Undergraduate Fees and Expenses

The Board of Supervisors may adjust fees and costs for dining plans and housing at any time and without providing advance notice to students. Please check with the Office of Budget & Planning’s website, http://www.lsu.edu/bgtplan/, for up-to-date fee information.

Fees and Expenses

Student expenses, other than campus fees and nonresident fees, will vary with the individual. A Baton Rouge area student living with parents or a student living on campus spends about $8,724 in addition to fees, housing, and a dining plan per school year. A student living off campus can expect to spend at least $23,852 per academic year for rent, food, clothing, laundry, cleaning, books and school supplies, transportation, entertainment, and incidentals.

The following is an approximation of what a student may expect to spend each semester for fees, housing, and dining plan.

Semester Fees for Undergraduate Students

Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning website (http://www.lsu.edu/bgtplan/Tuition-Fees/fee-schedules.php) for the listing of current fees.

Housing Fees

Published on-campus rental rates for residence halls and apartments are per semester, per student. Please refer to the Residential Life website (http://lsu.edu/housing/) for a listing of current rates.

LSU Dining

All first and second-year students living on-campus are required to have a meal plan. Commuter students are not required to be on a meal plan but may wish to choose a Commuter Meal Plan that fits their lifestyle.

How to Sign Up for a Meal Plan:

• Login into your myLSU account.
• Once you are in your account, go to Registration Services
• Click on Additional Services.
•  Enter the corresponding Service Code for the Meal Plan you would like to choose.
• Meal Plan charges will be added to your Fee Bill if it is before the deadline for processing. 
• Meal Plans are not active until 24 hours after registration is completed. 
• You have until the 14th class day to make changes to your Meal Plan at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.
• If you are a first or second-year student and do not choose a Meal Plan, you are automatically assigned a Tiger 12 Meal Plan.

Please refer to the LSU Dining website (www.lsudining.com) for information on meal plans, locations, and pricing.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required upon submission of the online application. Online options for payment include credit card or bank draft. In addition to this fee, a nonrefundable late application fee of $15 is charged to students who file applications after December 1 for the spring semester, after April 15 for the summer term, and after April 15 for the fall semester. Applications submitted after the deadline date will be considered on an appeal basis only. The university is not responsible for cash sent by mail.

Graduation Fees

• Bachelor’s degree fee, $35
• Replacement diploma fee, $40

See the The Graduate School  chapter of this catalog for graduate student’s graduation fees.

Special Fees

Academic Excellence Fee

The Academic Excellence Fee is used to promote academic excellence by enhancing instructional programs.

Operational Fee

During the 2004 Regular Session, the Louisiana Legislature passed House Bill 1062 authorizing the LSU Board of Supervisors to assess an operational fee of up to four percent of the total mandatory tuition and fees. The operational fee is used to cover state mandated costs and enhance instructional programs at the university.

Student Technology Fee

This fee is dedicated to the acquisition, installation, maintenance, and intelligent use of state-of-the-art technology solely for the purpose of supporting and enhancing student life and learning and preparing graduates for the workplaces of the 21st century.

Building Use Fee

During the 2013 Regular Session, the Louisiana Legislature passed House Bill 671, authorizing the LSU Board of Supervisors to assess a building use fee beginning in the fall of 2013. The fee is used to construct, acquire, repair, maintain, operate, or improve the facilities and physical infrastructure of the university.

Proctoring Fees

Some courses may require that students completing assignments and/or assessments remotely utilize University approved proctoring services. Fees associated with these services vary and are paid by the student directly to the vendor.

Student Excellence Fee

The purpose of this fee is to enhance the LSU student learning experience. The fee revenues are used to increase instructional and student support services as part of LSU’s graduation and retention efforts. The majority of the funds are allocated to academic colleges, with the remainder allocated to student support functions such as the Center for Academic Success, LSU Libraries, mental health counseling, and campus safety.

Student Health Fee

During registration, all full-time students are assessed the Student Health Fee. This fee, included in the required fees, entitles the student to use of the Student Health Center. The fee covers the following services: immunization processing and compliance verification, public health initiatives, physical rehabilitation, mental health counseling, wellness coaching, nutrition counseling, case management services, and educational programs and events. There are additional charges for other services, including primary, gynecology, psychiatry and specialty care. However, the Health Center is in-network with most major health insurance plans, so students can conveniently use their benefits should they choose.

Part-time students have the option to pay the Student Health Fee. They can elect to pay the fee when they register for classes or at any time during the semester they wish to start receiving services.

If their student spouse is eligible for services, non-student spouses have the option to pay the Student Health Fee. Payment of the fee entitles them to the same services as full-time students.

Student Recreation Fee

During registration, all full-time students are assessed the student recreation fee. This fee entitles students membership to University Recreation and access to the UREC Student Recreation Complex and UREC Field Complex. Please refer to www.lsu.edu/urec for a listing of the current rates, programs, and services.

Part-time students may elect to purchase a UREC membership at the current student rate. Memberships may be purchased at the Student Recreation Center operations desk. Student spouse, dependent, and family memberships are also available.

Audit Fees

Fees for auditing courses are in accordance with the “Regular Semester” and “Summer Term” fees. Fees for students enrolling for combined credit and audit work will be assessed in accordance with total hours scheduled.

Registration through LSU Olinde Career Center Cooperative Education (Co-op) or Internship Programs

Upon receiving an offer for an internship or co-op, students must officially register the position with LSU by contacting the LSU Olinde Career Center. For more information about officially registering a co-op or internship, please visit lsu.edu/career.

Students enrolled in the alternating Co-op Program or Internship Program pay the tuition and required fees as follows:

Cooperative Education or Internship Only

Students enrolled in cooperative education or internship only during the fall, spring, or summer semester pay the co-op or intern fee and all full-time required fees (excluding the Student Sports Recreation and Student Health Service Fee). Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning website for the listing of current fees. Note: The LSU Board of Supervisors can modify tuition and/or fees at any time without advance notice.

Cooperative Education or Internship & One or More Courses

A student enrolled in cooperative education or an internship and one or more courses during the fall, spring, or summer semester pays tuition appropriate for those credit hours and all full-time required fees (excluding the Student Sports Recreation and Student Health Service Fees). Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning website.

Three-Week Summer Short Courses

See note section at bottom of Summer Student Required Fees Schedule on the Office of Budget & Planning website.

Undergraduate Field Fees

Tuition & Required Fees for Summer short and field courses conform to the regular Full Time Summer Term Tuition & Required Fees. Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning website “Student Dedicated Fees” section at http://www.lsu.edu/bgtplan/Tuition-Fees/fee-schedules.php for additional information.

Other Fees

• A small number of curricula and courses require the payment of additional fees. These fees are detailed in the college, school, departmental listings, or in the course descriptions.
• Students registering for degree only pay no registration fee. (Such students must register through the Office of the University Registrar no later than the beginning of the semester or summer term when the degree is to be conferred.)
• Departmental Proficiency and Advanced-Standing Examinations- $20 per examination. An additional $20 processing fee is assessed for each examination administered by the Office of Assessment & Evaluation. These examinations are given free of charge to beginning freshmen who are participants in the Spring Invitational, Freshman Orientation, or Special International Student Testing programs, provided the students complete the testing by the final date to add courses for credit during their first term of enrollment at LSU. All other students must pay the fees specified above. Most international students will also need to take the Michigan English Placement Exam. The cost of this exam is $25 and the charge will be added to the student’s fee bill. If a student misses the first test and needs to take a make-up exam, $50 will be charged to the fee bill. 
• Each LSU nonimmigrant student will be charged $10 per semester to support the programs, operations, and maintenance of the International Cultural Center. F/J status non-immigrant students will also be charged $50 per semester for International Student Service Charge (ISSC). This service charge allows the LSU International Services office to meet federal mandates and provide advisory and immigration services to the international population at LSU.

Parking Permit Fee

All students (full-time, part-time, night, and auditors) who operate or expect to operate a motor vehicle on campus regularly or occasionally are required to purchase the appropriate permit through Parking & Transportation Services. The permit registration process is completed online. A vehicle license plate number, state of registration, and the vehicle make, model, and color are required to purchase a permit.  The applicant will need to provide a valid U.S. Postal Service address to receive their permit within 14 days of the purchase.  The permit can be purchased for an annual time period. Motorcycle, motor scooter and moped permits are available as well.  The exact amount of this fee will be published each year in the Traffic & Parking Regulations and Map publication issued by Parking & Transportation Services or on the Parking & Transportation Services website. Students will have their permit charges applied directly to their Fee Bill/Billing Statement.

Student Medical Health Insurance Plan

A student medical health insurance plan is offered to students and their eligible dependents through an insurance company provided by the University. This coverage is strongly recommended to relieve students of possible financial strain in meeting expenses for medical services that the Student Health Center fee does not cover.

All non-immigrant international students on “F” and “J” visas will be automatically enrolled in the LSU Student Medical Health Insurance Plan at the time of registration. International students on “F” and “J” visa statuses may substitute the LSU Student Medical Health Insurance Plan with a private medical health insurance plan which meets all mandatory requirements. Acceptable medical health insurance plans must meet or exceed the following:

• Policy minimum of $50,000 per accident or sickness for F-1 and F-2 visa (issued I-20 forms) or $100,000 minimum aggregate. Policy minimum of $100,000 per accident or sickness for J-1 or J-2 visa holders (issued DS-2019 forms) – (required by the U.S. Department of State regulations)
• Maximum deductible amount of $500 per accident or per illness (for multiple party plans: $500 per person not to exceed $1,000 per policy year)
• Policy benefits must include maternity coverage paid as any other health conditions, regardless of gender
• A U.S. representative physically located in the U.S. with a U.S. telephone number/contact who acts on behalf of insurance company/insurance plans: (benefit verification and/or processing ability)
• Policy must cover office visits for non-emergency services (such as colds, flu, etc.) and emergency visits (no emergency care only policies will be accepted)
• Minimum coverage of $25,000 repatriation of remains to home country. (pre-existing conditions related deaths (including suicide) must be covered; coverage must remain in force during entire stay in the U.S.)
• Minimum coverage of $50,000 medical evacuation to home country.  (pre-existing conditions related illnesses must be covered; coverage must remain in force during entire stay in the U.S.)
• For J-1 and J-2 visa holders (issued DS-2019 forms) –(required by the US Department of State):
  • Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A−” or above; a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A−” or above; a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B + ” or above; a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of “A−” or above; a Moody’s Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify; OR
  • Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country
  • Co-insurance provisions will be permitted requiring exchange visitor to pay up to 25% of covered benefits per accident or illness

The School of Veterinary Medicine students are required to have the student medical health insurance coverage through enrollment in the University-sponsored plan or to provide proof of enrollment in a medical health insurance plan which meets all mandatory requirements. 

Payment of Fees

Students are notified by e-mail each semester by the Office of Bursar Operations of the date the online fee bill is available on myLSU. All fees and other university charges are due by the date indicated on the online fee bill.

 Payment Options

• Online check/bank draft • Pay your fee bill with an online check or bank draft via myLSU > Registration Services > Fee Bill.
• Credit card • Pay your fee bill with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover credit card via myLSU > Registration Services > Fee Bill. Note: A 2.5 percent processing fee will be added to credit card payments.
• Flywire • International students may pay their student account balance using Flywire.  Flywire commits to providing the best exchange rates.  Flywire will appear as payment option on the Fee Bill and Billing Statement.
• In person • Pay by cash, check, or money order in 125 Thomas Boyd Hall.
• Deferred payment plan • The university offers three (3) payment plan options for current semester tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters.

1. 50% down, remaining 50% spread over three payments*
2. 25% down, remaining 75% spread over three payments*
3. 10% down, remaining 90% spread over three payments*

*Three payments are due October 1, November 1, December 1 for fall and March 1, April 1, and May 1 for spring.

The university offers a payment plan for summer semester (excludes intersessions) tuition and fees: 

• 50% down, remaining 50% payable over two payments* 

*Two payments are due July 1 and August 1

There is a $15 non-refundable enrollment fee for all payment plans

​The deferred payment plan may be selected via myLSU > Registration Services > Defer Pymt/Payr Deduct. After following the prompts to select deferment, go to myLSU > Registration Services > Fee Bill to make payment (if a balance is due) and complete registration..

Late Registration Service Charge

Students who do not pay fees by the deadline must pay a $75 late registration service charge when subsequently completing registering.

Fee Exemptions for Individuals Over 65

According to the provisions of Act 525 of the 1975 Louisiana legislature, individuals over 65 years of age may enroll in one or more college-level courses and be exempt from the payment of the university fee. Further information may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar.

Financial Obligations to the University

Please be advised that students are fully responsible for payment of all tuition and fees, housing and meals, additional service charges, miscellaneous charges and/or fines that appear on the fee bill or that accrue to the billing statement once registration is complete.

Refund of Fees

• Refund of the tuition and fees shown on the Budget and Planning website will be made on the basis of the official withdrawal of the student.
• Refer to chart below for the schedule for refund of fees. (“Days of classes” are days on which regular classes are held.)
• No refunds will be processed for at least six weeks after registration. Students can submit an email request to bursar@lsu.edu to request a refund.    
• No refunds will be made to anyone who owes the university. Student-initiated resignations will not be completed until all money owed to the university is paid.
• Field service and transportation fees will be refunded on an individual basis upon recommendation of the department concerned.
• Reductions and increases of fees resulting from student schedule changes will be refunded or charged in accordance with the schedule below.
• All full-time students who become part-time students after the last day to receive a refund will continue to be eligible for all student activity privileges.
• Students in good standing at the university, registered in any semester or summer term, who volunteer for military service before the day mid-semester examinations begin, will have the university fee, nonresident fee, and student technology fee refunded. Students in good standing at the university, registered in any semester or summer term, who volunteer for military service after mid-semester examinations begin, will be refunded 50 percent of the university fee, nonresident fee, academic excellence fee, operational fee, and student technology fee. See also “Refund of Residence Hall Rent ” in the “Student Resources ” section of this catalog.
• Students registered in any semester or summer term, who are called to active duty in the armed forces through the last class day of the semester or summer term, will have 100 percent of the university fee, nonresident fee, academic excellence fee, operational fee, student technology fee, and student health service fee refunded. See also “Refund of Residence Hall Rent ” in the “Student Resources ” section of this catalog.
• For information on the refund of other fees (such as housing, meal plans, etc.) refer to the section in this catalog pertaining to those fees.

Title IV program fund recipients resigning from the university without completing at least 60 percent of the enrollment period will be required to return all or part of the aid they received to the appropriate programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, PLUS (Parent) Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National SMART Grant and SEOG. Specific information regarding this refund schedule is available at www.lsu.edu/financialaid.