LSU GPA scale and grading policy
Quick answer: Louisiana State University uses the standard 4.0 scale. LSU uses school-reported GPA and TOPS Core curriculum GPA for in-state admission decisions. AP/Honors rigor reviewed alongside.
| Metric | LSU Standard |
|---|---|
| Typical admit GPA | 3.4 - 3.9 |
| Good standing minimum | 2.0 |
| Dean's List threshold | 3.5+ for Dean's List |
| Scale type | Standard 4.0 scale. |
How LSU recalculates GPA for admission
LSU uses school-reported GPA and TOPS Core curriculum GPA for in-state admission decisions. AP/Honors rigor reviewed alongside. The number you submit on your transcript and the number LSU uses in its admission decision may differ. Use the calculator above to model both — switch the preset to match LSU's policy.
Maintaining a good LSU GPA
- Track cumulative GPA, not just semester GPA. Louisiana State University reports both. Most academic warnings trigger on the cumulative number.
- Use the credit-weighted scoring above.A 4-credit course's grade affects your GPA 33% more than a 3-credit course's grade.
- Plan for honors. 3.5+ for Dean's List. Use the GPA Goal Calculator to see what grade average you need next semester to qualify.
- Check the grade replacement policy. LSU, like most universities, has a grade-replacement policy for retaken courses. Removing a low grade from the cumulative is the single biggest GPA lift.