Baton Rouge, LA, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana State University has announced it has recorded its largest ever freshman class with nearly 8,200 first-time freshmen enrolled. This year’s group is notable for its academic achievement, featuring more than 450 valedictorians. Additionally, LSU has seen an influx of out-of-state students and plans significant housing expansions to accommodate the growing enrollment. The university has also reported a significant milestone in research funding, surpassing $500 million. These developments signal LSU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the educational experience and campus resources.
Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana State University (LSU) has recorded the largest freshman class in its history, with nearly 8,200 first-time freshmen enrolled for the academic year. This year’s class is notable as it is the most academically accomplished yet, with over 5,000 of the incoming freshmen hailing from Louisiana.
The incoming freshmen boast an impressive average high school GPA of 3.85, and LSU has welcomed more than 450 valedictorians, a 23% increase compared to the previous year. This exceptional growth in enrollment was announced by interim president Matt Lee during his “State of the University” address.
In addition to the historic enrollment numbers, LSU Eunice, LSU Alexandria, and LSU Shreveport have also reported record enrollment figures this year. LSU’s research enterprise has also reached a significant milestone, surpassing the $500 million mark for the first time in history. The university has set ambitious goals to grow its research portfolio to between $800 million and $900 million while aiming to nearly double its doctoral student population.
To accommodate the growing student population and respond to the increasing demand for housing, LSU is adding 1,200 new beds by 2027 to enhance campus engagement. A newly approved $215 million South Quad dorm complex will house 1,266 first-year students and is expected to open by fall 2027. Major campus projects currently in progress include the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building, which is set to open next year.
LSU has also experienced an influx of non-Louisiana students, with out-of-state freshmen now making up 40.4% of the freshman class, compared to just 17% in 2017. From 2014 to 2023, LSU has seen a staggering 486% increase in students from the Northeast U.S., leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in out-of-state growth. Currently, about 12,000 out-of-state undergraduates are enrolled at LSU, with notable interest from states such as Florida, Georgia, California, Illinois, and Maryland.
This increase in out-of-state enrollment is a direct result of LSU’s efforts to attract high-achieving applicants, increase revenue, and elevate the university’s national profile. LSU offers merit scholarships to out-of-state students, ensuring that they contribute significantly to the university’s tuition revenue. However, some Louisiana lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the impact of such policies on local residents’ access to education. This scrutiny extends to whether LSU is providing adequate incentives for Louisiana’s top students to remain within the state.
In addition to housing developments, LSU plans to construct a mobility hub complete with air conditioning, WiFi, and restrooms for students utilizing shuttle buses, in response to ongoing concerns over parking. The campus has lost 2,000 parking spaces due to ongoing construction projects, intensifying the demand for new parking solutions on campus.
In summary, this year marks a historic moment for LSU as it welcomes its record-breaking freshman class while undertaking significant developments to accommodate and enhance the student experience on campus.
FAQ
What is the size of LSU’s freshman class this year?
LSU’s flagship campus in Baton Rouge has the largest freshman class in its history, with nearly 8,200 first-time freshmen enrolled.
How many incoming freshmen are from Louisiana?
More than 5,000 of the incoming freshmen are Louisiana residents, making this class the most academically accomplished yet.
What is the average GPA of incoming freshmen at LSU?
The average high school GPA for the incoming freshmen is 3.85, and LSU welcomed over 450 valedictorians, a 23% increase compared to the previous year.
What steps is LSU taking to enhance campus housing?
LSU is responding to housing demand by adding 1,200 new beds by 2027 to enhance campus engagement, and a new $215 million South Quad dorm complex with 1,266 beds for first-year students has been approved.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Freshman Enrollment | Record class of nearly 8,200 first-time freshmen |
| Local Residents | More than 5,000 incoming freshmen from Louisiana |
| Average GPA | 3.85, with over 450 valedictorians |
| Out-of-State Students | 40.4% of this year’s freshman class |
| Housing Expansion | 1,200 new beds planned by 2027, including a new $215 million dorm complex |
| Research Growth | Research enterprise surpassed $500 million milestone |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LSU Interim President Highlights Achievements and Priorities
LSU Outlines Ambitious Goals and Recent Achievements
LSU Interim President Unveils Ambitious University Vision
LSU Students Spark Viral Trend with Landmark Pranks
University of New Orleans Considers Return to LSU System
Additional Resources
- LSU Enrolling More Students from Northeast
- NOLA: LSU Out-of-State Student Enrollment
- WBRZ: LSU Greenlights $215M Dorm Project
- SI: No. 1 Wide Receiver in Louisiana to Enroll Early
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University
- Google Search: LSU Enrollment Trends
- Google Scholar: LSU Academic Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana State University
- Google News: LSU Freshman Class
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
