Chances of Getting Into Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana • Public University • #86 National • Founded 1860
LSU Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
LSU SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University is the flagship public university of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, known for its SEC athletics, strong petroleum engineering program, and vibrant Southern culture. With a 71% acceptance rate, LSU offers accessible admissions with particular strengths in engineering, business, and mass communication.
Top Programs
What Makes LSU Unique
- "Death Valley" (Tiger Stadium) — one of the most intimidating college football venues
- Petroleum engineering program feeds directly into Louisiana's energy industry
- Beautiful Italian Renaissance-style campus on the Mississippi River
- Manship School of Mass Communication is nationally respected
- Located in Baton Rouge with easy access to New Orleans culture
LSU Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
LSU Application Deadlines
How to Get Into LSU: Admission Tips
LSU has generous admission standards — 3.0 GPA and 22 ACT gets auto-admit for Louisiana residents
Apply early for best scholarship consideration
TOPS scholarship makes LSU essentially free for qualifying Louisiana residents
Honors College provides an enhanced academic experience for top students
Out-of-state students can qualify for merit-based tuition waivers
The Brutal Truth About LSU Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 71% acceptance rate, LSU rejected over 8,700 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At LSU, having a 3.5 GPA and 1210 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. LSU doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if LSU genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 71%-acceptance-rate basket.
LSU Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana State University?
Louisiana State University has an acceptance rate of 71% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 30,000+ applicants, approximately 5,900 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into LSU?
The average GPA of admitted students at Louisiana State University is 3.5. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.35, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for LSU?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted LSU students is 1120–1310. The average SAT score is 1210. For ACT, the range is 23–29 with an average of 26.
Is LSU hard to get into?
Yes, Louisiana State University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 71%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does LSU cost?
Tuition at Louisiana State University is $11,962 (in-state) / $28,639 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $27,508 (in-state) / $44,185 (out-of-state). However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $12,000+.
What are my chances of getting into LSU?
Your chances of getting into Louisiana State University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 71% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at LSU
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