Welcome to Lake Superior
State University

Lake Superior State University is a personal, small-town university that provides a superior blend of liberal and technical studies in the natural setting on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Sault Ste. Marie (pronounced Soo Saint Marie) was founded in 1668 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where we share the international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The two cities combine the advantages of a larger city with the safety and comfort of a smaller town. Between both, the population is about 100,000.

The 115-acre campus is situated on the site of the former U.S. Army’s Fort Brady with fourteen of LSSU’s buildings listed on various historic registers, creating a unique campus environment. Campus overlooks Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the St. Mary’s River, and the Soo Locks, the busiest locks in the world.

Lake Superior State University is a publicly funded, autonomous state university operated under the control of an eight-member board of trustees, who are appointed to eight-year terms by the governor.

Academics & Student Body

Academic Calendar: Semester system – Fall and Spring. Summer session – May, June, and July. Total enrollment: More than 1,500 undergraduates.

88%

Michigan residents with students from every county.

8.3%

Ontario residents.

3.7%

non-residents.

1946

Founding Year

13:1

Student to faculty ratio

100%

Placement in Nursing, Engineering, & Geology

Mission / Vision / Values Statements

We equip our graduates with the knowledge, practical skills, and inner strength to craft a life of meaningful employment, personal fulfillment, and generosity of self within an inclusive atmosphere, all while enhancing the quality of life of the Great Lakes region and the world.

First in Country

Lake State was the first in the country to offer an accredited four-year Fire Science program and is one of three such programs in the nation.

Select Few

Students working at our aquatic research laboratory maintain one of the few fisheries in North America.

Find Yourself

Life outside the classroom is wide and varied. Not only do we have one of the world’s largest backyards to hunt, fish, bike, ski, snowshoe and just relax, there are more than 60 campus clubs and organizations to get involved with.

Campus Recreation

Our Student Activity Center is perfect for pickup games, intramurals and getting a great work out. The “SAC” has a six-lane track, four multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis plus their state-of-the-art aerobic workout stations.

Make A Difference

Leadership in training. Students at LSSU have more opportunities than students at bigger campuses for making a difference. Lake State offers the opportunity to really work closely with senior administration and staff in extracurricular activities. One person can make a difference at Lake Superior State University.

Around the Globe

Our annual Banished Words List receives world-wide media coverage.

Accreditation

HLClogo_General

Accredited 19 Feb 2024

Higher Learning Commission

Lake Superior State University has remained fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association since 1968. This regional accreditation body was established in 1895 and currently oversees more than 1000 higher education institutions from 19 states. Learn More…

Verify accreditation status here

Aid & Scholarships

More than 90% of full-time students receive aid. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000 are available to high school graduates and Michigan community college graduates. Students must be admitted to LSSU by March 1 for consideration.

LSSU participates in most federal and state financial aid programs.

Athletics & Recreation

NCAA Division I ice hockey team has won five national championships (including two at the NAIA level) and competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). More than a dozen LSSU players have gone to play in the National Hockey League.

NCAA Division II teams compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

  • Men’s and Women’s Basketball
  • Men’s and Women’s Swim & Dive
  • Men’s and Women’s Track and Field
  • Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
  • Women’s Volleyball