Incoming Students

Incoming Student Scholarships

We value our students as more than just a test score, and we are committed to providing access to one of the nation's most valued degrees for all students. LSU is consistently ranked a Top Value by Kiplinger, Forbes, Money and SmartAsset.

Our holistic scholarship review process allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant. Several factors are weighed in the scholarship awarding process, including, but not limited to: academic transcripts, standardized test scores, family background, achievements in and out of the classroom, letters of recommendation from an academic source, involvement, leadership, service, and demonstration of financial need.

Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen, transfer students, Louisiana residents, and out-of-state residents. We are committed to being a smart investment in your educational journey, and as a result, scholarship dollar amounts have historically been adjusted and increased year over year.

The Common Application is used for both admissions and scholarship review, so all future students are encouraged to apply by the published deadlines.

Learn more about top merit-based scholarships.

$1 Billion

Awarded in Financial Aid and Scholarships Each Year

#10

For Improving Students' Socioeconomic Status

95%

Of Students Recieve Scholarships or Aid

Awards range in value from $500 per year to a full ride.

  • Merit-Based Scholarships
  • Legacy Scholarships
  • Major-Specific Scholarships
  • Study Abroad Scholarships
  • Research Scholarships
  • Work Study Scholarships
  • Need-Based Awards
  • Federal Grants
  • Federal Loans

LSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation to award the prestigious Stamps Scholarship.

 

How to Apply for Entering Freshman Scholarships

LSU’s application for admission also serves as the application for all university scholarships. Submit an admission application to receive scholarship consideration.

Submit all required admission materials (transcript, test scores, and letter of recommendation from an academic source).

An applicant must be accepted to LSU to be considered for scholarships.

Top Merit-Based Scholarships

Since 2012, LSU has been a proud partner of the Stamps Scholars Programs which provides merit scholarships to the brightest and most outstanding undergraduate freshmen admitted to Louisiana State University. This elite award offers a full cost of attendance for four years, as well as an unprecedented level of funding for enrichment experiences. Stamps Scholars are directed to resources that will help cultivate each scholar's intellectual distinction, initiative, and commitment to service, leadership, global knowledge, and career exploration.

Prospective freshmen, with a strong record of high academic achievement, leadership, and service, are nominated for consideration through the admissions process. Prospective students must complete their application to the university through the Common Application, and submit all required documentation by the scholarship priority deadline, December 15, to be considered. The Office of Enrollment Management, in consultation with the Ogden Honors College, considers completed applications and selects students to advance to the scholarship competition. Please see the calendar below for more details.

Scholarship Calendar

Date Event Details
December 15 Application Deadline This is the scholarship priority deadline for LSU. You must submit a completed application to the university through the Common Application by this date to be considered for the Stamps Scholars and President's Alumni Scholars Programs.
January Status Update Students who are selected as semifinalists will be notified and will be asked to submit an essay and resume.
Late January Finalists Invited Semifinalists' essays and resumes will be reviewed, and finalists will be selected and invited to attend Scholars Weekend, where they will participate in an in-person interview.
March 13-15 Scholars Weekend Activities Scholars weekend activities and interviews will be held on LSU's campus. Dates will be announced in January. In keeping with best practices of the nation's most prestigious scholarship programs, we regret that no interviews will be scheduled on alternate dates, and participants must attend all activities for the weekend. 

 

Stamps Scholarship recipients will receive the following:

  • Full cost of attendance for four years (covers tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, etc.)
    • Louisiana resident value: approx. $33,000 per year
    • Non-Louisiana resident value: approx. $50,000 per year
  • A potential $14,000 for enrichment experiences
  • The opportunity to earn up to an additional $1,550 per year by participating in the President's Future Leaders in Research Program
  • A one-time use $1,100 laptop stipend

The President's Alumni Scholars Award recipients will receive the following:

  • Full cost of attendance for four years (covers tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, etc.)
    • Louisiana resident value: approx. $33,000 per year
    • Non-Louisiana resident value: approx. $50,000 per year
  • $2,000 study abroad stipend
  • The opportunity to earn up to an additional $1,550 per year by participating in the President's Future Leaders in Research Program 

Transfer Student University Scholarships

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and LSU are committed to providing transfer opportunities to those active members of PTK, Louisiana Citizens who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completion of an associate’s degree from an LCTCS institution.

Our holistic scholarship review process allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant. Several factors are weighed in the awarding process, including, but not limited to: academic transcripts, standardized test scores, family background, achievements in and out of the classroom, and letters of recommendation from an academic source, involvement, legacy, and demonstration of financial need.

Award possibilities for transfer students include:

  • Legacy Scholarships
  • Major-Specific Scholarships
  • Work Study Awards
  • Need-Based Scholarships
  • Federal Grants
  • Federal Loans

How to Apply for Transfer Student Scholarships

LSU’s application for admission also serves as the application for all University scholarships. Transfer students must submit a completed admission application and official transcript(s) on or before April 15 to receive full priority scholarship consideration.

An applicant must be regularly accepted to LSU to be considered for scholarships.

Transfer student scholarships are awarded until all funding is exhausted. Students are encouraged to apply early, to receive full consideration.

 

Senior College Scholarships

Eligibility

Senior college scholarships are open to entering freshmen and transfer students, as well as currently enrolled students, who intend to major or are currently majoring in a curriculum within a specific college.

How to Apply

Scholarships vary by academic college. Colleges manage additional scholarship support opportunities. Contact the academic college of your intended major regarding questions about their specific scholarships and processes. Students interested in the College of Agriculture are eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.

The application for admission also serves as an application for academic college scholarship opportunities.

Enrolled students should contact the academic college of their current major regarding questions about scholarships available. Scholarships vary by academic college.

Scholarships Available

For an example of scholarship opportunities for students in each senior college, view a comprehensive list of awards offered in the "Financial Aid and Scholarshps" section of the LSU General Catalog. Scholarships are segmented by senior college in the top navigation.

How to Apply for International Student Scholarships

LSU does not currently offer scholarship programs specifically for international students. An international entering freshman can be considered for traditional freshman scholarships if they are a non US citizen that has attended a US High School or American school in another country. These students must submit an official ACT or SAT score to LSU. International entering freshmen meeting these guidelines should refer to the Entering Freshman Scholarships tab.