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Louisiana State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as LSU

Louisiana State University accepts 73% of applicants. It is a public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with about 30,594 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,237 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $19,286.

73%Acceptance rate

1180–1340Middle 50% SAT

24–30Middle 50% ACT

$19,286Average cost after aid / year

68%Graduation rate

$53,202Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for LSU?

Admitly estimates a typical Louisiana resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.6 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Louisiana State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1225, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPA	Louisiana resident	Out-of-state
2.5	31% Target	12% Reach
2.7	31% Target	12% Reach
3.0	45% Target	20% Reach
3.3	68% Target	39% Target
3.5	80% Target	54% Target
3.7	88% Likely	68% Target
3.9	93% Likely	80% Likely
4.0	95% Likely	84% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Louisiana State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,237 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family income	In-state	Out-of-state
Under $50k	$14,700	$28,800
$50k – $100k	$18,800	$33,000
$100k – $150k	$23,400	$37,600
$150k – $250k	$28,200	$43,600
Over $250k	$28,200	$44,900

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

68%Finish their degree

85%Return for second year

$53,202Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Louisiana State University

What is the acceptance rate at Louisiana State University?

Louisiana State University admits 73% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Louisiana State University?

Admitly estimates a typical Louisiana resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.6 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Louisiana State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1180–1340 on the SAT and 24–30 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Louisiana State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $28,237 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $19,286 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $14,700 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Louisiana State University?

68% of students finish their degree, and 85% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to Louisiana State University

Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA · admits 14%
University of HoustonHouston, TX · admits 74%
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX · admits 73%
University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY · admits 74%
UMBCBaltimore, MD · admits 72%
University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR · admits 74%