Undergraduate Fees • Expenses
The Board of Supervisors may adjust fees and costs for dining plans and housing at any time and without providing advance notice to students. Please check with the Office of the University Registrar, 112 Thomas Boyd Hall, 225-578-1686, for up-to-date fee information.
FEES AND EXPENSES
Student expenses, other than campus fees and nonresident fees, will vary with the individual. A Baton Rouge area student living with parents or a student living on campus spends about $2,534 in addition to fees, housing, and a dining plan per school year. A student living off campus can expect to spend at least $7,236 per academic year for rent, food, clothing, laundry, cleaning, books and school supplies, transportation, entertainment, and incidentals. Married students spend approximately $13,600 per academic year.
Total first-year expenses for sororities, including some one-time fees, average $2,000; subsequent yearly costs are approximately $1,300, not living in the house. Costs for fraternities average $1,500 for the first year, which includes some one-time fees.
The following is an approximation of what a student may expect to spend each semester for fees, housing, and dining plan.
SEMESTER FEES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning Web site (www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees.htm) for the listing of current fees.
HOUSING FEES
Rental rates are published on a semester basis. Please refer to the Residential Life Web site (www.lsu.edu/housing) for a listing of current rates.
DINING PLANS
Students are offered a choice of the following one-semester meal plans beginning on the residence hall move in day and continuing through the final examination period:
- 5-day Unlimited (Unlimited meals and $20 Paw Points)—Meals can be used Monday breakfast through Friday lunch in dining halls. The 5-Day Unlimited meal plan would be ideal for a student who goes home during the weekends and dines mostly in the dining halls, relying on few Paw Points. You may not share meals.
- Resident Tiger (160 meals and $100 Paw Points)—The Resident Tiger provides approximately 10 meals per week. The Resident Tiger is ideal for the student who plans to dine mostly in the dining halls and for students who plan to stay on campus for most
- Tiger Ultra (130 meals and $200 Paw Points)—The Tiger Ultra provides an average of 8 meals per week. The Tiger Ultra is ideal for the student who plans to eat mainly in the dining halls while having $200 Paw Points to spend in our retail locations. The Tiger Ultra would be a good choice for the student who plans on going home on the weekends and eats approximately 2 meals per day in the dining halls.
- Tiger Plus (120 meals and $300 Paw Points)—The Tiger Plus provides an average of 7 meals per week. The Tiger Plus would be a good choice for the student who remains on campus during the weekends and eats one meal per day in the dining halls. It also allows flexibility with using Paw Points in our retail outlets.
- Tiger Lite (85 meals and $400 Paw Points)—The Tiger Lite provides an average of 5 meals per week. The Tiger Lite is ideal for the student who would prefer to use Paw Points to dine at LSU’s Dining retail locations, while only having five meals per week in the dining halls. The abundance of Paw Points is also good for the student on the go, giving them the ability to grab snacks and groceries in between classes.
- Tiger Lunch (55 lunches and $100 Paw Points)—The Tiger Lunch offers lunch Monday through Friday and is great for commuters and students who just want to eat lunch during the week.
Note: Dining plan rates, number of meals, and amount of Paw Points are subject to change at the beginning of a semester or summer term.
First-year students who live in University residence halls are required to participate in a University meal plan for two semesters.
Students who are exempt from participation include the following:
- Part-time students, as defined by the LSU General Catalog.
- Students who are released to participate in a fraternity or sorority dining plan on the basis of fraternity or sorority membership.
- Students who have been employed full-time, including military service, for a period of 18 months prior to enrolling in the University and following high school graduation.
- Students who have conflicts with work and class schedules that do not permit taking meals at the regular serving times and who cannot be otherwise accommodated by LSU Dining.
- Students who have specialized medical diets prescribed by a physician that cannot be provided through LSU Dining. Requests for an exemption should be submitted in writing to the Director of Contracted Auxiliary Services.
Students who have completed two regular semesters (excluding the summer term) are not required to participate, but they are invited and encouraged to do so. All continuing students, part-time or full-time, residing off-campus or on-campus, may purchase a LSU Dining meal plan.
For more information about dining plans, please contact Tiger Card Office, 207 LSU Union Building, call 225-578-4300, visit our Web site at www.lsu.edu/dining, or see the “ Student Life and Academic Services” section in this catalog.
Only first-year students who live in University residence halls are required to participate in a University dining plan. For more information about dining plans, see the “ Student Life and Academic Services” section of this catalog or contact Contracted Auxiliary Services, 15 Johnston Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, telephone 225-578-5208.
APPLICATION FEE
A nonrefundable application fee of $40 (check or money order) must accompany the application for admission. In addition to this fee, a nonrefundable late application fee of $15 is charged students who file applications after December 1 for the spring semester, after April 15 for the summer term, and after April 15 for the fall semester. Applications submitted after the deadline date will be considered on an appeal basis only. The University is not responsible for cash sent by mail.
GRADUATION FEES
- Bachelor's degree fee, $25.
- Duplicate diploma fee, $20 (charged if a diploma is ordered and student does not graduate at that commencement).
- Replacement diploma fee, $30.
SPECIAL FEES
Academic Excellence Fee
The Academic Excellence Fee is used to promote academic excellence by enhancing instructional programs. Please refer to the Fees Glossary on the Office of Budget & Planning Web site which is located at: www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees/ feeglossary.htm for the current amount of this fee.
Operational Fee
During the 2004 Regular Session, the Louisiana Legislature passed House Bill 1062 authorizing the LSU Board of Supervisors to assess an operational fee of up to four percent of the total mandatory tuition and fees. The operational fee is used to cover state mandated costs and enhance instructional programs at the University. Please refer to the Fees Glossary on the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees/feeglossary.htm for the current amount of this fee.
Student Technology Fee
This fee is dedicated to the acquisition, installation, maintenance, and intelligent use of state-of-the-art technology solely for the purpose of supporting and enhancing student life and learning and preparing graduates for the workplaces of the 21st century. Please refer to the Fees Glossary on the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at: www.bgtplan.lsu. edu/fees/feeglossary.htm for the current amount of this fee.
Student Health Center Fee
During registration, all full-time students are required to pay a student health center fee. This fee, included in the required fees, entitles the student to use of the Student Health Center. Please refer to the Student Health Center Web site (www.lsu.edu/shc) for a listing of exact fees.
There is no charge to visit a primary care clinician, but charges are assessed for specialty clinics and treatments, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory work. Students can also see a mental health clinician, health educator, and registered dietician at no additional charge.
Part-time students who want to use the center have the option of paying the fee, which entitles them to the same services as full-time students for the entire semester. Part-time students also have the option of paying a pervisit charge, which includes a follow-up visit for the same medical condition.
Nonstudent spouses are allowed to pay the semester fee or per-visit fees for treatment in the Student Health Center. Ancillary service charges (lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging) will be assessed at student rates.
Audit Fees
Fees for auditing courses are in accordance with the “Regular Semester” and “Summer Term” fees. Maximum fee is $1,508 for the regular semester and $1,216 for the summer term. Fees for students enrolling for combined credit and audit work will be assessed in accordance with total hours scheduled.
Industrial Cooperative Education Program
Students enrolled in the alternating Industrial Co-op Program pay the tuition and required fees as follows:
CO-OP ONLY
Students enrolled in co-op only during the fall, spring, or summer semester pay the $50 co-op fee and all full time required fees (excluding the Student Sports Recreation and Student Health Center Fee). Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees.htm for the listing of current fees.
CO-OP & THREE HOUR COURSE
Students enrolled in co-op and a three-hour course during the fall, spring, or summer semester pay the tuition for three hours of credit and all full time required fees (excluding the Student Sports Recreation and Student Health Service Fees). Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees.htm.
Three-Week Summer Short Courses
See note section at bottom of Summer Student Required Fees Schedule on the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees.htm.
Undergraduate Geology Field Fees
Students enrolled in undergraduate geology field courses must pay the $150 camp fee, tuition, required fees, and non resident fee (if applicable) for six hours of credit. With a few exceptions, these fees conform to the summer term fee schedule. Please refer to the Office of Budget & Planning Web site at www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/fees.htm.
Other Fees
- A small number of curricula and courses require the payment of additional fees. These fees are detailed in the college, school, or departmental listings or in the course descriptions.
- Students registering for degree only pay no registration fee. (Such students must register through the Office of the University Registrar no later than the beginning of the semester or summer term when the degree is to be conferred.)
- Departmental Proficiency and Advanced- Standing Examinations—$20 per examination. An additional $20 processing fee is assessed for each examination administered by the Center for Assessment & Evaluation. These examinations are given free of charge to beginning freshmen who are participants in the Spring Invitational, Freshman Orientation, or Special International Student Testing programs, provided the students complete the testing by the final date to add courses for credit during their first term of enrollment at LSU. All other students must pay the fees specified above.
- Each LSU nonimmigrant student will be charged $10 per semester to support the programs, operations, and maintenance of the International Cultural Center. They will also be charged $50 per semester for International Students Status Compliance. This service charge will allow the LSU International Services Office to meet federal mandates and continue to provide the best information and professional services to the international population at LSU.
Motor Vehicle Registration Fee
All students (full-time, part-time, night, and auditors) who operate or expect to operate a motor vehicle on campus regularly or occasionally are required to register with the Office of Parking, Traffic, & Transportation. A registration fee will be charged for each permit issued. The exact amount of this fee will be published each year in the Traffic & Parking Regulations issued by the Office of Parking, Traffic & Transportation.
STUDENT ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PLAN
A special plan is offered to students through an insurance company approved by the University. This coverage is strongly recommended to relieve students of possible financial strain in meeting expenses for medical services that the Student Health Center deos not provide.
The University requires that all nonimmigrant international students on “F” and “ J” visas enroll in the LSU Student Insurance Program at the time of registration or provide evidence in advance to the International Services Office of acceptable insurance. All acceptable insurance plans must meet or exceed the following:
- Policy minimum of $50,000 per Accident or Sickness OR $100,000 miminum aggregate plan for F-1 and F-2 (issued I-20 forms). Policy minimum of $50,000 per Accident or Sickness for J-1 and J-2 visa (issued DS-2019 forms) holders (Required by Department of State Regulations)
- Maximum deductible amount of $500
- There must also be a maximum deductible for each twelve-month period of $500 per covered person, not to exceed $1000 per policy for multiple party plans.
- Policy benefits must meet or exceed those set form in the LSU endorsed Student Accident & Sickness Insurance plan (including maternity coverage paid as any other health conditions), regardless of gender.
- A U.S. representative located in the U.S. with a U. S. telephone number
- Policy must cover routine care visits for colds, flu, etc., and not just emergency care
- Minimum $7,500 benefit for Repatriation Coverage
- Minimum $10,000 benefit for Medical Evacuation Coverage
Students enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine are required to have sickness and accident insurance coverage through enrollment in the Universitysponsored plan or to have proof of participation in an equal or better insurance program.
PAYMENT OF FEES
Students are notified by e-mail each semester by the Office of Bursar Operations of the date the online fee bill is available on PAWS (Personal Access Web Services). All fees and other University charges are due by the date indicated on the online fee bill.
Payment Options
- Online check/bank draft • Pay your fee bill with an online check or bank draft via PAWS from the “Fee Bill” application.
- Credit card • Pay your fee bill with a MasterCard or Visa credit card via PAWS from the “Fee Bill” application. Note: A 2.5 percent processing fee will be added to credit card payments.
- Mail • Print and return the online remittance stub and payment to the LSU Office of Bursar Operations, 125 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
- In person • Pay be cash, check, or money order in 125 Thomas Boyd Hall.
- Deferred payment plan • Eligible student can defer 50 percent of the current semester charges. Payment of 50 percent of current semester charges and any prior account balance must be received by the payment due date. Note: A $15 service charge will be assessed on all deferments. The deferred payment plan may be selected via REGGIE or PAWS from the “Defer Payment/Payroll Deduct” application.
LATE REGISTRATION SERVICE CHARGE
Students who do not pay fees by the deadline must pay a $75 late registration service charge when subsequently registering.
FEE EXEMPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS OVER 65
According to the provisions of Act 525 of the 1975 Louisiana legislature, individuals over 65 years of age may enroll in one or more collegelevel courses and be exempt from the payment of the University fee. Further information may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY
A student will be subject to dismissal from the University as a result of failure to pay fees and/or other charges when due or when a check offered by the student in satisfaction of an obligation to the University is not honored by the bank on which it was drawn. Due notice of the delinquency shall be given to the student by the Office of Bursar Operations. There will be a charge of $25 per returned check.
REFUND OF FEES
- Refund of the University fee, nonresident
fee, student health service fee, academic
excellence fee, operational fee, and student
technology fee will be made on the
following basis upon official withdrawal of
the student. (“Days of classes” are days on
which regular classes are held.)
- Before classes begin, 100 percent (less the $10 nonrefundable registration fee); during the first six days of classes (first three days in summer term), 90 percent;
- From day seven through day 24 of classes (day four through day 12 in summer term), 50 percent
- From day 25 of classes (day 13 of summer term) to the end of the semester, none
- No refunds will be processed for at least six weeks after registration.
- No refunds will be made to anyone who owes the University. Student-initiated resignations will not be completed until all money owed to the University is paid.
- Field service and transportation fees will be refunded on an individual basis upon recommendation of the department concerned.
- Reductions and increases of fees resulting from student schedule changes will be refunded or charged in accordance with the above schedule.
- All full-time students who become part-time students after the last day to receive funds will continue to be eligible for all student activity privileges.
- Students in good standing at the University, registered in any semester or summer term, who volunteer for military service or who are called to active duty in the armed services before the day midsemester examinations begin will have the University fee, nonresident fee, student technology fee, and student health service fee refunded. Students in good standing at the University who volunteer for military service, or who are called to active duty in the armed services after midsemester examinations begin, will be refunded 50 percent of the University fee, nonresident fee, and student health service fee. See also “Refund of Residence Hall Rent” in the Student Life & Academic Services section of this catalog.
- For information on the refund of other fees (such as housing, meal plans, etc.) refer to the section in this catalog pertaining to those fees.
Title IV program fund recipients resigning from the University without completing at least 60 percent of the enrollment period will be required to return all or part of the aid they received to the appropriate programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, PLUS (Parent) Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National SMART Grant and SEOG. Specific information regarding this refund schedule is available at www.lsu.edu/financialaid.
| SCHEDULE FOR REFUND OF FEES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester • Summer Term | 100 % Refund | 90 % Refund | 50 % Refund | No Refund |
| Fall or Spring Semester | Before class begins | First 6 class days | 7th-24th class day | After 24th class day |
| Summer Session A | Before class begins | First 3 class days | 4th-12th class day | After 12th class day |
| Summer Session B | Before class begins | First 3 class days | 4th-7th class day | After 7th class day |