Louisiana State University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 75%. Located in Baton Rouge, LSU is the main campus of the Louisiana State University system. The school occupies a 2,000-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River. The campus is defined by its stunning Italian Renaissance architecture, red roofs, ​and abundant oak trees. LSU has over 235 academic fields of study, and fields in business, communications, and education are among the most popular with undergraduates. The university has a 20-to-1 student/faculty ratio. On the athletic front, the LSU Tigers compete in NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference.

Considering applying to LSU? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Louisiana State University had an acceptance rate of 75%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 75 students were admitted, making LSU's admissions process somewhat competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

LSU requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 14% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of LSU's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to LSU scored between 550 and 650, while 25% scored below 550 and 25% scored above 650. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 530 and 660, while 25% scored below 530 and 25% scored above 660. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1310 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at LSU.

Requirements

LSU does not superscore the SAT; the admissions office will consider your highest composite score from a single test date. Note that LSU does not require the writing component of the SAT unless you want to be considered for the LSU Ogden Honors College.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Louisiana State University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 86% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of LSU's admitted students fall within the top 31% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to LSU received a composite ACT score between 23 and 29, while 25% scored above 29 and 25% scored below 23.

Requirements

LSU does not require the writing component of the ACT unless you want to be considered for the LSU Ogden Honors College. Note that LSU does not superscore the ACT; the admissions office will consider your highest composite score from a single test date.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming Louisiana State University freshman was 3.42, and over 53% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.5 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to LSU have primarily high B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Louisiana State University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Louisiana State University, which accepts three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. However, LSU has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. LSU is looking for an upward trend in grades combined with a rigorous course schedule. They are also looking for participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a glowing letter of recommendation. Applicants to LSU should note that the Common Application personal essay is optional.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. The majority of admitted students had an ACT composite score of 21 or higher and a combined SAT score of about 1050 or higher (ERW+M). You'll also notice that successful applicants tended to have high school averages of "B" or better. Higher test scores and grades improve your chances acceptance, and almost no students with "A" averages and above average ACT scores were rejected.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Louisiana State University's Undergraduate Admissions Office.