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Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Southern Arkansas University

On a pine framed campus at the edge of Magnolia, the Mulerider spirit is easy to spot. Game days often include a rider on a live mule, and most weeks feel neighborly, with professors who know names and a pace that lets you breathe while still getting things done. It is a close knit place with plenty of Southern hospitality and a practical, roll up your sleeves attitude.

Academics lean into hands on learning across agriculture and natural resources, business, education, the sciences, computing, and the arts. Students tap modern labs, studios, a well used library, tutoring and advising, counseling, and a lively rec center. Clubs, intramurals, and outdoor time are part of the rhythm. Career prep shows up in internships, faculty connections, and regional employers who recruit on campus. Magnolia's walkable square, local festivals, and ties to timber and energy offer real world experience and a small town welcome that sticks with you.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas, 71753, USA
Website
saumag.edu
Unit ID
107983

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a remote town (35+ miles from urbanized area)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Large programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$9,820
Tuition $7,200 + Fee $2,620
Out-of-State
$15,400
Tuition $12,780 + Fee $2,620
Student Profile
Total Students 5,127
Undergraduate 2,865
Graduate/Other 2,262
Male: 2,189 Female: 2,938
Applications
Total Applicants 2,936
Admitted 1,955
Enrolled 797
Acceptance: 66.6% Yield: 40.8%
Staff
Total Staff 535
Full-time 407
Part-time 128
Full-time: 76.1% Part-time: 23.9%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus offers 51 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,860 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Computer & IT (3 programs, 638 graduates), Education (16 programs, 397 graduates), Liberal Arts (1 programs, 221 graduates), Business (4 programs, 202 graduates) and Agriculture (2 programs, 65 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Computer & IT (3 programs, 638 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer and Information Sciences 635
Bachelor's
Master's
11.0101
Information Science 2
Postbac Cert.
11.0401
IT Project Management 1
Master's
11.1005
Education (16 programs, 397 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Teacher Education and Professional Development 107
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1299
Early Childhood Education 75
Bachelor's
13.1210
Educational Leadership and Administration 40
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0401
Student Counseling and Personnel Services 33
Master's
13.1199
Elementary Education 26
Associate's
13.1202
Middle School Education and Teaching 21
Associate's
Bachelor's
13.1203
Instructional Technology 18
Master's
13.0501
School Counseling and Guidance 17
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1101
General Education 12
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0101
Special Education Teaching 10
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1001
Agricultural Teacher Education 10
Bachelor's
13.1301
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 8
Bachelor's
13.1314
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services 7
Postbac Cert.
13.1102
Education, General 7
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.9999
School Library Media Specialist 4
Postbac Cert.
13.1334
Educational Assessment and Measurement 2
Postbac Cert.
13.0604
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 221 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 221
Associate's
Bachelor's
24.0102
Business (4 programs, 202 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration 126
Associate's
Bachelor's
52.0101
Business Administration and Management 60
Master's
52.0201
Accounting 15
Bachelor's
52.0301
Logistics and Supply Chain Management 1
Postbac Cert.
52.0203
Agriculture (2 programs, 65 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Agricultural Business and Management 46
Bachelor's
01.0101
Agribusiness Operations 19
Associate's
01.0102
Kinesiology (3 programs, 57 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 23
Bachelor's
31.0505
Sport and Fitness Management 22
Bachelor's
31.0504
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education 12
Master's
31.0501
Arts (3 programs, 44 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Studio Arts, General 19
Bachelor's
50.0702
Visual and Performing Arts 16
Bachelor's
50.9999
Game and Interactive Media Design 9
Bachelor's
50.0411
Health (2 programs, 40 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 31
Bachelor's
51.3801
Public Health 9
Bachelor's
51.2201
Physical Sciences (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Physics 25
Bachelor's
40.0899
Chemistry 11
Associate's
Bachelor's
40.0501
Psychology (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 31
Bachelor's
42.0101

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
920 - 1180
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 460 - 590
Median: 530
Math 460 - 590
Median: 520
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
17 - 23
25th-75th percentile
English 16 - 24
Median: 20
Math 16 - 22
Median: 18

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$25,640
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$31,220
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,820
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,400
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$7,601
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$6,619 (on) / $8,240 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$7,149
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$7,236
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,440
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

22%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,826
Avg. Loan
$5,955
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,491
Additional
Students with Any Grant
699
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
345
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
382
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$7,234
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

47%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
69%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$25,370 – $61,851
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$25,370 (25th %) $61,851 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $42,386
Median Salary After 6 Years
$37,008
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$42,386
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
48.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
68.2%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$18,750
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 42.7%
Middle 53.2%
High 64.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 50.1%
Independent 45.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus

How much does it cost to attend Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus?

The annual tuition at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus is $9,820 for in-state students and $15,400 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $25,640 for in-state students and $31,220 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,601 and books and supplies $1,600.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Southern Arkansas University, Main Campus offer?

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus offers 51 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (16 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Southern Arkansas University, Main Campus?

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus has an 66.6% acceptance rate and a 40.8% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 2,936
  • Students admitted: 1,955
  • Students enrolled: 797

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southern Arkansas University, Main Campus?

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,826 and average loans of $5,955.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,504
  • State/Local grants: $1,313
  • Institutional grants: $7,234
  • Federal loans: $5,491

The university supports 699 students with grants and 345 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Southern Arkansas University, Main Campus graduates?

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus graduates earn a median salary of $37,008 after 6 years and $42,386 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,370 (25th percentile) to $61,851 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $70,600 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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