Southern Arkansas University
About Southern Arkansas University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southern Arkansas University is a public university in Magnolia, Arkansas. It offers affordable programs in business, education, nursing, and agriculture, serving as a regional anchor in southern Arkansas.
Founded
1909
Location
Magnolia, Arkansas
Students
4,356
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
75.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
48.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,960
Out-of-state: $15,690
Avg Net Price
$14,027
After financial aid
SAT Average
1047
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,386
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southern Arkansas University accepts the majority of applicants at 75.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1047/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
66.2%
4-Year Grad
27%
6-Year Grad
38%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
60.7%
$/Student
$6.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 27% graduation rate is below average, but 66.2% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,960
In-State
$15,690
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$7,911
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,951
After Financial Aid
$14,027
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,187
Receive Grants
48.2%
Take Loans
62.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,951/yr for in-state students, including $7,911 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,027. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $15,690.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern Arkansas University fund their education.
While in School
48.2%
Get Grants
Free money
62.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$29,945
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$199/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $18,750 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern Arkansas University.
Gender
58.5%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,708
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,648
Graduates
42.1%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 42.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
2,708
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern Arkansas University fields 9 varsity teams with 497 student athletes, about 18% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
497
18% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
66% / 34%
327
Men
170
Women
7
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern Arkansas Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,386
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$35K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$26K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Agricultural Business and Management
$41K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$31K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $42K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Arkansas University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Arkansas University?▾
How much does Southern Arkansas University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern Arkansas University?▾
How much do Southern Arkansas University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.