Southern University at New Orleans: 93.5% Acceptance Rate

93.5%Acceptance

$7,490Tuition

1,095Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,042Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24HBCU

About Southern University at New Orleans

This historically black university has served New Orleans for nearly seven decades as a community-focused institution. Southern University at New Orleans enrolls 1,095 students in a large city setting, with strong programs in education, business, and social work. The university maintains its mission as an HBCU while adapting to the needs of modern New Orleans. Nearly 95% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $15,260 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $34,042 ten years after graduation. With median debt of $31,000 and monthly loan payments of $329, the economics can be challenging. Only 44% of students receive Pell grants, and just 6% get institutional aid averaging $5,930. The numbers suggest students should have realistic expectations about post-graduation earning potential.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 74% and predominantly African American at 93%. Retention rates remain low at 48%, and only 18% of students graduate within six years. The university offers four varsity sports with 70 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing opportunities for personalized attention despite broader institutional challenges.

Academics & Faculty

Southern University at New Orleans focuses on education, business, and social work programs that serve the local community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring relationships typical of smaller HBCUs. However, the 17.9% six-year graduation rate reflects significant retention challenges that many students face. Nearly 95% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit campus environment. The university's strength lies in preparing teachers and social workers for New Orleans-area schools and nonprofits. With 1,095 students total, classes remain intimate and professors know students by name. The retention rate of 48.4% indicates that while support exists, many students struggle to persist through degree completion.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 17.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.9%
Retention Rate: 48.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,042
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Social Work.	Master	$38,195
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$36,141
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$36,134
Social Work.	Bachelor	$32,925
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$29,685
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$26,715
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$26,585
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$18,771

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits in the heart of New Orleans, where students trade heavy winter coats for year-round humidity and sudden afternoon thunderstorms. With housing for 672 students and total enrollment of 1,095, about 60% of students could live on campus, creating a close-knit residential community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent.

Women make up 74% of the student body, and 93% are Black students, reflecting SUNO's mission as an HBCU serving the local community. Nearly 95% of students come from Louisiana, giving the campus a distinctly local flavor. Weekends often revolve around the French Quarter just minutes away, where students explore jazz clubs, festivals, and authentic Creole culture. The Knights compete in NAIA athletics with 70 total athletes across four sports, though campus life centers more around academics and New Orleans' active cultural scene than athletic traditions. Students frequently volunteer in hurricane recovery efforts and community outreach programs that define the university's commitment to serving New Orleans.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 672 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1956

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	4	3	1
Stalking	3	0	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0	1
Domestic Violence	1	0	1
Fondling	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–60°F
July Avg: 77°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 119.2"
Annual Snowfall: -1,555.4"

Student Demographics

Southern University at New Orleans draws overwhelmingly from Louisiana communities, with nearly 95% of students staying close to home. The student body is almost entirely African American, reflecting the university's mission as a historically black institution serving local families. Women make up nearly three-quarters of enrollment, which aligns with the school's strength in education and social work programs that traditionally attract female students. With 45% of students receiving Pell Grants, SUNO serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class New Orleans families seeking professional careers in teaching, business, and human services.

Men: 26.1%
Women: 73.9%
White: 2.3%
Black: 92.5%
Hispanic: 2.3%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 94.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.6%

Location

Southern University at New Orleans sits in one of America's most culturally rich cities. The campus serves a student body that is 94.82% from Louisiana, reflecting strong local ties to the community. New Orleans offers students internship opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and business while providing the backdrop of jazz culture and Creole cuisine. The university draws from the city's diverse economy, with graduates earning a median of $34,042 ten years after graduation. Students experience the energy of a major metropolitan area while attending a small institution with just 1,095 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Southern University at New Orleans with similar schools in the region.

Address: New Orleans, Louisiana 70126

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,042
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,573
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $329/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $31,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southern University at New Orleans?

Southern University at New Orleans accepts 93.53% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The admitted students have an average ACT score of 17. This HBCU focuses on providing educational opportunities to underserved communities in New Orleans.

How much does Southern University at New Orleans cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,260 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition is $7,490 while out-of-state students pay $16,390. About 44.58% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving low-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern University at New Orleans?

The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with a total enrollment of 1,095 students. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs focused on education, business, and social work. The intimate campus environment helps foster close relationships between students and professors.

What are the graduation rates at Southern University at New Orleans?

The six-year graduation rate is 17.90% and the four-year rate is 17.52%. The retention rate of 48.39% indicates challenges with student persistence. Graduates earn a median salary of $34,042 ten years after enrollment, with many pursuing careers in education and social services.

Where do students live at Southern University at New Orleans?

The university has housing capacity for 672 students, with room and board costing $10,340 annually. About 94.82% of students are Louisiana residents who often commute from the greater New Orleans area. The campus serves as a community center in one of America's most culturally rich cities.

Is Southern University at New Orleans a historically black university?

Yes, Southern University at New Orleans is an HBCU founded in 1956 to serve the African American community. The student body is 92.51% Black and 73.88% female. As part of the Southern University System, it continues the tradition of providing higher education opportunities to underrepresented students in Louisiana.