Overview
Southern Arkansas University was founded in 1909 as the Third District Agricultural School and has evolved into a comprehensive public university serving South Arkansas and beyond. Located in Magnolia, SAU built its reputation on strong agriculture, forestry, and science programs tied to the region's economy, while expanding into business, education, and liberal arts. The university emphasizes accessible, career-focused education with small class sizes and personalized attention.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Magnolia, Arkansas |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Total students | 4,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 72% |
| Graduation rate | 42% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,900 |
| Room & board | $8,500 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 88% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 930-1140 |
| ACT range | 18-23 |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
- Education
- Biology
- Forestry
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.