Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University, based in Magnolia, AR, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. It holds the #76 position in Regional Universities South (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #38 in Top Public Schools. The school features a rural setting and serves 3,102 undergraduate students. With an acceptance rate of 75%, Southern Arkansas University is moderately competitive. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 880-1120 and ACT scores of 17-24. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.5. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 51% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at Southern Arkansas University include Early Childhood Education and Teaching (11%), Business/Commerce, General (6%), and Psychology, General (5%). Graduates in Early Childhood Education and Teaching earn a median salary of $40,746 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $16,307. Southern Arkansas University achieves a four-year graduation rate of 34%. The application deadline is Aug. 27.