Admit rate has ranged 35%–59% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Southern University and A&M College, Louisiana's flagship HBCU, blends rigorous academics with vibrant campus traditions. Known for its powerhouse nursing program and tight-knit community, it offers an accessible yet demanding education where nearly half of students are first-generation. The Jaguars' spirit runs deep here—from the Human Jukebox marching band to a culture that champions Black excellence.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
5,519
In-state tuition
$9,922
Out-of-state tuition
$17,272
Housing
32% on-campus
Top Major
Nursing (15%)
In-State Cost
~$20,000/yr
Acceptance Rate
35-50%
4-Year Grad Rate
27%
First-Gen Students
~50%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,903
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,371
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.2×
Median debt at graduation
$29,251
Graduation rate
27%
First-year retention
60%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
53%
Pell (lower-income) share
84%
First-generation share
40%
Endowment / student
$2,428
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$62,064
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$52,107
Mechanical Engineering$51,187
Civil Engineering$49,019
Agriculture, General$38,829
Accounting and Related Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
3
Per 1,000 students
0.54
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
105
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
47°F
Annual rain
61.5"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Southern University and A & M College?
Southern University and A & M College's acceptance rate is approximately 35% (Baton Rouge, LA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Southern University and A & M College?
Admitted students at Southern University and A & M College typically score 790–1020 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Southern University and A & M College cost?
At Southern University and A & M College, the average net price (after aid) is about $20,077 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Southern University and A & M College?
Southern University and A & M College enrolls approximately 5,519 undergraduate students.
Where is Southern University and A & M College located?
Southern University and A & M College is located in Baton Rouge, LA.
Admissions
Southern University maintains a moderately selective admissions process with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering between 35-50%, depending on the source. The university seeks students who rank in the upper 50% of their high school class, with minimum test scores of 20 ACT (1020 SAT) and a 2.0 GPA. Notably, about 50% of admitted applicants enroll—a YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. rate suggesting strong regional appeal among Louisiana students. While test scores are considered, the average admitted student profile shows ACT scores around 16-20 and SAT scores near 890-1020, indicating Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. beyond just numbers.
Acceptance Rate: Ranges from 35% (US News) to 50% (MeetYourClass)
Typical Admitted Student: ACT 16-20 / SAT 890-1020, top 50% of class
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$37,208
Computer Science$32,382
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other$30,771
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
This land-grant HBCU offers 54 degree programs spanning nursing, criminal justice, business, and engineering. The nursing program stands out as a national leader, producing 15% of graduates, followed by criminal justice (11%) and business administration (7%). Southern operates with a comprehensive academic model that includes graduate and professional programs, notably a respected law school. The curriculum emphasizes practical training—many programs incorporate internships and community partnerships. Classes remain relatively small, fostering close faculty mentorship characteristic of HBCUs.
Top Programs: Nursing (15% of graduates), Criminal Justice (11%), Business (7%)
Special Recognition: Nursing program ranked among nation's best by alumni
Degree Levels: Offers bachelor's through doctoral programs
With 32% of students living on campus, Southern thrives as a residential community anchored by its $29 million Student Life Center—a hub with collaborative study spaces and tech-equipped lounges. The university pulses with HBCU traditions: the Human Jukebox marching band, homecoming step shows, and Greek life (Alpha Kappa Alpha and Omega Psi Phi were both founded at HBCUs). About two-thirds of students commute, creating a mix of campus vibrancy and local engagement. Athletics—especially football and basketball—unite the Jaguar community, while 100+ student organizations cater to diverse interests from robotics to gospel choir.
Southern faces challenges with graduation rates—just 27% graduate in four years, though that climbs to 50% within six years. The 67% first-year retention rate suggests academic support systems help many persist. Alumni earn median salaries of $40,903 one year post-graduation, rising to $43,371 after a decade. These figures reflect both the socioeconomic backgrounds of many students and the university's mission to serve underrepresented populations. The law school and nursing program produce particularly strong earners, with many graduates entering Louisiana's public sector.
Annual costs run approximately $20,000 for in-state students including $9,000 tuition, $1,300 for books, and $3,400 for transportation. Nearly all students receive financial aid—the university distributes federal, state, and institutional grants alongside work-study opportunities. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate actual costs after aid. Southern participates in Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program, making it affordable for qualifying state residents. Budget-conscious students appreciate the low loan fees ($52 annually) compared to national averages.
Southern University carves its niche as an HBCU that delivers career-ready graduates while preserving Black cultural heritage. Its nursing program rivals those at far more selective institutions, and the law school feeds Louisiana's legal pipeline. Unlike predominantly white flagship universities, Southern centers African-American experiences—whether through courses on the African diaspora or campus events celebrating Juneteenth. The balance of affordability (thanks to Louisiana aid programs) and strong professional outcomes makes it a 'best bang for the buck' contender. For students seeking an authentic HBCU experience with robust STEM offerings, Southern represents both tradition and upward mobility.
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