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Southern Arkansas University: Admissions 2024, Rankings & Acceptance Rate
1418 acre campus- Estd. 1909
Last updated on 6 Oct '25SAUWhat's new?
Southern Arkansas University takes admission in three intakes; Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes. The admissions are done on a rolling basis, however, international students should know some important dates.
- The application deadline for UG and PG courses for Spring 2024 at SAU is now closed.
About SAU
Founded in 1909, Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public-funded institution for higher education and research in Columbia County's Magnolia city. The university is spread over 1,390 acres of land on the Northern edge of Magnolia, Arkansas. According to various sources, Southern Arkansas University has a ranking of #86 out of 136 South Regional Universities.
Southern Arkansas Uni has an acceptance rate of around 64%. The tuition fees for international students at SAU range between INR 6 Lakhs and INR 10 Lakhs for the first academic year. Southern Arkansas University offers more than 100 degree programs for international students with an impressive 16 to 1 student/teacher ratio. It is one of the best universities in the US to pursue higher education for international students.
Southern Arkansas University Things To Know
Some of the important things to know about Southern Arkansas University are given as follows:
| Parameters | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Admission Rarity | 64% |
| Annual Tuition Cost |
UG: INR 10.69 L - INR 11.75 L PG: INR 6.15 L - INR 11.4 L |
Southern Arkansas University History
Southern Arkansas University was established by the Act of Arkansas in 1909 as a district agricultural high school and had been originally named as the Third District Agricultural School.
Students can read the Study Guide to USA for International Students 2024
Check out the below videos of Southern Arkansas University for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Indian students opt for Southern Arkansas University for several reasons, such as its academic excellence, personalized attention, extracurricular opportunities, and affordability. The university has experienced a notable increase in the enrollment of international students, including those from India, in recent times. With a range of over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, students can explore various English-taught Master's programs, each categorized by subjects, featuring information on off-campus employment opportunities. For admission, the university requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or higher and a TOEFL score of 61 or above. Furthermore, Southern Arkansas University provides diverse financial aid options, making education accessible without excessive financial strain for most students.
Below are the admission requirement for Southern Arkansas University:
Application Fee or fee waiver: Applicants must pay a USD 90 application fee through the common application or coalition Application website. However, applicants using these platforms can request a fee waiver. You can check out how you can waive application fees)
LORs: Applicants can obtain recommendations from two teachers who have taught them core academic subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, or social studies. Additionally, a recommendation from the school’s college counselor is required. However, if the school doesn't have a counsellor, the students can get a recommendation from a school administrator like a principal or an academic advisor. ( This is optional)
Transcripts: the applicant should submit the school report and the official transcript, including all secondary school courses.
Standardised Test Results The University has a strongly recommended students to have a ACT or SAT scores prior admission.
PG requirements
Application Fee or fee waiver: Applicants must pay a USD 90 application fee through the common application or coalition Application website. However, applicants using these platforms can request a fee waiver. You can check out how you can waive application fees)
LORs: Applicants can obtain recommendations from two teachers who have taught them core academic subjects from your university. (varies course wise)
Transcripts: the applicant should submit the school report and the official transcript, including all UG degrees from the applicant
Standardised Test Results: The SAU asks for GMAT or GRE scores depending on the course applied by the applicant. As each course as different application requirements
Applicants must follow all the English language requirement with the minimum scores in mind. Below are the listed ELP scores:
Yes, Southern Arkansas University mandates either GRE general test or Miller Analogy Test ( MAT) score for admission. The GRE assess skills developed over time, not specific to any field. It includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing section and many more. The test can be opted in two ways, one is CBT ( Computer based Test) and the other is Paper based test. However, the admission process at Southern Arkansas State takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
SAU Rankings 2025
Southern Arkansas University is among the top universities in the United States. According to some various sources, Southern Arkansas University has a ranking of #86 in Regional Universities South and #42 in Top Public Schools.
Students can check the Top Ranked Universities in the USA 2024
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
In terms of the course ranking at Southern Arkansas University, the university's undergraduate Business programs have been positioned at 480th place according to the US rankings. This represents a change from their previous rankings of 466 in 2020 and 458 in 2019.
In an analysis conducted by College Factual for the year 2024, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is positioned at #1,420 out of 2,217 schools assessed for overall quality. However, Southern Arkansas University does not hold a position within the top 1000 universities globally, as indicated by both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
Majority of the Postgraduate courses at the Southern Arkansas University have a duration of completion as 2 years. Some of the courses with a 2 year duration as follows -
1) Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses
2) Master of Education courses
3) Master of Science courses
4) Master of Public Administration
However, there are some Graduate courses that have longer or shorter duration of completion. Some of the examples are as follows -
1) Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counselling - 3.5 to 4years
2) Doctor of Education in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership - 3.5 years
3) Master of Arts in teaching - 1 to 2 years
4) Master of Education in School Counseling K-12 - 3 years
To know the specific duration of the courses you want to choose, it is advisable to check the University website.
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is known for several reasons:
Popular progrmas - SAU's most sought-after programs include the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degrees.
Academics: SAU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields such as business, education, liberal arts, and Science and engineering.
Affordability: The university is known for providing quality education at an affordable rate, making it an attractive option for many students.
Campus and Community: SAU is recognised for its caring campus community and personalized tour visits, where faculty and staff invest in student success, creating a supportive environment for students.
Location and Recreational Opportunities: Situated in a beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is in close proximity to outdoor activities and regional hubs, providing students with opportunities for leisure and outdoor adventures.
SAU Programs
Others Denote Computer and Information Sciences, General Studies, Psychology, etc.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Southern Arkansas University offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, associate and certificate courses to international students every year. Some of the popular courses at the university are given as follows:
- Business and Management
- Marketing
- Education
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Physcial Sciences
The top programs at Southern Arkansas University in terms of popularity include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
Additionally, there is strong interest in other courses such as Business, Management, Marketing, Education, Health Professions, Visual and Performing Arts, and Physical Sciences at the university.
Southern Arkansas University offers a diverse array of over 100 academic degree programs, including options at the undergraduate, graduate, associate, and certificate levels. Many of SAU's master's degree programs can be completed entirely online or can be customized to blend in-class experiences with the convenience of online learning.
The Business and Management course rankings at Southern Arkansas University are given as follows:
| Year | US News and World Report- UG Business |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 458 |
| 2020 | 460-516 |
| 2021 | 460-516 |
| 2022 | 460-516 |
| 2023 | 460-516 |
SAU Admissions 2026
Southern Arkansas University takes admissions for its various courses at undergraduate and graduate levels on a rolling basis. The university offers admissions during the the following intakes; Spring, Summer, and Fall intakes every year. The application process for international students at the university are given as follows:
Southern Arkansas University Application Deadlines 2025
The admission deadlines for UG and PG applicants are given as follows:
| Intake/Term | Application Deadline for UG | Application Deadline for UG |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Jul 21, 2025 | Jul 7, 2025 |
Southern Arkansas University Admission Requirements for International Students
International students applying to SAU should check the minimum admission requirements for their course. To get into SAU, international students must meet the course-specific and general admission requirements.
Acceptance Rate
According to various sources, Southern Arkansas University has an overall acceptance rate of around 64% making it moderately selective for international student admissions.
Southern Arkansas University Application Fee
Southern Arkansas University has a non-refundable application fee of USD 90 for international student applicants.
Southern Arkansas University Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for UG and PG applicants are given as follows:
- Secondary High School Transcripts
- Application along with the fee
- SAT or ACT scores
- GRE or GMAT
- English Proficiency
- Foreign Transcripts
- Proof of Financial Support
Students can check the Admission intakes in the USA for International Students
- Application fees :USD 90
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
The steps to apply for international students at Southern Arkansas University are given as follows:
- The student must fill the application and upload the required documents
- Submit the application fee
The required documents are as follows:
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Proof of Financial Support
- Copy of Immigration Documents
Southern Arkansas University is a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,148 and a total enrollment of 5,094 students. Southern Arkansas University (SAU) does have a lot of students from different countries. As per past data, In 2020, there were 174 students from 31 countries, and about 100 of them were from India. Normally, the numbers are higher, usually over 200 each year, but due to COVID-19, the count dropped. Back in 2018, SAU had over 300 international students studying there. Southern arkansas University has an acceptance rate of around 64%. SAU offers more than 100 degree programs for international students.
Yes, an average student from India can apply to study at Southern Arkansas University (SAU). SAU has a moderately competitive admission process, and about 67% of applicants get accepted. International students can choose from more than 80 degrees in both undergraduate and graduate programs at SAU. Applying is easy and can be done online for both types of programs.
If you're an indian student aiming to study in the USA, you'll need to meet some additional requirements. This includes having an undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian University and meeting English proficiency standards. The application fee for international students is 90 USD. So, if you're an average student from India, you can go ahead and apply to join Southern Arkansas University.
SAUSAU Scholarships
Southern Arkansas University offers the International Scholarships Program which has two types of scholarships for international students.
- Initial scholarships for first-time freshmen coming to SAU
- The retention scholarship for the current SAU international undergraduate students
Some of the scholarships offered by the university are given as follows:
| Scholarship Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Scholarship | USD 3,030 |
| International Excellence Scholarship | USD 5,000 |
| Presidential Scholarship | USD 10,000 |
| Retention Scholarsihp | USD 4,500 |
Students can check the Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
The International office chooses recipients of Initial Scholarships based on their SAT and ACT score. Theses scholarshps are given to very limited number of students each year. There are three types of Intial Scholarships.
| Scholarship | Requirements | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Scholarship |
| USD 3,030 for the academic year |
| International Excellence Scholarship |
| USD 5,000 per academic year |
| Presidential Scholarship |
| USD 10,000 per academic year |
Southern Arkansas University has many scholarships for new and current students. If you do well in high school, you might get an academic scholarship based on your grades, class rank, and ACT or SAT score. To be eligible, you need a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5.
To retain a freshman scholarship, you need to complete 30 hours with a 2.75 GPA each year, take at least 15 hours each semester, and finish 27 hours with a 2.75 GPA by the end of your first year.
If you're already a student, you could apply for College Scholarships. They're $2,500 for both the fall and spring semesters of the next academic year. To qualify, you should be at SAU, Magnolia for at least two semesters, have 30 semester hours by the end of the academic year, keep a GPA of 3.00, and have a declared major in the relevant college.
To apply for these scholarships at Southern Arkansas University, you can fill out a short online application. There's also the Mulerider Scholarship Program for freshmen with a 3.25 GPA and proof of leadership activities. This scholarship is $3,000 per year and can be renewed for 7 semesters. To keep it continued, you need a 2.75 GPA and complete 15 hours each semester.
Even graduate students at Southern Arkansas University can apply for scholarships. The Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund is for graduate students who finished at least 12 hours of graduate coursework, have a GPA of 3.50 or higher in all graduate work, and no C grade. You'll also need two recommendation letters from faculty in higher education.
The Retention Scholarship is awarded to international students only after they have complted 15 credit hours. The award is equivalent to approximately USD 2,250 per semester which is the difference between resident and non-resident tuition cost. The minimum criteria for the Retention Scholarship is:
- Only for students without other initial international scholarships.
- Must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 15 hours at SAU.
- Must live on campus
SAU Popular Courses
2 yearsSAU Placements
Southern Arkansas University graduates are in high demand across industries in the USA. The university produces some of the highly skilled and well-trained graduates that are industry-ready. Southern Arkansas University has its Career Services Center that helps the students to have the knowledge that is important to achieve their career goals. Some of the services offered to the students are as follows:
- Job and Career Fairs
- On Campus Interviews
- Career Services Events
- On-Campus Employment
- Student Worker Training
- Summer Jobs
Southern Arkansas University Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
The alumni placement highlights at Southern Arkansas University are given as follows:
- Some of the top alumni organizations at Southern Arkansas University include Murphy USA, Walmart, Albemarie Corporation, Verizon, Citi, Tyson Foods, Bank of America, Fidelity Investments, etc.
- A few of the top alumni industries at Southern Arkansas University include Engineering, Sales, Operations, Healthcare Services, Education, Community and Social Services, Information Technology, etc.
- The top alumni course preferences at Southern Arkansas University Computer Sciences, Business Administration and Management, Accounting and Related Services, General Studies, Psychology, etc.
Others Denote Sales, Healthcare Services, Community and Social Services, etc.
Students can check the Popular Job Sectors in the USA
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) provides a Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) programme that equips students for various career paths, such as:
- Programmer
- Web developer
- Database developer
- Information systems project manager
- Software engineer
- Database administrator
- Information technology manager
- Data analyst
- Security/privacy analyst
These job choices show the different job opportunities available to students who finish the MCIS programme at SAU. SAU also has helpful resources like the Employment Resource Center to help students find job openings. Also, the Office of Human Resources at SAU often puts up job listings for jobs at the university, like teaching jobs, staff jobs, and part-time jobs.
Yes, you can join Southern Arkansas University's MBA programme even if you don't have work experience. The requirements for getting into the MBA programme at SAU don't specify that you must have work experience. What counts is having a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university & a minimum GPA of 2.2. It doesn't have to be in a specific subject.
Another positive aspect is, the MBA programme at SAU is flexible. You can attend traditional night classes, take courses online, or do a mix of both. This makes it easier for students with different schedules and preferences to avail the program.
Also, the MBA programme at SAU is affordable, and it's accredited by AACSB International, which is a big deal in the business education world. This makes it even more attractive to people thinking about joining the program.
SAU Fees
Southern Arkansas University offers more than 100+ academic programs to study across a range of subject areas. The annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses for international students are given as follows:
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG |
INR 10.69 L - INR 11.75 L
|
| PG |
INR 6.15 L - INR 11.4 L
|
Students can check the Eligibility to Study in USA for International Students
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
BBA(1 course) | INR 12 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 7 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 51 & Above, Duolingo: 100 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(2 courses) | INR 12 L - 13 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above, SAT: 410 & Above |
B.Sc.(1 course) | INR 12 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 90 & Above |
MS(1 course) | INR 12 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The Southern Arkansas University acceptance rate is around 64% for international students. This means that only 64% of applicants are admitted annually out of the 100 application recieved. It is also important to note that meeting minimum requirement criteria doesn’t guarantee admission during selection. However, applicants should give their best to present a strong application highlighting their academic achievements, experience and extracurricular activities to increase their chances of acceptance.
(Due to unavailability of current acceptance rate, the above data has been taken from unofficial sources. Hence, it is subject to vary)
According to the Southern Arkansas University website, to apply for undergraduate studies, you need a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5 [3] [4]. But remember, meeting this score doesn't guarantee you'll get into the university. It's also a good idea to contact the admissions office to find out the specific requirements for the programme you're interested in. Some programs might ask for a higher level of English proficiency.
Other requirements for admissions are as follows:
1. Have a GPA (your grade average) of 2.0 or better.
2. Score at least 19 on the English, math, and reading parts of the ACT test.
3. Keep an average GPA of 3.33.
The acceptance rate of the university is about 63%.
The approximate cost for international students to study at Southern Arkansas University is USD 9,810, which equals INR 815,275.56. Additionally, the estimated annual cost of attendance for international students at the university is approximately 17.89 Lacs for undergraduates and 11.75 Lacs for graduates. Please note that these amounts cover tuition, room and board, international student insurance, and various other expenses. Moreover, the university provides scholarships ranging from 3,000 USD to 10,000 USD annually to help ease the financial burden for international students.
Therefore, Indian students planning to study at Southern Arkansas University should consider budgeting for tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs based on this information.
SAUStudent profile
Others
72%
Black
20%
Hispanic
6%
In state
70%
Out of state
29%
24 and under
91%
25 and over
8%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
SAU Notable Alumni
Some of the popular alumni graduates at Southern Arkansas University are given as follows:
| Name | Profession | Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Hawley Tuberville | American politician and retired college football coach |  |
| Tracy Lee Lawrence | American country music singer |  |
| Joyce Ann Elliott | American politician |  |
| David Fielding | American politician and a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives |  |
| Horace Milton Wade | Former general in the United States Air Force |  |
SAUCollege comparison
Compare SAU with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 11.63 L | -/- | |
| INR 19.97 L | #220 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 28.93 L - 29.39 L | -/- | |
| INR 45.15 L | -/- | |
| INR 19.74 L | #373 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 16.03 L | -/- |
CompareSAUStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
SAU FAQs
Southern Arkansas university has a beautiful coeducational and residential campus, spread over an area of 1,418 acres. The campus consists of well-maintained buildings that house state-of-the-art classroom spaces, laboratories, administrative offices, recreational spaces, and athletic facilities. The university provides housing facilities to the students in its eight residence halls and on-campus apartments. The campus features a store where students can shop apparel, housewares and decor items, gifts, tech gadgets, and other accessories. Four dining points on the campus provide a huge range of beverages and cuisines. A variety of health services are rendered by the university to meet the mental, physical and emotional needs of the students and teachers. Other on-campus facilities include a bookstore, multipurpose arena, community hall, counseling center, and an ATM.
SAU
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Southern Arkansas University take six to eight weeks to revert to the application. This time frame applies for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 6 months ago
After succesfully submitting an application at Southern Arkansas University, there will be an extensive review of the documents submitted. The admission team of this university generally responds via the email within six to eight weeks.
If a student succeeds in receiving an offer letter from their e
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 months ago
The students are required to put an aplication through the official portal of the univeristy for both UG and PG courses. Applications at Southern Arkansas University are submitted via the official portal named SAU application portal for UG and PG programs.
Here are the steps to complete you online
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 months ago
Yes, the students receiving an offer letter from Southern Arkansas University are required to apply for an F-1 Visa to the USA. Please note that the students are required to pay a non-refundable Visa application fee of USD 185 (INR 16.09 K).
Below are the Visa application documents required to study
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
Southern Arkansas University asks for a minimum GPA of 2.5- 3.0 for international students Masters program. However, the admission process at SAU takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and int
Contributor-Level 10
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SAULocation
| University City | Beebe, Arkansas, USA |
SAUCampuses
100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753-5000
Visit official siteSAUContact Information
100 E University St, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753, United State
Beebe ( Arkansas)
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