About LSU: What is LSU Known For?

LSU isn’t just an institution of higher education. We are a community and a culture. Through learning, research, and community engagement, we are dedicated to changing lives, whether it’s a student in the classroom or the citizens of Louisiana and the world.

LSU Facts & Figures

35,000+

Student population

1 of 24

Universities nationwide holding land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designations

16

Division I athletic teams

1 of 8

Universities in the country with a law school, dental school, medical school, veterinary school, and an elite MBA program

$368M

in research expenditures

- FY2021 Higher Education Research and Development data

$6.1B

LSU′s economic impact on Louisiana

- A study by the Economics & Policy Research Group at the E. J. Ourso College of Business

Mission and Values

As the flagship institution of the state, the vision of Louisiana State University is to be a leading research-extensive university, challenging undergraduate and graduate students to achieve the highest levels of intellectual and personal development.

Engagement, Civil Rights & Title IX

Mission Statement

Notice of Non-discrimination

Treasured Traditions at LSU

Mike the Tiger

Mike the Tiger

Mike VII arrived on campus August 15, 2017. He is part of LSU's live mascot program, which has been around for 85 years. 

Mike the Tiger

LSU Alma Mater

Students sing the alma mater at a football game.

The alma mater is sung proudly by current students and more than 166,000 alumni worldwide.

Alma Mater

Tiger Twelve

visit lsu

Each spring, LSU recognizes 12 outstanding seniors who contribute positively to the life of the campus, surrounding community, and/or society.

Tiger Twelve

Storied Moments in the History of LSU

artist rendering of pineville location

An artist’s rendering of the Louisiana State Seminary in Pineville, La., in 1866. The seminary would eventually relocate to Baton Rouge and become LSU after the Pineville campus burned in 1869.

LSU football 1900 team

The LSU football team of 1900 poses for a photo. The objects around the necks of a few of the gentlemen are actual nose guards, which historically did more harm than good.

memorial tower in 1926

LSU’s Memorial Tower was dedicated in 1926 to pay tribute to Louisianans who lost their lives during World War I.

Huey Long posing with cadets

Former Louisiana governor Huey P. Long poses with cadets of the Ole War Skule, who fought valiantly for our country.

Shaquille O’Neal with former Chancellor William Jenkins in the 1990s

One of LSU’s most recognizable alums, Shaquille O’Neal sits with former Chancellor William Jenkins, an LSU legend in his own right during the 1990s.

Ready to continue the Tiger tradition of excellence?

Earning our distinction as an elite research university did not happen by chance. It took passionate commitment for finding answers that others could not. Here at LSU, you will work alongside the most highly acclaimed professors—who are making daily discoveries that positively impact the world—and will have access to unique opportunities and resources that position you for lifelong success.