Introduction
Students who request an LSU I-20 or DS-2019 for the F-1 or J-1 visa/status must have sufficient funds to cover all estimated expenses for at least one academic year and are required to show funding for the total estimated expenses below to qualify for the I-20 or DS-2019.
Estimated Expenses for Undergraduate Students
| Estimated Cost for |
Amount |
| Tuition & Fees |
$29,500 |
| Living Expenses |
$20,300 |
| Insurance & Miscellaneous Expenses |
$5,480 |
| Total |
$55,280 |
Estimated Expenses for F-2 Dependents
If you will bring your family (spouse and/or children), you will also need to be able to show proof of funds in amount of $5,000 per dependent.
About the Estimated Expenses
The estimated costs include tuition and fees for one academic year (fall and spring) and 12 months of living expenses. The estimate is based on a moderate budget; individual expenses will vary. Please remember:
- Tuition and fee estimates are based on 12 credit hours (the minimum number to be a full-time student), can vary among programs, and are subject to change without notice. You can find the most current and exact Tuition and Fee costs for each credit hour on the LSU Budget and Planning website.
- Estimates include credit-hour, mandatory, and program fees only. Optional service fees, course-related fees, or miscellaneous fees are not included.
- F-1/J-1 students have three (3) additional charges/fees:
- International Student Status Compliance (ISSC) charge: $50 per semester of enrollment. This charge supports advising and technical services to meet federal regulations and provide other essential support for international students.
- Global Community Center (GCC) fee: $10 per semester of enrollment. This fee supports orientation, arrival services, and programming for international students.
- U.S. regulations require that international students have medical health insurance. F-1/J-1 students are automatically charged and billed for the LSU Student Health Insurance Plan upon registration each semester. Waivers may be available to students who have insurance that meets university requirements (and U.S. Department of State requirements for J visa holders). The insurance cost is subject to change without notice.
- "Full academic year" includes the fall and spring semester but not summer sessions. If you wish to enroll in courses during the summer, you should have additional funds available for tuition and fees.
For information about on-campus housing options, visit Residential Life. For information about off-campus options, visit Off-Campus Housing.
Insurance and Miscellaneous Expenses include (but are not limited) to medical health insurance, books and supplies.