75.33%

Acceptance Rate

$8,977

Avg.Financial Aid

001107

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ Southern Arkansas University Report Card

Selectivity
—
75.3% acceptance rate
Academics
D
49% graduation rate
Class Size
D
17:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
B+
$15,690 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: Southern Arkansas University

Institution
Southern Arkansas University
Type
Public

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Southern Arkansas University

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Public

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    4 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Not applicable

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    HLC

  • Website

    https://www.saumag.edu

  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    2,708

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    Yes

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public institute that was founded in 1909 as the Third District Agricultural School (TDAS). The mission is to make the students productive and a perfect fit for the global environment. It continues to grow with major updations in the buildings and facilities to accommodate more students and to satisfy the current student.

  • The total graduation rate is 35%.

  • The total student population is 4,771 which consists of 3,439 full-timers and 1,332 part-time students.

  • The student-faculty ratio is 17:1.

  • The average retention rate is 66% for full-timers and 64% for part-timers.

Online Education at SAU

The online courses meet a wide variety of requirements of the distance learners. There are many facilities provided to ensure the flexibility and accessibility expected for an online way of learning.

  • There are many online resources provided in addition to allow the online learning students to get the same comfort of on-campus learners.

Reviews

Some of the reviews given by the students are mentioned below.

  • The university gives the students a lot of experience which helps them in the future. Everything is helpful and available around the campus.

  • The academics are great with a moderate workload which helps to save a lot of time.

  • There are many facilities provided to make learning more convenient. Plenty of internship opportunities are available.

Location & Contact

Address

100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas

Contact

Phone: (870) 235-4000
Find Your School

Rankings

The rankings according to the U.S.News report are given below.

  • The university ranks between 107 to 141 in 'Regional Universities-South'.

  • It ranks 237th in 'Best Online Bachelor's Programs'.

  • It ranks between 205 to 267 in the 'Best Online MBA Program'.

  • It ranks between 224 to 291 in 'Best Online Graduate Education Programs'.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    1st Aug

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    75.33%

  • SAT Range

    1000 - 1220

  • SAT/ACT

    Recommended

  • ACT Range

    19 - 24

  • High School GPA

    Required

  • Application Fee

    $25

  • Accept Common App

    None

It is quite an easy school with moderate chances to get admitted in, with the acceptance rate of 69%. Last year, over 69 applicants out of every 100 were admitted into the faculty. Academically it has an average requirement for admission test scores.

The SAT and ACT score is recommended for admission at SAU. The ACT score should be 19 or above. The average high school GPA requirement is 3.1 or above on a 4.0 scale for the admitted freshmen class.

Full Admission InfoFind College ScholarshipsRequest Info

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $14,027

  • Average Annual Cost

    $9,960

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    $23,051

  • Other Fees

    $1,946

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    $6,993

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    $5,672

Total One Year Cost

$23,051

You might be thinking of  "How much does it take to attend the SAU?", So here is the answer to your query. The total cost to attend the University is $23,051 annually, it varies depending upon the program an applicant applies for, there are slight variations in the cost of attendance for various programs.

The Net-price to attend the university is $13,203, the average total cost for tuition is $6,840, books and supplies are $1,600, $6,993 for room and board, and $1,946 for other fees.

Explore ProgramsExplore Student LoansExplore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Master's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

17:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

66%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

21%

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$110

Faculty Overview

53%

Male Professors

47%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General...

    187 Graduates

  • Business/Commerce, General

    113 Graduates

  • Registered Nursing, Administration,...

    64 Graduates

  • Biology, General

    40 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    35 Graduates

  • Criminal Justice and Corrections

    30 Graduates

  • Agricultural Business and Managemen...

    25 Graduates

  • Physics

    23 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    35 Graduates

  • Criminal Justice and Corrections

    30 Graduates

  • Agricultural Business and Managemen...

    25 Graduates

  • Physics

    23 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    22 Graduates

  • Chemistry

    20 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    19 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    18 Graduates

  • Psychology, General

    17 Graduates

  • Social Work

    16 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    13 Graduates

  • Engineering, General

    9 Graduates

  • Fine and Studio Arts

    9 Graduates

  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervent...

    8 Graduates

  • Community Organization and Advocacy

    8 Graduates

  • Journalism

    8 Graduates

  • Computer and Information Sciences,...

    7 Graduates

  • Design and Applied Arts

    7 Graduates

  • History

    7 Graduates

  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other

    5 Graduates

  • Social Sciences, General

    4 Graduates

  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

    2 Graduates

  • Mathematics

    2 Graduates

  • Music

    2 Graduates

  • English Language and Literature, Ge...

    1 Graduates

  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and...

    1 Graduates

Show More

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

3,543

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

50%

Full-time / Part-time

85% / 15%

Students Gender

Male

45%

US National: 44%

Female

55%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

67%

Unknown

0%

Black

25%

Hispanic

4%

Two or more races

0%

Non Resident alien

2%

Asian

1%

American Indian/Alaska native

1%

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

0%

Geographic Density

Geographic Density

High

0%

Unknown Location

28%

Out Of State

71%

In State

1%

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$42,417 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and N/A of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

No

Freshmen Live on Campus

N/A

Undergrads in College Housing

N/A

Averege Housing Cost

$3,988/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $3,130/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$3,130/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Muleriders

School Colors

blue and gold

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Great American Conference

Total Male Athletes

239

Total Female Athletes

118

Intramural Sports

11

Sports Club

N/A

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Rodeo

Tennis

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cross Country

Golf

Rodeo

Softball

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

The university additionally offers an on-campus housing facility for students who wish to dwell nearby. At SAUMC, $7,188 is the normal expense for on-campus housing, which a student will be needed to pay, each year. The average meal plan at SAUMC costs around $3,130 a year. Notably, students at the varsity get to choose from various dining and meal plan options as well. To ensure the safety and security of students, the university has a number of campus safety and security measures in place. Some of these features include campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. The university has enrolled around 44% male and 56% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$28,200/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$35,700/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$13,000 - $26,423

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$135 - $274

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

97%

Average Aid Per Year

$8,977

Students Receiving Federal Grants

54%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,837

Students Receiving State Aid

53%

Average Aid Per Year

$1,154

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

82%

Average Aid Per Year

$6,619

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$9,754

$30K - $48K

$9,147

$48K - $75K

$8,241

$75K - $110K

$5,826

> $110K

$6,191

There are many financial assistance programs offered in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid assists students to explore the various possibilities of financial aids. The FAFSA form should be submitted as an initial step of the financial aid process. The federal school code is 001107.

  • The Federal-Aid includes Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, Direct Subsidized Loan, and Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

  • The Institutional Aid includes Presidential Scholarship, Blue and Gold Scholarship, Leadership Incentive Award, and Achievement Award

  • The Military Aid includes the Post 9/11 GI Bill. 

The Percentage of Aid offered to the students per year at SAU per year is given below:

  • Around 97% of students receive Gift Aid for an average amount of $8,977.

  • A total of 54% of students receive Federal Grant Aid for an average amount of $4,837.

  • An average amount of $1,154 is offered as State Aid to 53% of students.

  • And 82% of students receive Institutional Aid for an average amount of $6,619.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Arkansas University

How hard is it to get into Southern Arkansas University?

Southern Arkansas University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 75.3%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Southern Arkansas University cost?

Tuition at Southern Arkansas University is approximately $15,690 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Southern Arkansas University?

Southern Arkansas University enrolls approximately 2,708 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Southern Arkansas University?

The graduation rate at Southern Arkansas University is 49%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Arkansas University?

The student-faculty ratio at Southern Arkansas University is 17:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Southern Arkansas University?

Southern Arkansas University typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 450-565 (Reading) and 425-540 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 17-24. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Southern Arkansas University a public or private university?

Southern Arkansas University is a public institution.

When is the application deadline for Southern Arkansas University?

Application deadlines at Southern Arkansas University vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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