
650 W. Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783-1699, USA


Lake Superior State University provides a variety of athletic opportunities for students, emphasizing both competitive and recreational sports. The university competes primarily in NCAA Division II, with several teams participating in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Its sports offerings include men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field, fostering a diverse athletic environment.
The university is particularly known for its men's ice hockey program, which competes at the NCAA Division I level as part of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). This team has a strong reputation and history, attracting student-athletes aiming for high-level competition.
Beyond varsity sports, Lake Superior State encourages student involvement through club and intramural programs, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. This approach ensures that many students have the chance to engage in physical activity and team participation, even if they are not competing at the varsity level.
Students at the university benefit from on-campus athletic facilities, including a fitness center, ice arena, and multiple fields and courts, which support both varsity athletes and general student recreation.
Lake Superior State University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are Ducks Unlimited, Fisheries and Wildlife Club, Lake State Student Nurses' Association, Ice Skating Club, and Volleyball Club. These groups provide students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and develop social connections.
Approximately 50% of both male and female students at Lake Superior State University participate in social organizations, reflecting a balanced involvement across genders. Specifically, out of the total student body, 544 men and 605 women contribute to the dynamic campus community through these associations.
Lake Superior State University hosts a predominantly in-state student population, with 85% of students coming from Michigan, placing it in the top 25% nationally for in-state enrollment. Out-of-state students comprise just 8%, which is notably low compared to other institutions. The university's student body is largely composed of U. S. residents, making up 93% of the total, a figure that ranks around the average but leans toward the higher side nationally. Additionally, there is a modest yet significant representation of international students from seven different countries, positioning the university in the top 30% for foreign diversity.
Regarding new admissions, the university enrolls a moderate number of freshmen and transfer students, with 254 freshmen and 142 transfer entrants. These figures fall into a lower national percentile, suggesting a smaller intake compared to many other universities. Total new student enrollment stands at 396, which is also somewhat below average.
The age distribution among undergraduate students shows the majority are traditional college-age: 405 students aged 18-19 and 516 students aged 20-21. Younger entrants under 18 number 254, while a sizeable segment extends into older age groups with 290 aged 22-24 and smaller but notable numbers up to those aged 50-64 and above. There are no graduate students reported within these age brackets, indicating a focus predominantly on undergraduate education.
The ethnic composition reflects a varied but fairly average diversity. White students form the largest group with 927 individuals, followed by Native American students at 95, which is a relatively high proportion placing the university in the top 25% nationally for this demographic. African American and Hispanic students count 40 and 25 respectively, both at average levels. Other ethnicities include Asian students (10), Pacific Islanders (2), and multiracial students (62), alongside 56 students who identify as unknown or unreported ethnicity. Overall, the university exhibits modest but meaningful racial and ethnic variety.
Lake Superior State University offers a campus environment with diverse opportunities in the arts, including theater productions and a campus chorus, supporting students interested in creative expression. While the campus does not have a radio station, band, or TV station, students can engage in other cultural activities and performances. The university provides health services through a campus health clinic and supports mental well-being with available psychological counseling. Additionally, there is a veterans affairs office to assist student veterans.
The student body is relatively small, with total enrollment around 1,567 students, creating a more intimate community feel. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 13 to 1, suggesting moderately small class sizes that may enhance student-faculty interaction.
Lake Superior State University offers students access to the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library as its primary library facility. The university maintains a relatively modest library system, with only one library on campus, placing it in the lower range compared to other institutions.
Students can benefit from a collection of just over 205,000 physical books and nearly one million ebooks, positioning the university above average in digital book availability. Additionally, the library provides access to approximately 1,857 subscriptions and over 121,900 digital subscriptions, supporting a diverse range of academic research needs, although these numbers are somewhat below the midpoint compared to peer institutions.
The Kenneth J. Shouldice Library is staffed by trained personnel and offers physical and digital access to materials, along with established operating hours totaling around 91 service hours weekly. Study rooms are available for students seeking collaborative or quiet study spaces. While the library does not provide all-day access, it does offer access to shared collections, enhancing resource availability despite its limited size.
Total enrollment
1567Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
242Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
82 full time, 48 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Kenneth J. Shouldice LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes