Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU), established in 1860 near Pineville, Louisiana, is a public land-grant research university situated in Baton Rouge. Originally named the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy, it was founded as a military institution and later relocated to Baton Rouge in 1926. LSU is the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System and is recognized for its extensive academic offerings and research initiatives. The main campus spans over 2,000 acres and houses more than 250 buildings, predominantly constructed in the Italian Renaissance architectural style .

The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, business, humanities, and the sciences. LSU is classified as an R1 institution, indicating very high research activity, and operates numerous research centers and institutes. Notably, it is one of the few U.S. universities to offer concurrent degrees in both civil and common law through its Paul M. Hebert Law Center .

Student life at LSU is vibrant, with over 350 student organizations, a robust Greek life, and a strong tradition in athletics. The LSU Tigers compete in 21 varsity sports and are members of the Southeastern Conference. The university's mascot, Mike the Tiger, is a live Bengal-Siberian mix housed in a state-of-the-art habitat on campus. LSU's athletic facilities include the iconic Tiger Stadium, known as "Death Valley," which has a seating capacity exceeding 102,000 .