In-state vs. out-of-state tuition at LSU
LSU charges $11,954 a year in published tuition and fees for Louisiana residents, about $5,977 a semester, and $28,631 a year for students from other states, about $14,316 a semester, a difference of $16,677. About 40% of first-year students came from out of state. You may pay less if receiving grants or scholarships. Compare out-of-state tuition at 100 public universities →
What makes LSU different
- Louisiana's flagship. A large public research university in the state capital, near the Mississippi River.
- Mass communication and construction. The Manship School of Mass Communication and a large construction management program stand out among its majors.
- Mike the Tiger. A live tiger lives in a habitat on campus, one of the SEC's best-known traditions.
What LSU students study
The most common bachelor's degrees (class of 2024): kinesiology and physical education (404), biology (360), mass communication (298), psychology (283), business administration (237) and construction management (229). Source: IPEDS Completions, first majors only.
You may thrive at LSU if…
- You'd enjoy Louisiana's food, music and culture.
- You're interested in communication, construction, coastal science or biology.
- You want a big university with strong school spirit.
Worth asking about
- What scholarships are available to out-of-state students?
- How do students get involved in coastal and environmental research?
How LSU compares with the other SEC schools
LSU combines a large state-capital campus with some of the SEC's most distinctive traditions. See how the 16 SEC schools differ.
FAQ
What is LSU's acceptance rate? 73.3% for fall 2024.
What is LSU's out-of-state acceptance rate? Federal data doesn't separate acceptance rates for in-state and out-of-state applicants. LSU admitted 73.3% of all applicants for fall 2024, and 40% of first-year students came from out of state. Out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,631 a year before aid; you may pay less if receiving grants or scholarships. Some universities publish their own in-state and out-of-state figures, so it's worth asking the LSU admissions office.
What is LSU known for? Its Baton Rouge setting, mass communication and its traditions, including Mike the Tiger.
How much does LSU cost? Published tuition and fees are $11,954 a year in-state and $28,631 out-of-state, before any aid.
How much is LSU tuition per semester? About $5,977 a semester for Louisiana residents and $14,316 for out-of-state students, based on published yearly tuition and fees of $11,954 and $28,631 before aid.
Is LSU an R1 university? Yes. In the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, Louisiana State University is an R1 university, the group with the highest research spending and doctoral degrees. What R1 means →
How many students go to LSU? About 30,600 undergraduates (fall 2024).
Wondering if a big-campus school fits you?
Lens's College Ideas suggest which kinds of campuses may suit you. Start with Lens →