LSU Admission Requirements
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LSU Admission Overview
LSU admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year LSU admitted 73.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.77 GPA (A-) and SAT 1180-1340 / ACT 24-30. LSU is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
LSU is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
LSU Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Low
Admission difficulty for Louisiana State University
Acceptance Rate
The LSU acceptance rate is 73.3%. Last year, 34,513 of 47,065 applicants were admitted. That is the 8th lowest acceptance rate in Louisiana.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into LSU and can you get accepted?
LSU is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.
Louisiana State University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.77. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 23% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
LSU GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.77Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.77
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at LSU typically have around a 3.77 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. LSU is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
32% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #1 in Louisiana for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
LSU Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Louisiana State University requires SAT or ACT for 2027 first-year applicants with a cumulative weighted GPA below 3.5. Applicants at 3.5 or higher may omit scores for admission and university merit aid. Self-reported scores must be verified before enrollment. Students who never tested and met the GPA cut are not required to test to enroll. TOPS for Louisiana residents still requires scores through LOSFA.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.lsu.edu/admissions/apply/test-optional-faq.php
LSU SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1180-1340Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
7%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 600
- Math 580
- Composite 1180
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 680
- Math 660
- Composite 1340
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at LSU typically score around a 1260 SAT (middle 50% 1180–1340) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 83rd percentile nationally. LSU ranks #2 in the state of Louisiana for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1180 to 1340
SAT policy
LSU is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
LSU ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
24-30Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
40%25th Percentile Scores
- English 24
- Math 23
- Composite 24
75th Percentile Scores
- English 32
- Math 28
- Composite 30
Average ACT
Incoming testers at LSU typically have around a 27 ACT (mid-50 24–30) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 85th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. LSU places #2 among colleges in Louisiana for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 24 to 30
ACT policy
You may apply to LSU without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 27.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
77% of Louisiana State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 49% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the LSU chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Louisiana State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Jul 15, 2027Days left to Apply
318Applicants have 318 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Jul 15, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Louisiana State University is $50.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
LSU is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 73.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.77 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1180-1340); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Louisiana State University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=159391.
GPA calculator: Louisiana State University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026