Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Louisiana State University scored about 1180 to 1340 on the SAT, with an average of 1285. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1180 or lower and a quarter scored 1340 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
LSU at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1180 to 1340 | Average: 1285
Reading and Writing: 600 to 680 | Math: 580 to 660
ACT middle 50%: 24 to 30
Admission rate: 73.3%
LSU SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 600 | 680 |
| Math | 580 | 660 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1180 | 1340 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does LSU require the SAT?
It depends on your GPA. LSU says any first-year applicant with a cumulative weighted high school GPA below 3.5 must submit an SAT or ACT score. At 3.5 or higher, sending a score is optional, and you choose on the Common Application whether LSU should consider it.
- No minimum score: LSU says there is no minimum test score for admission.
- Superscoring: LSU superscores for admission and scholarships.
- Scholarships too: the same GPA rule applies to merit scholarship review.
- SAT code: 6373.
- Honors College: recommends a 1360 SAT total with 670 in Reading and Writing, plus a 3.5 GPA and a writing sample.
LSU’s own numbers: LSU reports a middle 50% SAT of 1170 to 1350 and an average of 1250 for admitted students. That lines up with the College Scorecard range above.
What SAT score should you aim for?
LSU says a score at or above its average, 1250, generally strengthens an application. If your GPA is under 3.5, you must send a score anyway, so aim for 1250 or higher. If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, send your score only if it is near or above 1250.
If you want LSU’s Honors College, the target is higher: 1360 total with at least 670 in Reading and Writing. That Reading and Writing number is close to LSU’s 75th percentile (680), so plan extra time on reading and grammar.
Where do you stand against LSU’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 680 (Reading and Writing) and 660 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to LSU’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
For cost, graduation rate and earnings data, see the full LSU college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for LSU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1180 to 1340.
What is the average SAT score at LSU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1285.
Does LSU require the SAT?
LSU requires the SAT or ACT if your weighted GPA is below 3.5. At 3.5 or higher it is optional, and LSU superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- LSU Admissions, Test Optional FAQ.
- LSU Honors College, Apply: Incoming Freshmen.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for LSU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1180 to 1340.
What is the average SAT score at LSU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1285.
Does LSU require the SAT?
LSU requires the SAT or ACT if your weighted GPA is below 3.5. At 3.5 or higher it is optional, and LSU superscores.