuals, which stands out as one of the highest proportions nationally. Other ethnic groups have much smaller representations, including Hispanic students (64), White students (20), Native American students (8), Asian students (4), and Pacific Islander students (1). Additionally, 109 students identify with two or more races, and 8 students' racial backgrounds remain unspecified. This demographic breakdown highlights the university's role as a significant institution for African American higher education while maintaining a spectrum of cultural diversity.
Student life at Grambling State University offers a range of cultural and recreational opportunities that contribute to a well-rounded collegiate experience. The university supports various student-run media outlets including a campus newspaper, radio station, and television channel. For those interested in the performing arts, there are active programs in drama, band, and chorus to participate in.
Health and wellness resources are available to students through an on-campus health clinic, psychological counseling services, and a veterans affair office to support those who have served in the military. While some specialized services such as legal assistance and a women's center are not provided, the available amenities aim to address key aspects of student well-being.
With a student-faculty ratio of 25, which ranks among the higher ratios nationally, students might expect larger class sizes or less individualized attention than at institutions with lower ratios. The total enrollment hovers around 5,114 students, with a diverse gender composition among full-time degree seekers. This combination of resources and campus activities shapes the daily life and opportunities available to students at Grambling State University.
Grambling State University offers students access to the A. C. Lewis Memorial Library, its sole library facility. The university's library resources are modest compared to other institutions, with a collection of approximately 18,786 physical books and a digital catalog that includes around 383,058 ebooks. While the number of libraries and books places the university in the lower percentiles nationally, the digital offerings show a somewhat stronger presence, with over 53,700 digital subscriptions and 109 databases accessible to students.
The A. C. Lewis Memorial Library provides physical facilities, including study rooms, and is staffed by trained personnel to support student research and academic work. Although the library does not offer all-day access, it maintains established service hours totaling 49 weekly hours. Students also benefit from digital access to collections and the availability of shared collections, ensuring a broader range of resources beyond the university's own holdings.
Total enrollment
5114Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
914Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
446 full time, 52 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
A. C. Lewis Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes