Louisiana State University
University in Baton Rouge, The United States
Louisiana State University (LSU) is the flagship public university of the US state of Louisiana, with its main campus in Baton Rouge. According to the university, it has more than 41,000 students and is one of 24 universities in the United States holding land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant designations. LSU also has law, dental, medical and veterinary schools.
LSU offers more than 330 undergraduate programmes, around 70 master's programmes and over 50 doctoral programmes, many of them also available fully online. Students come from more than 100 countries, and about 20% of graduate students are international.
International applicants (anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident) apply online and submit official transcripts with English translations; non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. The Office of Global Engagement supports international students with visa applications and their transition to the university. All first-year students are required to live on campus.
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Programmes
More than 330 undergraduate programmes, offered through LSU's colleges and schools:
- Agriculture
- Art and Design
- Business (E. J. Ourso College of Business)
- Coast and Environment
- Engineering
- Human Sciences and Education
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Mass Communication (Manship School)
- Music and Dramatic Arts
- Science
The Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College is also open to undergraduates, and according to the university all undergraduates can take part in research.
Graduate programmes
The Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School has more than 6,400 graduate students and offers over 70 master's and 50 doctoral programmes. Degrees can also be taken as interdisciplinary, dual, joint or combined bachelor's/master's pathways, and many programmes are available fully online. Professional schools include the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine. The university employs around 2,400 graduate and teaching assistants.
Admission
Undergraduate: international applicants complete the online application and pay a non-refundable US$50 fee, then send official transcripts from all schools and universities attended, in the original language with an English translation. All documents should arrive at least 120 days before the start of the semester. First-year applicants need the equivalent of a US high school diploma with a B average (3.0 on the US 4-point scale); ACT or SAT scores are strongly encouraged. Transfer applicants need a B average (3.0) in transferable credit from accredited international institutions.
Graduate: applicants need a US bachelor's degree or an international equivalent, with official transcripts and degree certificates (certified translation if not in English). Transcript evaluations from NACES-accredited services are accepted.
Language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English must prove their level:
- Undergraduate (automatic admission): TOEFL iBT 79 (paper-based 550), IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 100
- Graduate: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, PTE 59, Duolingo 110 or Michigan English Test 53 (B2)
Scores are valid for two years. Applicants educated in a country where English is the main official language may be exempt. Most admitted international students take an English placement test before registration.
Fees
Estimated undergraduate costs for the 2026-27 academic year for students who are not Louisiana residents (subject to change):
- Tuition and fees: US$29,562 (average rate at 15 credit hours per semester)
- Housing (median residence hall room): US$10,300
- Meal plan (All Access): US$5,584
- Estimated total: US$45,446
Housing
All first-year students are required to live on campus in LSU's residence halls. After the first year, students can move to on-campus apartments, which have been expanded for upper-year students. Residence halls close over the winter break.