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Lake Superior State University

#947 in US ranking Sault Ste Marie, MI
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$27,419
Tuition & fees
$15,356
Avg. aid
$11,228
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Avg. SAT
1055
Avg. ACT
23

Outcomes

Graduation rate
51%
Median salary
$45,734
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Lake Superior State University?

Lake Superior State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation or approval of an individual degree program.

For students, institutional accreditation is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid and to how other institutions may review coursework for transfer. It does not mean another college must accept every credit. Professional programs can have additional requirements: applicants considering nursing, engineering, or teacher preparation should verify the accreditation or state approval of their specific program and the licensing rules of the state where they intend to work.

What are the admission requirements at Lake Superior State University?

First-year applicants generally apply to Lake Superior State University with a high school diploma or an accepted equivalent and submit their secondary-school record. Applicants should follow the current undergraduate application instructions for transcript delivery and any documents required by their chosen program.

Admissions figures require some care. Historical reporting describes the university as having an open-admission policy, while a separately reported 2022 applicant cohort had a 77% admit rate. Those measures should not be treated as interchangeable statements about an individual applicant's chances. The reported median SAT score of 1055 and median ACT score of 23 describe enrolled students who submitted scores, not a published minimum or proof that testing is required.

Applicants should check the current policy for test scores, deadlines, English-language proficiency, and any additional requirements in selective programs. A general university admission decision may not, for example, constitute admission to a clinical placement or professional major.

What are the application fees and waivers at Lake Superior State University?

Lake Superior State University promotes a free undergraduate application. An applicant using a different application route or applying to a specialized program should confirm the charge shown before submitting, rather than assuming every application category has identical terms.

If an application route displays a fee, the applicant should ask admissions about a waiver before payment and submission. An application fee is separate from any later enrollment, housing, orientation, or tuition charge.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Lake Superior State University?

Prospective students should not assume that Lake Superior State University operates an Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC unit on its campus. A specific, current cross-enrollment arrangement should be confirmed with the university and the host ROTC detachment before building a degree plan around participation.

ROTC scholarships, participation rules, travel to a host campus, and any resulting military service obligation depend on the branch and the student's contract. Interest in military education benefits does not, by itself, establish ROTC availability.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Lake Superior State University?

Lake Superior State University accepts transfer applications and generally considers coursework from other accredited institutions. Transfer applicants should submit official college transcripts and follow admissions instructions on whether a high school record is also needed for their circumstances.

The university reports accepting several forms of prior-learning credit, including Advanced Placement, CLEP, DSST, and credit based on applicable American Council on Education recommendations. Eligibility for credit is different from whether that credit will satisfy a particular major requirement. Students should request an official evaluation and review it with an academic adviser before assuming a course will shorten time to graduation.

Transfer students have been able to enter in fall, winter, spring, or summer terms, but course sequencing may make some entry points more practical than others. Before enrolling, check the current catalog for minimum grades, program-specific restrictions, and the number of credits that must be completed at LSSU.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Lake Superior State University?

Students interested in study abroad should establish which international programs Lake Superior State University currently approves before applying to an outside provider. Availability can differ by term, major, destination, and whether an opportunity is university-operated or offered through a partner.

Academic approval matters as much as admission to the travel program: students need to know in advance how courses will count toward their LSSU degree. They should also obtain a written explanation of program charges and ask financial aid staff whether their particular aid can be used. Majors with tightly sequenced labs, clinical work, or internships may have less scheduling flexibility.

Lake Superior State University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT
1055
Avg. ACT
23

How to Apply to Lake Superior State University

Regular application deadline

September 1

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Lake Superior State University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 215
Out-of-state: 11
International: 21

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 247
Transfer: 122

Lake Superior State University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1055

Median composite ACT score

23

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Open admission policy

Yes

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

No

Off-campus study

No

Study abroad

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Lake Superior State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.