LSU Sees Record-Breaking Freshman Applications, Driven by Out-of-State Interest

The flagship university is attracting more students from across the country, raising concerns about the 'demographic cliff' facing higher ed.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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LSU has seen a dramatic surge in freshman applications over the past decade, with the number of potential incoming students nearly tripling from 29,000 in 2020 to over 62,000 this cycle. The proportion of out-of-state applicants has also soared, now making up 82% of the applicant pool compared to just 49% in 2017. Officials say the appeal of the SEC, LSU's resources as a flagship institution, and the vibrant student experience are attracting 'the best and brightest' from Louisiana and beyond. While the majority of enrolled students are still from in-state, the percentage of out-of-state enrollees has been increasing in recent years.

Why it matters

LSU's growing national profile and ability to attract top talent from across the country could help the university weather the 'demographic cliff' that is worrying many other colleges and universities as the number of high school graduates declines. However, officials emphasize that in-state recruitment remains a top priority, as they aim to keep the 'best and brightest' Louisiana students in the state.

The details

LSU has undergone an extensive reorganization under new leadership, with the goal of achieving 'top 50' research university status from the National Science Foundation and elevating the university's national profile. This includes integrating several research centers and health sciences campuses into the flagship. The university is also focusing more on recruiting out-of-state students, particularly from neighboring states and regions where interest is high. Officials say sports culture often serves as an introduction to LSU for many out-of-state applicants, who then become impressed by the academic opportunities and extracurricular offerings.

  • In 2020, LSU received 29,000 freshman applications.
  • In the current 2026 application cycle, LSU has received over 62,000 freshman applications.
  • In 2017, 49% of LSU's applicants were from out-of-state.
  • In the current 2026 application cycle, 82% of LSU's applicants are from out-of-state.

The players

Emmett Brown

LSU Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Wade Rousse

LSU System President.

Jim Dalton

LSU Chancellor.

Troy Blanchard

LSU Provost.

Dixon McMakin

State Representative from Baton Rouge and Tiger Stadium announcer.

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What they’re saying

“That is a trend across all institution types, whether it's a regional, public or a flagship, even private institutions, seeing more students choose to come to the southeast than ever before.”

— Emmett Brown, LSU Vice President for Enrollment Management (shreveportbossieradvocate.com)

“More students from the North are now actually coming to the SEC than ever before. I think that reason is because of the quality education where they're not going to be indoctrinated like they might be in the North, and of course, the atmosphere we have and the fun times that you can have.”

— Dixon McMakin, State Representative from Baton Rouge and Tiger Stadium announcer (shreveportbossieradvocate.com)

“We are on track to not only continue but increase our recruitment of and attraction of literally the top talent, not only just within the state of Louisiana but also across the country.”

— Troy Blanchard, LSU Provost (shreveportbossieradvocate.com)

What’s next

LSU officials say the university will likely have a lower acceptance rate for the 2026 fall semester than in previous years, as they balance the burgeoning application pool with the university's institutional capacity.

The takeaway

LSU's ability to attract a record-breaking number of applicants, particularly from out-of-state, highlights the university's growing national profile and reputation. However, officials remain committed to ensuring that the 'best and brightest' Louisiana students continue to choose LSU, as the university aims to both elevate its national standing and serve the needs of its home state.