Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System, the main LSU campus in Baton Rouge includes 250 Italian Renaissance-style buildings on a 650-acre plateau overlooking the Mississippi River. Many of LSU's more than 17 schools and colleges have received recognition for their excellent academic programs. The school is noted for its excellent research programs and facilities and, as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant institution, receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among others.
Among illustrious LSU alumni is Hubert Humphrey, 38th vice-president of the United States, along with many foreign ambassadors, doctors, lawyers, writers, and research scientists.
History
Founded as a land-grant institution in 1853 as the "Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy," the school later became a military academy and earned the nickname "The Ole War Skule." The school was forced to close in 1861, due to the American Civil War. At the end of the war, General Sherman donated two cannons to the school. In later years, the school reopened and expanded its offering, eventually changing its name to Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.
After Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in the New Orleans area, LSU took in thousands of displaced students from other schools like Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and others. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the LSU campus was converted into a field hospital to help hurricane victims, with the help of thousands of LSU students.
Academics
The academic calendar for LSU follows the semester format with fall and spring semesters, as well as a shorter "Wintersession," a spring "Intersession," and a summer term.
Colleges and Schools
LSU has more than 17 schools and colleges:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Art & Design
- College of Science
- E.J. Ourso College of Business
- School of the Coast and Environment
- Continuing Education
- School of Public Health
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- Graduate School
- Honors College
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Library & Information Science
- Manship School of Mass Communication
- Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
- College of Music & Dramatic Arts
- School of Social Work
- University College
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine
Student Life
LSU offers more than 350 student clubs and organizations, including many active fraternity and sorority chapters. Student government at LSU is very active as well, with control of funding for many student initiatives. The many services and amenities offered to LSU students include the African American Cultural Center, various campus dining services, career services, the Center for Academic Success, on campus housing, the International Cultural Center, LSU Student Union, and much more.
Traditions
The mascot of LSU is the tiger, represented by a Bengal tiger named "Mike." The school colors are purple and gold.
Athletics
The LSU "Tigers" athletic teams compete in 20 intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Community Life
LSU is an urban institution that has a strong commitment to its community through community service and partnerships. The Community University Partnership (CUP) of LSU contributes instruction, continuing education, research, service learning and volunteer services to the local community with a focus on the Old South Baton Rouge area near the LSU campus.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give you an idea of the candidates Louisiana State University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college or dual credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Louisiana State University is around 32,000 students, with undergraduate students making up about 83% of the total student population and graduate students making up the rest.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $40 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are between $7,600-$9,100 for both state residents and nonresidents
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $310-$370 per unit
- Out-of-State: $950-$1,100 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 95% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 91% | $10,080 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 30% | $6,647 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Louisiana State University may offer services to students like:- Online classes
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
Louisiana State University has an overall graduation rate which is close to 69%.
| Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
|---|---|
| Students Graduating in 4 Years | 38% |
| Graduating in 5 Years | 25% |
| Graduating in 6 Years | 4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Dietetics Program
- Music Program
- School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Louisiana State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Southeastern Conference)
- Basketball (Southeastern Conference)
- Track and Field (Southeastern Conference)
- Football (Southeastern Conference)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Louisiana State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Business and Management (B)
- Plant Sciences (B)
- Agricultural Economics (D, M)
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture (M)
- Food Science (D, M)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (M)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
- Interior Architecture (B)
- Landscape Architect (B, M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B, D)
- Microbiology (B)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (D, M)
- Entomology (D, M)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, D, M)
- Accounting (B, D, M)
- Finance (B, D, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Construction Management (B, C, M)
- Fashion Merchandising (B)
- Management Science (B, D, M)
- International Business (B)
- Business Economics (B)
- Human Resources Development
Communications and Journalism
- Media Studies (B, M)
- Communications (B, D, M)
- Communication and Media Studies (D)
- Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (B, D)
- Information Science (M)
Education
- Physical Education (B, D, M)
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Adult and Continuing Education (B, D, M)
- Education (C, D, M)
- Secondary Education (M)
- Early Childhood Education (B)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (M)
- Music Teacher Education (B)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Education, Teaching of the Gifted and Talented (M)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B)
- Special Education
- Art Teacher Education
- Business Teacher Education
Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering (B, D, M)
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Engineering (B)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (B)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Industrial Engineering (B, M)
- Engineering Science (D, M)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (M)
- Ocean Engineering (M)
- Materials Engineering
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences (B, D, M)
- Family Studies
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B, M)
- French Language and Literature (B, D, M)
- Linguistics (D)
- Comparative Literature (D)
- German Language and Literature
- Latin Language and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (B, D, M)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Veterinary Sciences (D, M)
- Health Physics (M)
- Behavioral Aspects of Health
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Nutrition (B)
- Biological and Physical Sciences (M)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Law (C)
- Advanced Legal Research (C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B, M)
- General Studies (B)
Library Science
- Library Science, Librarianship (M)
- Archival Administration
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (B)
- Environmental Science (B, M)
- Environmental and Wildlife Management (D, M)
- Forest Resources Management (B)
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (D)
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, M)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Geology (B, D, M)
- Oceanography, Chemical and Physical (B, D, M)
- Physics (B, D, M)
- Geophysics and Seismology
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (D, M)
- Public Administration (M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Social Sciences
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
- Cartography and GIS
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Music Performance (B, D, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Music (B, D)
- Art History (M)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Louisiana State University.
- Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA (8 miles away)
- Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA (44 miles away)
- Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA (49 miles away)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA (51 miles away)
- University of New Orleans in New Orleans, LA (72 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Compare all colleges & universities in Louisiana
- Get a list of all state universities in Louisiana