Undergraduate Admissions

Accomplishing our mission requires an uncommon effort. To advance the mission of Louisiana’s flagship, land-grant institution, we relentlessly advocate for students of all backgrounds and empower them to access an elite academic experience, one that will positively shape their future and profoundly enrich the LSU community.

Our work is vital to building a high-achieving, diverse student body that enhances the academic profile of the institution and increases the value of an LSU degree, assuring our graduates are positioned for successful careers and fulfilling lives. By helping our students realize their biggest dreams, we serve as guardians of social mobility, breaking barriers and forging pathways to equity in higher education for all.

We are a driving force for progress and innovation. Through our core values of diversity, teamwork, and serving students, we affect positive change in the lives of students and shape the future of LSU for generations.

Applying for Admission

LSU welcomes applications from all interested students without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. The university is committed to making fair and timely decisions on applications submitted.

Applications will be considered by evaluating prospective students’ likelihood of success at LSU.

The university operates on a two-semester plan with an additional multi-session summer term and three multi-week intersessions that take place between the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Qualified applicants—except in the School of Social Work, the MBA program, and the College of Veterinary Medicine—may initiate their studies at the beginning of any semester or term.

For detailed information concerning admission to graduate and professional schools, see “The Graduate School” in this catalog.

The application for undergraduate admission can be accessed through /lsu.edu/admissions/apply/freshman. is found at www.lsu.edu. LSU uses only the Common Application for first-year applicants and transfer students.

All applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline dates and send transcripts of all college work attempted, if any, as soon as possible. An official transcript from the graduating high school listing coursework from grades 9-12 is required after high school graduation. Louisiana high schools submit electronic transcripts to the State Department of Education, which LSU can access upon receiving a student’s application for admission and again when final grades are issued. In the event that additional information is needed in order to process a student’s application, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions reserves the right to request additional transcripts from students who have attended multiple schools.

A non-refundable application fee of $50 must accompany the application for admission or re-entry. This fee can be submitted using the online payment options listed on the Common Application.The university is not responsible for cash sent by mail. This service fee is used to help cover the cost of processing applications. It is neither refunded if admission is denied, nor is it applied against other costs when a student subsequently enrolls. All former LSU students who have not been enrolled for one or more semesters must submit an application for re-entry.

The application for admission also serves as the application for all freshman scholarship programs and for the Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College. The priority deadline for full consideration for LSU scholarships and for admission to the Honors College is December 15. Scholarship offers are made from December through April. For additional information on the Honors College application process, contact the college at 225-578-8831 or at honors@lsu.edu.

Arrangements for admission, financial aid, and housing are made separately through the Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and the Office of Residential Life, respectively. Students applying for on-campus housing must first commit to LSU by submitting their enrollment deposit. Once students have deposited, they may apply online for on-campus housing at http://lsu.edu/reslife/. Applying for admission does not entitle an applicant to university housing or financial aid; nor is the filing of a housing application, the assignment to a room, or the award of financial aid a commitment of admission to the university. For further information, see “Student Resources” and “Financial Aid and Scholarships” in this catalog.

Application deadlines:

• April 15 for fall semester.
• December 1 for the spring semester (October 1 for persons requiring an I-20).
• April 15 for the summer term.
• July 1 for all applicants (final date to submit all credentials).

Enrollment Deposit

LSU requires all admitted, first-time freshman and transfer students to indicate their intent to enroll by paying a non-refundable, required $200 deposit. Students intending to enroll for summer or fall semesters must pay the deposit no later than May 1.

Immunization Policy

All students enrolling for the first time at LSU or after an absence of one semester or more must furnish proof of immunization for (or immunity to) measles, meningitis, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis screening prior to enrollment at the university. The required proof should be submitted to LSU Student Health Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

Certification of Selective Service Compliance

All persons who are required to register for the federal draft under the federal Military Selective Service Act shall be required to certify on their application for admission that they have registered with the Selective Service. Questions regarding compliance should be directed to the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions, Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

Residency

Eligibility for classification as a Louisiana resident is determined by the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions in accordance with LSU System regulations and is based on evidence provided on the application for admission and related documents. Please refer to Permanent Memoranda-31 (PM-31) for Residency Policy. Regulations relate primarily to location of the home and place of employment. A resident student is defined as one who has abandoned all prior domiciles and has been domiciled in the state of Louisiana continuously for non-educational purposes for at least one full year (365 days) immediately preceding the first day of classes of the term for which classification as a resident is sought.

An individual’s physical presence within this state for one year must be associated with substantial evidence that such presence was with the intent to maintain a Louisiana domicile. Physical presence within the state solely for educational purposes without substantial evidence of the intent to remain in Louisiana will not be sufficient for classification as a resident, regardless of the length of time within the state.

For additional information concerning the establishment of residency, contact the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions. Continuing students must contact the Office of the University Registrar for establishment of residency.

Educational Requirements and Admission Policy

Admission Standards

Anyone who wishes to be considered for undergraduate admission to LSU is encouraged to apply.

Admission is based on a holistic review of the total high school record, including: rigor of courses completed, grades, standardized test scores, educational objectives and experiences. Additionally, students must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an academic source (counselor, teacher, advisor, administrator, etc.) or someone who can speak to the student’s ambitions, work ethic, or perseverance through challenges. The minimum requirements for assured admission are 3.0 Core GPA* on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses** as outlined in the LSU Core and/or a 1030 Old SAT (Critical Reading and Math)/1100 New SAT (Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math)/22 Composite ACT †. Students must be eligible to enroll in university-level English and mathematics courses, as evidenced by a minimum ACT English subscore of 18 (a New SAT Writing and Language score of 25 or Old SAT Critical Reading score of 450) and a minimum ACT Math subscore of 19 (a New SAT score of 500 or Old SAT Critical Reading score of 460). Preference for admission to LSU will be given to those students whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success and the greatest potential for contributing to the diverse missions of the university.

The Admissions Committee will review qualifications and application packages to determine whether additional predictors of success exist as a basis for admission. Other factors, such as choice of degree program, rank in class, scores on  required standardized tests (SAT or ACT), credit in advanced placement and honors courses, pattern and quality of courses, grade trends, educational objectives, extracurricular activities, and school recommendations will be considered in the admission process. In addition, special talents, significant life and career experience, or membership in groups underrepresented in the student body will be evaluated and weighed before decisions to offer admission are made.

Other Considerations

Applicants who meet the educational requirements listed in this catalog will be considered for admission. Admission will be denied if requirements listed in this catalog are not met. Admission is not automatically granted when these requirements are met; it may be denied if other factors, in the judgment of university officials, merit denial. Issues such as limited enrollment in certain curricula, timeliness of application, unavailability of certain programs, and other relevant factors may be considered. Furthermore, the university may deny admission, readmission, or continued enrollment to persons whose behavior is disruptive, dangerous, or abusive.

Students may appeal admission decisions to the Faculty Undergraduate Admissions Committee. The purpose of the Admissions Committee review is to evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether equivalent predictors of success exist and whether to admit the student on this basis.

*The GPA is calculated solely on the 19 core units for admission to LSU.
**High school units for assured admission are listed in the table below.

Table of High School Units Required for Admission to LSU

Direct Admission into Senior College

Three senior colleges at LSU currently have provisions for applicant screening and admission before beginning study at LSU: Art & Design, and Music & Dramatic Arts. Refer to sections dedicated to the individual college for detailed information on the process for admission to the college or degree program.

Student-Athletes

A prospective student-athlete who is awarded an athletic grant-in-aid may be admitted if he/she meets the applicable standards found in Bylaw 14.3 (freshmen) and Bylaw 14.5 (transfers) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). A student-athlete at LSU will be subject to a number of special academic requirements, which are specified in the rules of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the NCAA. Student-athletes may also be considered for admission at any time prior to the start of the next academic term.

Home Schooled, GED, Unaccredited or Unapproved High Schools

Individuals applying for admission to LSU after completing home-schooling, receiving GEDs, or graduating from unaccredited or unapproved high schools will be evaluated on the basis of qualifications outlined above.

Early Admission Program

The Early Admission Program permits high school students who have not completed all requirements for a high school diploma to apply for admission to LSU as regular students, provided they fulfill these minimum requirements: 15 units of high school credit, including three units of English; an overall academic average of 3.00 (“B”); and a composite score of 28 ACT/1250 SAT. A limited number of students are selected from those who meet these requirements. Among the considerations in selection are maturity, rank in class, grades, recommendation of the high school principal and others, and additional evidence of scholarly achievement. 

Concurrent Enrollment Program

The Concurrent Enrollment Program permits exceptional high school seniors to enroll in one or more courses at LSU when space, faculty, and other facilities are available. Students enrolled in this program will be required to attend classes on LSU’s campus.  Students must have a GPA of 3.00 (“B”), a composite score of 27 ACT/1210 SAT, and be recommended by the high school principal or counselor for enrollment in a specific course or courses.  Students must have completed the most advanced courses offered by their school in the academic areas in which they wish to enroll or must be considered qualified for the college course by the principal or counselor.  Continuation in this model requires renewed approval each semester.  Students are eligible for honors activities and are encouraged to visit the Honors College office. The University College Center for Freshman Year staff are available for advice or information, whether or not the student intends to enroll at LSU as a degree-seeking student.

Students who participate in Concurrent Enrollment Program are responsible for all costs associated with attending LSU. These costs may include, but are not limited to, tuition and fees, a student parking permit, and books.  Louisiana law requires immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria, as well as a tuberculosis screening, for students who are participating in this program.  Students should submit their records to the LSU Student Health Center prior to attending class. 

College Readiness Program

The College Readiness Program allows eligible high school students to remain in their high school setting and take LSU courses for credit.  These courses will be facilitated by teachers at the student’s high school who have been certified by LSU to participate in this program. Students must meet the Board of Regents state dual enrollment requirements as well as the specific requirements for each course. 

Students who participate in the College Readiness Program are responsible for the tuition associated with this model in addition to any required books and technology.  No immunization records are required for students participating in the College Readiness Program. 

From Spring 2016 forward, transfer coursework earned Fall 2015 and beyond from sending institutions awarding plus/minus grades will be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Please refer to “Grading Systems ” in the Academic Regulations  section for an explanation of LSU’s policy and grading scale.

To be admitted to LSU as a first semester freshman, students who enrolled in any dual enrollment courses for college credit must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on these dual enrollment courses. 

Campus Tours

Campus tours are offered at 9:00 a.m. AND 1:00p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding university holidays, in the LSU Geaux Center. Tour sessions begin with an overview of the campus, descriptions of programs of study, admission requirements, and information about student aid and scholarships. Special Saturday tours are conducted in the spring and summer semesters. To make a tour reservation, prospective students, parents, or groups are encouraged to register online at www.lsu.edu/visitcampus.

Freshman Orientation and Registration

Freshman applicants who intend to enroll at the LSU flagship campus must participate in a freshman orientation and registration program. This program includes introduction to campus resources and staff, testing for placement or advanced standing and the opportunity to select courses course preferences for the coming semester. Students must be admitted to the university and have submitted the enrollment deposit to participate in orientation. Students must complete orientation programming to be registered and scheduled for classes.

Admission to a Senior College

Refer to sections dedicated to the individual colleges or schools for details on requirements for admission to a senior college and/or to a degree program.

Transfer Students

Students with previous college or university work from regionally accredited institutions may be considered for admission if they have an overall 2.50 GPA or better on all college work attempted, including a grade of “C” or better in both college-level courses in English and in mathematics (above remedial) that fulfill a general education requirement at the institution where they were taken. Transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 30 hours of college-level work (above remedial) must also meet the requirements for freshman admission.

LSU computes the GPA on all courses taken, including repeated courses, courses with incomplete grades, and those with any other grades, except “W,” “WA,” “WB,” “WC,” “WD,” “WF,” “unsatisfactory,” and “no credit.” Effective Fall 2015, transfer students submitting an application for enrollment to LSU for Spring 2016 and beyond will be considered under the new plus/minus grading policy. Transfer students submitting an application for enrollment to LSU for Spring 2016 and beyond will be considered under the new plus/minus grading policy. From Spring 2016 forward, transfer coursework earned Fall 2015 and beyond from sending institutions awarding plus/minus grades will be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Please refer to “Grading Systems ” in the Academic Regulations  section for an explanation of LSU’s policy and grading scale. Grade point averages will be computed using the lower grade given by institutions that issue upper/lower grades (“AB,” “BC,” etc.). Grades of “pass,” “credit,” and “satisfactory” will be treated alike and will be counted as earned hours, but not in the computation of the GPA. “Fail” will count as hours attempted, but not as hours earned, and will be used to compute the GPA, including any remedial course work. This policy is followed, regardless of the practices of the sending institution, including other LSU System campuses.

All students will be considered for admission based on an evaluation of their likelihood of success at LSU. LSU will consider college GPA, pattern and quality of courses taken, grade trends, educational objectives, special talents, significant life and career experiences, membership in groups underrepresented in the student body, or special circumstances.

A prospective transfer student should submit an admission application and a complete official transcript from each college or university attended, whether or not credit was earned or is desired. Students enrolled in college at the time applications are submitted should have transcripts sent when they apply for admission, to be followed by supplementary records at the close of the semester.

Provisional admission, pending receipt of supplementary records, may be granted when it is impossible to obtain final records prior to scheduled registration dates. This admission will be canceled if the required records are not received by the Office of Enrollment Management within 30 days of the first day of classes or if it is determined, upon receipt and review of final records, that the applicant is not qualified for admission.

A transfer student who is awarded an athletic grant-in-aid may be admitted if he/she meets the standards found in Bylaw 14.5 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). A student athlete at LSU will be subject to a number of special academic requirements specified in the rules of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the NCAA.

Transfer Student Orientation and Registration

Transfer students are required to participate in the Transfer Student Orientation program. This program provides information about student services and resources at LSU and the credit evaluation process. Students meet with an advisor, obtain an ID card and a myLSU account, and schedule classes. Announcements regarding the program are sent to applicants.

Re-entering Students

Re-entering students who have not enrolled in the university for one or more regular semesters must apply for readmission. Students who have attempted 29 or fewer semester hours at other accredited colleges or universities since last attending LSU must meet the senior college scholastic requirements for re-entry; or may be placed on scholastic probation or warning upon re-entry. Students who have attempted 30 or more semester hours at other accredited colleges or universities since last attending LSU must have a GPA of at least 2.50 on all college work attempted including a college-level course in English and in mathematics above the remedial level. Students must submit an application and a complete official transcript from each college or university attended since leaving LSU, regardless if whether credit was earned, desired, or transferable.

Re-entry students who do not meet the stated criteria can appeal to be re-admitted if they do not meet the admissions requirements outright or if there are extenuating circumstances that impacted their academic performance.

If a student has not enrolled in any credit-bearing coursework for five or more years, the student may apply for the LSU Second Chance, which permits prior university credit to be carried over and applied to the total hours earned but not used in the computation of the grade point average. These credit hours may be applied towards degree program requirements if approved by the dean of the student’s major college. Only students who were admitted to LSU and left without a degree are eligible for the LSU Second Chance. Transfer students and students who have a degree from LSU are not eligible for consideration. Students must meet the residency requirements for the university before graduation. Refer to the “Academic Requirements for Obtaining a Degree” section for specific university residency requirements.

Acceptance of Credit from Other Collegiate Institutions

The Office of Enrollment Management evaluates credit from other institutions after the student’s complete application and all official transcripts from each college and university attended have been received. Credit earned in colleges and universities accredited by regional accrediting associations is generally accepted; however, courses taken at the lower (1000-2000) level cannot be given upper (3000-4000) level credit. Credit allowed by the Office of Enrollment Management for transfer is, in all cases, subject to review by the student’s senior college with regard to its applicability toward a particular degree.

For schools not regionally accredited, the university is guided in its decision regarding acceptance of credit by recommendations of selected institutions in the states in which the schools are located. Applicants who are admitted are given an opportunity, usually through advanced-standing examinations, to validate some or all of the credit. Each student’s record from a non-accredited college will be considered on the basis of individual merit.

Students who are placed on probation or made ineligible to continue at the institution where they were previously enrolled, based on grades earned in course work recorded on transcripts received after registration, will have the appropriate academic action applied immediately.

Questions relating to the evaluation of credit should be referred to the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions. Questions relating to the acceptance of credit toward a degree program and the length of time required for completion of degree requirements should be referred to the appropriate senior college or school. For further information, see “Undergraduate Degree Requirements ” and “Regulations .”

Additionally, the Tiger Transfer Tables on the LSU Transfer website are an online resource where previously evaluated coursework from many institutions are listed. This resource contains both in-state and out-of-state listings of course evaluations.

International Applicants

International admission requirements are applied to all students who have international secondary or post-secondary educational credentials, regardless of country of citizenship, immigrant status, or visa status. All students who have only U.S. secondary and post-secondary educational credentials must meet U.S. admission requirements as detailed in previous sections. Applications from students with both U.S. and international educational credentials may be reviewed according to either or both U.S. and international requirements.

Any transcript or documentation issued in a language other than English must be sent with an official English translation. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions within the Office of Enrollment Management is solely responsible for evaluating and determining the equivalencies of international credentials and grading scales.

English Proficiency Requirement

An applicant whose native language is not English and/or who has been educated outside of the U.S. in a country or province where English is not the only official language must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting a Duolingo, TOEFL,  IELTS, or PTE score.

On Duolingo, the following minimum score is required for admission

• 100

On the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the following minimum scores are required for automatic admission:

• 550 (paper-based exam)
• 79 (Internet-based exam)

Information regarding TOEFL may be obtained by visiting the official website at www.toefl.org.

On the IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), the following minimum score is required for automatic admission:

• 6.5

Information about IELTS may be found at www.ielts.org.

On the PTE (Pearson’s Test of English), the following minimum score is required for automatic admission:

• 59

Information about the PTE may be found at www.pearsonpte.com.

Official Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores are those reported directly to LSU by the respective testing service at the request of the student.

Applicants may be exempt from the Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement if they have completed one of the following:

• a U.S. high school diploma earned, having attended all four years of high school in the U.S.;
• a bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited U.S. institution;
• a score of 480 on the English/Critical Reading section of the SAT; or 20 on the English Section of the ACT;
• U.S. transfer requirements (minimum 2.50 overall GPA on 30 or more semester hours above remedial level, including a college-level course in English and in mathematics, or two consecutive English courses, from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university)

Official transcripts or scores are required showing completion of one of the above before a student can be exempted from the Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement. The Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions reserves the right to require a satisfactory Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score from any applicant. All international students who are admitted (except for transfer students who have submitted a satisfactory Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score and have received transfer credit from an accredited U.S. institution for the equivalent of LSU’s English ENGL 1001  and ENGL 2000  or ENGL 1004  and ENGL 1005  with a grade of “C” or better in each) will be required to take an English placement test prior to registration.

First-Time Students

International students who have never attended a post-secondary education institution will apply as freshmen (first-year students), and must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma with an academic average equivalent to “B” (3.0 or better on the U.S. 4-point grading system). The “academic average” is determined by averaging the grades of secondary school academic courses, excluding nonacademic courses such as physical education, vocational/technical courses, religion, art, music, etc.

Students must submit complete official records for the secondary level of education and are strongly encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores. Students who have taken advanced-level exams, international baccalaureate higher level exams, or other types of secondary education beyond the 12th year of schooling should submit the official certificates or transcripts and course syllabi for possible advanced placement university credit.

International Transfer Students

From International Institutions

International students who have attended any post-secondary level college, university, or institution must apply as transfer students. LSU requires the equivalent of a 3.0 (“B” average on the U.S. 4-point grading system) for all transferable credit from accredited international institutions. Applicants with less than the equivalent of 30 semester hours of transferable credit (approximately one year of full-time study) must also qualify for freshman admission.

Students must submit official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, listing courses taken and grades earned. Also required are the official course descriptions or syllabi to be evaluated for possible credit toward an LSU degree. Transfer credit is not given for English as a second language, non-English native language courses, or vocational/technical courses. For LSU to award transfer credit, the institution must be accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education or equivalent government agency in that country, and be suitable for university-level credit.

From U.S. Institutions

International students who have attended a regionally accredited U.S. college or university must meet U.S. transfer requirements: an overall GPA of at least 2.50 and 30 semester hours of transferable credit, including college-level courses in both English and mathematics. Refer to the section on “Transfer Students.” If less than 30 hours are earned, freshman requirements must also be met.

From Both International & U.S. Institutions

If credit is earned from both international and U.S. post-secondary accredited institutions, a 3.0 GPA is required from international institutions, and a 2.5 GPA is required on all U.S. college work. Refer to the sections above. Students who have less than a 3.0 GPA from international institutions may be admitted if: (1) they meet the requirements for transfer from a U.S. accredited college or university (30 semester hours of credit above remedial, 2.50 GPA, math and English courses), and (2) have an overall GPA of 2.50 or higher when the U.S. GPA is combined with the international GPA. In this case, courses passed with the equivalent of “C” or higher will be considered for transfer credit from accredited post-secondary international institutions.

Application Procedure

Application deadlines for international students are April 15 for summer or fall semesters and October 1 for the spring semester. However, all required documents should be sent at least 120 days before the semester starts to allow for processing time, especially if an I-20 immigration form is needed for the student visa application. Processing time may be extensive for some applications.

The application form should be completed online via the Common Application. The $50 application fee can be submitted online by credit card, or via payment options listed on the Common Application. The following materials must be sent to the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions, Pleasant Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803:

• complete, official academic records;
• official Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores; and
• evidence of financial support.

“Official transcript” is defined as an official record prepared by the issuing institution and sealed in the institution’s official envelope.

Expenses

International applicants are required to offer proof of the availability of sufficient funds to meet all costs while studying at the university. Total expenses, excluding travel to and from Baton Rouge, for the calendar year (12 months) for undergraduate students who are not residents of Louisiana can be found at www.lsu.edu/iso (prospective students). International students residing in Louisiana cannot be considered Louisiana residents unless they are permanent residents of the U.S., among other criteria.

All fees and costs are subject to change.

Leave of Absence

Due to circumstances beyond their control, some students may be forced to interrupt their continuous enrollment. This interruption is formally recognized as a Leave of Absence (LOA). Reasons for approval of a LOA might include health related needs, change of family circumstance, financial hardship and/or work changes, or other significant events that would negatively impact the student’s progress towards degree. The Dean of the student’s college will approve the LOA on a student by student basis taking into account all relevant information as well as the student’s academic performance to date. It is the University’s expectation that students will not exceed one year of leave over the course of their time as an undergraduate student. When taking a leave of no longer than one year, students are not required to reapply to the university.

Details regarding the LOA procedure and associated fees may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar. 

Other Enrollment Opportunities

Dual Enrollment Credit from Outside Institutions

LSU will accept all dual enrollment credit from accredited four-year institutions, as well as academic-based, college-level credit from two-year institutions. Use the Tiger Transfer Tables to see how credit will transfer to LSU.

Students will need to request the college or university that awarded credit to send an official transcript to the address below. Transcripts can also be sent through eSCRIP-SAFE.

LSU Office of Enrollment Management
1146 Pleasant Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Distance Learning Programs

Admission to college-level Distance Learning Programs (DLP) courses at LSU does not constitute admission to a degree program at the university. However, students may enroll for DLP courses prior to being admitted to the university.

Credit earned in DLP courses may be submitted for evaluation toward an undergraduate degree at LSU or may be transferred to another institution. Students not enrolled at LSU who plan to apply DLP credit toward an LSU degree should submit an official “Application for Admission” form (available from the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions). In addition to the application form, students should submit official transcripts of all previous academic work.

Admission to DLP courses will be granted to enrolled LSU undergraduate students upon approval of their college deans, which must be indicated on the Distance Learning Programs application form. Students who have been dropped from the university for scholastic, disciplinary, or attendance reasons may be admitted to DLP courses on a noncredit basis only.

A DLP course grade will be posted to the transcript when the course is completed. If a student takes the examination by the last day of the final examination period of a semester/summer term, the grade will be posted to that semester/term. The grade will be used to determine academic action at the conclusion of that semester or summer term. If the examination is taken after that date, the DLP grade will be posted to the next regular semester or summer term. DLP grades will not be posted to intersession.

Students who become ineligible while a DLP course is in progress may complete the course for degree credit. During their period of ineligibility to enroll, students may register on a noncredit basis for DLP courses.

No more than one-fourth of the number of hours required for the bachelor’s degree may be taken through Continuing Education by DLP courses. Specific information regarding acceptance of DLP courses toward fulfillment of degree requirements is provided in college and school sections of this catalog. Before scheduling DLP courses, LSU students must obtain approval from their academic deans.

Students 25 or Older

Adults who are at least 25 years of age by the end of the calendar year and who have a high school diploma of GED certificate are eligible for admission to LSU through this classification. Students do not have to submit ACT or SAT scores. If prior college work has been completed, official transcripts must be supplied to LSU. Student admission will be reviewed based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to prior test scores, prior GPA, work experience, professional certifications and other documented learning experiences that demonstrate the ability to be successful in an academic environment.

Students without prior college credit in ENGL 1001  and a math course appropriate for the intended curriculum, in which a “C-” or better was earned, may not pursue additional coursework until such credit is earned or a proficiency can be demonstrated beyond this level.

Students admitted through this classification are eligible to schedule courses for college credit provided they meet the prerequisites for the courses. Some senior colleges have admissions criteria exceeding those for general admission to the university. Prospective students should consult individual senior colleges for information on additional requirements for specific degree programs. Students are subject to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their admission.

As regularly admitted students, university scholastic requirements are applicable including University Scholastic Warning, Probation, and Drop.

Visiting Students

Students enrolled in another accredited college or university who are eligible to continue in that institution in the next regular term and who are not on scholastic warning or probation (who are in academic and institutional good-standing) may be admitted as visiting students for one semester or summer term only. These students must submit official transcripts of all college work previously taken. This statement must include the total number of semester or quarter hours of credit previously earned.

Students admitted on a visiting student basis who wish to be considered for regular admission must complete a new application for admission and must supply official transcripts of all college work previously taken. These students will be evaluated on the admission standards in place for transfer students at the time of their application for regular admission. Some senior colleges have admissions criteria exceeding those for general admission to the university. Prospective students should consult individual senior colleges for information on additional requirements for specific degree programs. Visiting students who gain admission to the university as regularly admitted students are subject to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their admission as regular students.

International students are not eligible for this program except for the summer term and, in addition, are required to submit a Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score that meets admission requirements.

LSU/Baton Rouge Community College Bears to Tigers Programs

The Bears to Tigers Programs are collaborative agreements between BRCC and LSU to provide opportunities for the seamless transfer of BRCC students to LSU upon completion of any one of the following: Bears 2 Tigers Transfer Program, the Louisiana Transfer Degree Program, or Articulated Departmental Agreements. Please refer to www.lsu.edu for more information.

LSU/Baton Rouge Community College Cross-Enrollment Program

LSU and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) students may take courses at the other institution through a cross-enrollment program between the two institutions. This program enables students to take courses not available at the institution where they matriculate. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate. Unless special course fees are assessed, full-time students pay no additional fees. Part-time students pay tuition and fees based on the total number of hours for which they are registered and any special course fees.

Participants are allowed the same library privileges granted to the student body at the home institution. Students participating in the cross-enrollment program have access to the library at the other institution.

Before enrolling, a student must obtain written approval from the dean of his/her college. Courses taken at BRCC that are approved for college work at LSU are recorded as transfer credit. Interested students can obtain information from the Office of the University Registrar at LSU, the Registrar’s Office at Baton Rouge Community College, and the offices of academic deans at either institution. Students should consult the Registration Schedule of Classes for additional details.

Louisiana Transfer Degree

The Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree Program was developed in 2009 to ensure that students completing the 60-hour AALT (Associate of Arts) or ASLT (Associate of Science) can transfer from any state community college to any of the state’s four-year universities without losing credit. Graduates with the Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree must still meet any program or college-specific admission or degree requirements for admission to LSU. For additional information, please visit our website at latransferdegree.org/

Academic Common Market

Louisiana participates with 14 other southern states in the Academic Common Market, an interstate agreement for sharing uncommon programs. Residents of these states who are accepted for admission into selected out-of-state programs can enroll on an in-state tuition basis. For additional information, please consult the Southern Regional Education Board website.

To enroll as Academic Common Market students, applicants must be accepted for admission into a program to which their state has made arrangements to send its students and obtain certification of residency from the Common Market Coordinator in their home state. Applications for admission should be made directly to the institution offering the program. Additional information about the Academic Common Market and programs available at in-state tuition rates for residents of Louisiana can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar.

Academic Renewal

Under specified conditions, undergraduate students who have interrupted their college careers for a period of at least five consecutive calendar years may, at the time of application for admission to the university, declare academic renewal. (See “Academic Regulations ” in this catalog.)

Credit and Placement Program

Departmental Advanced-Standing Exam

All new freshman students entering LSU may take departmental advanced-standing examinations. Appropriate course placement and academic credit earned are determined by the students’ scores. These examinations are administered at no additional charge to participants in the Spring Invitational Program, Freshman Orientation, or Special International Student Testing programs, provided the students complete the tests by the final date to add courses for credit during their first term of enrollment at LSU.

Credit earned through placement tests and advanced-standing examinations taken while students are not enrolled in the university (all LSU campuses) will be awarded in the next semester for which they are enrolled for resident credit, provided they register at LSU within two years.

SAT—Scholastic Assessment Test and ACT (formerly the American College Test)

• SAT and/or ACT scores are used in granting advanced-standing credit and placement in freshman English and mathematics. 

Prior Learning Assessment

Students entering LSU may be awarded college credit for career related learning, professional development, or other learning experiences at the discretion of the academic department. Colleges and departments are responsible for determining appropriate assessments to evaluate prior knowledge and skills and are ultimately responsible for assigning course equivalency. 

Students are responsible for any transcripting fee associated with prior learning assessments. Additional information regarding prior learning assessments and other credit examination opportunities are available in the “Credit Examinations ” section of this catalog. 

SAT/ACT Scores

Scores must be verified by the LSU Office of Admissions to be considered official. It is essential that we have your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) on file to enroll you in the proper freshman English and math classes. LSU will use the highest verified math ACT or quantitative SAT score to award math credit and the highest verified composite ACT and English ACT scores to award English credit.If you have taken either of these tests more than once, we strongly recommend that you have all of the scores sent to LSU

You may send your scores directly to the Office of Admissions by emailing admissions@lsu.edu. To request your scores be sent from SAT or ACT directly:

Math Placement

Titles of selected first-year math courses:

• MATH 1020 Corequisite Support for MATH 1021 College Algebra (2)  
• MATH 1021 College Algebra (3)  
• MATH 1022 Plane Trigonometry (3)  
• MATH 1028 Corequisite Support for MATH 1029 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (2)    
• MATH 1029 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3)  
• MATH 1100 The Nature of Mathematics (3)  
• MATH 1431 Calculus with Business and Economic Applications (3)  
• MATH 1510 Biomathematics: Calculus, Probability, and Statistics I (5)  
• MATH 1520 Biomathematics: Calculus, Probability, and Statistics II (4)  
• MATH 1530 Differential Calculus (3)  
• MATH 1540 Integral Calculus (3)  
• MATH 1550 Differential and Integral Calculus (5)  
• MATH 1551 HONORS: Differential and Integral Calculus (5)  
• MATH 1552 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4)  
• MATH 1553 HONORS: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4)   

• The MSAT, the math ACT (MACT), the ALEKS PPL “Prep for Calculus” test, and the LSU Algebra and Trigonometry tests are used for placement into MATH 1021 , MATH 1022 , MATH 1029 , MATH 1100 ,  MATH 1431 , MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1550 , and MATH 1551 . These scores can also grant credit in MATH 1021 . See the MACT/MSAT/ALEKS placement and credit chart below for details.

• No student may receive more than nine semester hours of credit in mathematics courses numbered below MATH 1510 , with two exceptions:

(a) This nine-hour limit doesn’t apply to students who are pursuing the elementary education degree and following the 12-hour sequence specified in that curriculum, and:
(b) MATH 1020  and MATH 1028  don’t count in the nine-hour limit mentioned above.

• Students can improve upon their placement into MATH 1021 , MATH 1022 , MATH 1029 , MATH 1100 , or MATH 1431  indicated by the above MACT/MSAT/ALEKS score, by taking the LSU Math Credit Exam for MATH 1021  or MATH 1022 . See the table below for details.
  •  A student’s appropriate scores on the LSU Department of Mathematics’ algebra and trigonometry placement/credit tests can result in placement in a higher-level math course than the MACT or MSAT or ALEKS placement, but cannot result in placement lower than the MACT or MSAT or ALEKS placement. Low scores on the LSU Math Placement Tests cannot nullify any credits that a student has earned from other exams. 

• ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) Calculus Readiness Exam and Learning Module for entry into MATH 1510 /MATH 1530 /MATH 1550 /MATH 1551  
  • An appropriate score on the ALEKS Calculus Readiness Exam and its associated “learning module,” is the one and only prerequisite to MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 ,  MATH 1550 , and MATH 1551 .
  • For an ALEKS score to qualify for admitting a student into MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1550 , or MATH 1551 , the ALEKS exam must have been taken through the student’s myLSU account.  For important details, see the website of the LSU Department of Mathematics; www.math.lsu.edu.
  • A student’s final ALEKS score must be no more than 270 days old on the first day of classes in MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1550  or MATH 1551 . See www.math.lsu.edu for exact dates of achieving an acceptable ALEKS score for each semester as well as appropriate scores for each of these courses.
  • Students whose majors require MATH 1510 , MATH 1530  or MATH 1550  are advised to take ALEKS early in their undergraduate careers. Entering students planning on a fall enrollment may complete ALEKS as early as March (in time for freshman or transfer orientation).
  • Credit (with a P grade) for (as opposed to placement into) MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , or MATH 1550  may be earned via the AP, CLEP, or IB programs (described below), via the LSU MATH 1510 , MATH 1530  or MATH 1550  Credit Exams, or via transfer credit from another college. No ALEKS score is required for such credit.

• The AP program can grant credit in MATH 1431 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1550 , and  MATH 1552 .
  • Scores on the CLEP exams can grant credit in MATH 1021 , MATH 1022 , and MATH 1550 .
  • The IB program can grant credit in MATH 1021 , MATH 1431 , MATH 1530 , and MATH 1550 .

• Retroactive Credit for MATH 1021  and MATH 1022  
  • A student receiving a grade of “C” or better in MATH 1431 , MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1540 , MATH 1550 , or MATH 1551  will receive retroactive credit (with a P grade) for MATH 1021 .
  • A student receiving a grade of “C” or better in MATH 1552  or MATH 1553  will receive retroactive credit (with a P grade) in MATH 1022 .

• MATH 1029  and MATH 1100  
  • ​MATH 1029  and MATH 1100  are intended primarily for liberal arts and some social sciences majors.

• MATH 1431  
  • MATH 1431  does not require knowledge of trigonometry. By contrast, MATH 1510 , MATH 1530 , MATH 1540 , MATH 1550  and MATH 1551  do.

English Placement

Your SAT or ACT score will determine your initial placement in either ENGL 1001  or ENGL 2000  or will grant you an exemption from the first-year writing requirement. If you have taken either of these tests more than once, we strongly recommend that you have all of the scores sent to LSU since we will use the best English ACT score and the best composite score to award credit, and your best scores may be on more than one test. 

The chart below illustrates initial English placement.

AP, CLEP, and IB Programs

AP—The Advanced-Placement Program of the College Board • About one-fourth of American secondary schools currently participate in the Advanced-Placement Program of the College Board. Each May, AP examinations are administered (by the College Board) to students who have participated in the program. Advanced-Placement credit will be granted in appropriate subjects to freshmen who earn a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced-Placement subject examinations, as specified in the chart provided. Departmental recommendations are subject to change. Contact the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions for current recommendations.

For information about general program data and policies, contact either Advanced-Placement Program, The College Board, 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281; or the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions, 1146 Pleasant Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

Students who earn AP Exam scores of 3 or above are generally considered to be qualified to receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses due to the fact that their AP Exam scores are equivalent to a college course score of “middle C” or above. The awarding of credit and placement is determined by each department. The AP Exams are administered by the College Board.

Click here to view the College Board Advanced Placement Program for Entering Freshmen .

CLEP—Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program • Policies governing minimum required scores and the acceptance of credit are established by the appropriate academic departments. LSU allows credit on CLEP subject examinations in 16 areas. (Credit is not allowed for CLEP general examinations.) Departmental course credit recommendations for satisfactory scores on CLEP subject examinations are included in the table provided. Department recommendations are subject to change. Contact the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions for current recommendations and information on general program data and policies.

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to receive college credit by earning qualifying scores in the subjects listed below. CLEP Exams are administered by the College Board.

Click here to view the CLEP Examinations .

IB—International Baccalaureate • A number of American and secondary schools abroad participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This is a comprehensive two-year curriculum leading to examinations and a possible IB diploma if the requirements of the full program are satisfied.

Students are encouraged to submit their IB diploma record or examination results with their application to the university for evaluation. Advanced placement credit may be granted in appropriate subjects to freshmen who earn a grade of 4 or better on the IB higher level examinations. Credit is not allowed for IB standard level examinations. Policies governing minimum required scores and the acceptance of credit of IB examinations are established by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials and by the appropriate academic departments. Current departmental recommendations may be obtained by contacting the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, which leads to the awarding of college credit as listed below:

Click here to view the International Baccalaureate Advanced Placement Credit .