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's main campus is located in Magnolia, Arkansas, approximately 140 miles south of Little Rock in the timber-rich region of south Arkansas. The 1,500-acre campus combines traditional red-brick academic buildings with modern facilities, including a science and engineering center completed in recent years. Founded in 1909 as an agricultural school, SAU has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering four-year undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in agriculture, business, education, and engineering. The university maintains a working farm laboratory and recently expanded facilities for its engineering and nursing programs, while student housing includes both traditional residence halls and apartment-style living options. SAU competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Muleriders, participating in the Great American Conference.
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% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
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