About Southern University and A & M College
Southern University is Louisiana's flagship historically black university, anchoring Baton Rouge with 5,323 students who come primarily for its respected engineering, agriculture, and nursing programs. The campus pulses with the energy of a storied marching band tradition that has produced notable graduates like NBA coach Avery Johnson and P.B.S. Pinchback, the nation's first African American governor. The university maintains its role as a top HBCU while serving a student body that is 68% women and draws 71% of its students from Louisiana.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $19,740 annually, but graduates typically earn $43,371 ten years after graduation. The 70% of students who take federal loans graduate with a median debt of $29,251, leading to monthly payments around $310. While 65% of students receive financial aid, the return on investment depends heavily on completing the degree.
Academic success demands persistence here. Only 29% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at 60%. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means students need to be proactive about getting support. However, the 96% employment rate shows that Southern graduates who persist find their place in the workforce.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $19,740 annually, but graduates typically earn $43,371 ten years after graduation. The 70% of students who take federal loans graduate with a median debt of $29,251, leading to monthly payments around $310. While 65% of students receive financial aid, the return on investment depends heavily on completing the degree.
Academic success demands persistence here. Only 29% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at 60%. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means students need to be proactive about getting support. However, the 96% employment rate shows that Southern graduates who persist find their place in the workforce.
Academics & Faculty
Southern University anchors Louisiana's HBCU tradition with particularly strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and nursing that prepare students for high-demand careers. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of public universities, but the close-knit HBCU environment fosters mentorship and community support. With a 29% four-year graduation rate, students often need extra time to complete degrees, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students who may need additional academic support. The engineering program has produced notable graduates who've gone on to leadership roles in industry, while the agriculture program continues the university's land-grant mission of serving Louisiana's rural communities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.5%
- Retention Rate
- 60.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,371
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,856 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,064 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,964 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $51,187 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $50,439 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,344 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,019 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,139 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,798 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where 68% of students are women and 95% are Black. The university sits in Louisiana's capital city, about 80 miles northwest of New Orleans, where humid subtropical weather means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for winter. With housing for 4,400 students and total enrollment of 5,323, most undergraduates live on campus, creating a residential college atmosphere.
Weekends revolve around the legendary Human Jukebox marching band, one of the most respected HBCU bands in the South. Football games against rivals like Grambling State draw massive crowds to A.W. Mumford Stadium. Greek life dominates the social scene, with historically Black fraternities and sororities hosting step shows and community service events. Students often head to nearby downtown Baton Rouge for restaurants and entertainment, or make weekend trips to New Orleans. The 512-acre campus features modern residence halls and academic buildings, with the Agricultural Center serving as a center for the school's strong farming and veterinary programs.
Weekends revolve around the legendary Human Jukebox marching band, one of the most respected HBCU bands in the South. Football games against rivals like Grambling State draw massive crowds to A.W. Mumford Stadium. Greek life dominates the social scene, with historically Black fraternities and sororities hosting step shows and community service events. Students often head to nearby downtown Baton Rouge for restaurants and entertainment, or make weekend trips to New Orleans. The 512-acre campus features modern residence halls and academic buildings, with the Agricultural Center serving as a center for the school's strong farming and veterinary programs.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 4,400 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–62°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
Students come primarily from Louisiana, with 71% staying close to home for this flagship HBCU experience. The student body is overwhelmingly Black, reflecting Southern's mission as a historically Black institution serving the local community. Nearly two-thirds receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to providing access for first-generation and lower-income students. Women outnumber men on campus, drawn largely to Southern's strong nursing and education programs. The 5,323 enrolled students create a tight-knit community where the Jaguar pride runs deep and the famous marching band brings everyone together.
- Men
- 31.8%
- Women
- 68.2%
- White
- 0.8%
- Black
- 94.7%
- Hispanic
- 0.9%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 71.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 64.6%
Location
Southern University sits in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital city with over 220,000 residents. The campus lies about 80 miles northwest of New Orleans and 250 miles southeast of Dallas. Baton Rouge blends government, industry, and college life as home to Louisiana State University and Southern. The Mississippi River curves through downtown, giving the city its name meaning "red stick." Oil refineries and chemical plants drive the local economy alongside state government. Students experience true Louisiana culture with Creole cuisine, jazz music, and humid subtropical weather. The city's mix of politics, petrochemicals, and college energy creates a distinctly Southern atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Southern University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,371
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,941
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $310/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,251
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern University and A & M College?
Southern University and A & M College accepts 53.9% of applicants. Students typically score around 910 on the SAT, making this flagship Louisiana HBCU accessible to students with mid-range test scores.
How much does Southern University and A & M College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,740 after financial aid. About 65% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides institutional grants averaging $7,524 to nearly 25% of students.
What programs is Southern University and A & M College known for?
The university excels in engineering, agriculture, and nursing programs as Louisiana's flagship HBCU. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across 5,323 students, the school maintains its focus on these career-oriented fields.
What are the graduation rates at Southern University and A & M College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 28.5%, while the four-year rate is 29.3%. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,371 ten years after starting college, with a 96% employment rate.
Where do students live at Southern University and A & M College?
The Baton Rouge campus houses up to 4,400 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $9,366. About 71% of the 5,323 students come from Louisiana, creating a strong in-state community.
Does Southern University and A & M College have a strong athletic tradition?
The Jaguars compete in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 355 total athletes. The school awards $3.4 million in athletic scholarships and maintains a famous marching band tradition that rivals its athletics program.
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