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Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public

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66.6%
Acceptance (Fall 2023)
1050
SAT
$21,538
Sticker (Out-of-State)
$16,498 in-state
$16,889
Net Price*
$39,191
Earnings 10 yrs after enrolling
16.1 yrs
Payback
2,936
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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Should I apply to Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?

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What is Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's acceptance rate?

Down 2.2 percentage points since 2018

With a 66.6% acceptance rate, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is considered moderately selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus received 2,936 applications in 2023, down 17% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 41% is strong for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?

Business/Commerce, General leads as the most popular major at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015–2024

How has tuition changed at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 29% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 37% from $15,746 to $21,538.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Physics earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $52,107 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.

Physics $52,107 24 grads · small sample
$9,348 $113,585
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $55,151 67 grads
$9,348 $113,585
Agricultural Business and Mana... $42,682
$9,348 $113,585
Teacher Education and Professi... $37,980 16 grads · small sample
$9,348 $113,585
Business/Commerce, General $35,060 65 grads
$9,348 $113,585
Accounting and Related Service... $33,993
$9,348 $113,585
This school National avg

What do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates actually earn?

The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

25th: $25,187 Median: $39,191 75th: $57,831
10th: $9,800 90th: $70,600

Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.

How do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earnings grow over time?

Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.

Do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earnings vary by family income?

Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.

Gender earnings gap at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Admissions Statistics (2015–2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 2,936 1,955 66.6% 40.8%
2022 2,916 1,855 63.6% 38.1%
2021 2,813 1,761 62.6% 35.9%
2020 3,426 2,348 68.5% 33.1%
2019 3,870 2,518 65.1% 33.1%
2018 3,552 2,443 68.8% 36.8%
2017 3,604 2,503 69.5% 34.8%
2016 3,460 2,392 69.1% 35.7%
2015 2,875 1,940 67.5% 41.1%

Is Southern Arkansas University Main Campus worth it?

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What do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,191
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$9,800 $39,191 median $70,600

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $9,800 while the top 10% earn $70,600. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$32,077
Median Debt
$18,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
42.6%

How much does Southern Arkansas University Main Campus cost?

The total cost of attendance at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is approximately $21,538 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$6,420
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,460
Fees
$2,660
Room & Board
$7,418
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,538

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $13,735
$30-48k income $14,000
$48-75k income $16,889
$75-110k income $17,390
$110k+ income $18,434
No aid, out-of-state $21,538

These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.

Which majors pay the most?

  • Physics $52,107
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $55,151
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General N/A
  • Agricultural Business and Management $42,682
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $37,980

Who attends Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus enrolls 5,127 students, with 19% from outside the United States. Women make up 57% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 5,127
Retention Rate 69%
International 19%
Women 57%
Race/Ethnicity
White 52%
Black 19%
Hispanic 4%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

97% of students receive some form of financial aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. About 45% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 97%
Avg: $8,215 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 45%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 67%
Avg: $4,893
School's Own Grants 85%
Avg: $7,234 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.