Quick Summary
Since 1860, Louisiana State University has been one of United States's prominent public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research universitys, based in Baton Rouge. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 37354 students including 4.8% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Agriculture, Landscape Architecture, it maintains an acceptance rate of 71%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier research institution with elite SEC sports culture, strong engineering industry ties, and a unique cultural atmosphere in Baton Rouge.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringAgricultureLandscape ArchitectureVeterinary MedicineCoastal Studies
Founded1860
TypePublic Land-grant, Sea-grant, and Space-grant Research University
Total Students37354
Intl Students4.8%
Faculty Ratio22:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size2,000 acres
Affiliated HospitalsOur Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
235
Programs
75
PhD Programs
LSU Online offers 100+ degrees including MBA, Data Science, and Construction Management
Online Programs
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Center for Coastal & Marine Studies, Louisiana Transportation Research Center
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate71%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GREOptional for most programs; department specific
GMATOptional for most MBA tracks; department specific
SAT1100-1300
ACT23-29
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · December 15 (Priority), February 1 (Regular)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit transcripts and test scores early to qualify for merit-based scholarships; focus on leadership roles in extracurricular activities.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$28,635/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$16,800/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$29,980/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$45,435/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableStamps Scholarship, President's Alumni Scholars, Pelican Promise, Merit-based International Student Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$6,500
Financial AidAvailable via FAFSA for domestic students; institutional aid available for international students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 235 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biological Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Communication Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$56,200
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career center support via LSU Olinde Career Center
Industry Connections
ShellExxonMobilNASACenturyLinkBlue Cross Blue Shield
Notable Alumni
Shaquille O'Neal, Joe Burrow, Hubert Humphrey, James Carville
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Tiger Stadium, Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Alex Box Stadium, University Recreation (UREC)
Student Clubs
450
Library Resources
Hill Memorial Library, Middleton Library (3 million+ volumes)
Exchange Programs
International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), Academic Programs Abroad
Summer Programs
Tigers Abroad, Summer Bridge Program