Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Magnolia, Arkansas |
| Online | saumag.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, presents a comprehensive educational experience with a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Established in 1909, the university occupies a rural setting approximately 50 minutes northeast of Texarkana, offering a serene learning environment across its 1,418-acre campus notable for its mix of modern and historic architecture. The campus features residential housing for students who choose to live on-site. With a broad scope of academic offerings, SAU is particularly recognized for its programs in Business, Education, and Nursing. The university maintains a selective admissions process, seeking to enroll students who demonstrate sufficient academic potential. While not primarily known for its athletic programs, SAU does compete in intercollegiate sports as the Muleriders within the NCAA Division II, specifically acknowledged for its achievements in baseball.
In the most recent statistical year 2,916 prospective students applied, and 1,855 were granted admission. Of those admitted 707 enrolled in the school. 3,355 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,739 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $7,020 plus fees of $2,660. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is ranked 868 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#868 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#334 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Arkansas
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Arkansas
#38 in Best Value Colleges in Arkansas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 905/1190 |
| ACT | 17/24 |
| GPA | 3.46 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 27, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Arkansas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $2,660 |
| Room and Board | $7,809 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,356 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,445 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $2,660 |
| Room and Board | $7,809 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,356 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,875 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 21% |
| Education | 18% |
| Health Professions | 15% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Biology | 5% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=107983 IPEDS survey data for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Current students may use the Southern Arkansas University Main Campus GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024