Southern University at Shreveport: $4,958 Tuition

$4,958Tuition

1,974Students

7%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,099Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24HBCU

About Southern University at Shreveport

Southern University at Shreveport serves as a stepping stone for students seeking practical career training in north Louisiana. This historically black community college enrolls 1,974 students and focuses on workforce development programs that directly connect to local job markets. The campus operates on a semester system in Shreveport's urban environment, where students can access internships and employment opportunities throughout the region.

Students pay an average net price of $12,890 after financial aid, with 51% receiving Pell Grants to help cover costs. Graduates earn a median of $33,099 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $18,500 with monthly payments around $196. The employment rate reaches 90.7%, suggesting strong job placement success. For many students, the affordable tuition and solid employment outcomes make this a practical investment in their careers.

The student body reflects the school's mission as an HBCU, with 90% of students identifying as Black and 87% coming from Louisiana. Women outnumber men at 78% of enrollment. With only 240 housing spots available, most students commute to campus. The college offers just two varsity sports through NJCAA competition, keeping the focus firmly on academics and career preparation rather than athletics.

Academics & Faculty

Southern University at Shreveport serves as a stepping stone into healthcare and technical careers that drive Louisiana's economy. The historically black community college specializes in nursing, radiologic technology, and automotive programs that connect directly to regional job markets. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, classes stay small enough for personalized attention from instructors. However, the 7.2% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and academics. The college's strength lies in workforce preparation rather than traditional academic transfer, with 90.7% of graduates finding employment. Students here typically pursue associate degrees in practical fields that offer immediate career entry.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 7.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,099

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$63,377
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$57,318
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$21,964
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,921
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$18,087

View all 26 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Southern University at Shreveport revolves around a tight-knit community where 77.6% of students are women and 90.2% are Black. With only 240 housing spaces for nearly 2,000 students, most live off-campus and commute to the 103-acre urban campus. Shreveport sits in northwest Louisiana, where you'll need both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summer heat that regularly tops 90 degrees.

The small student body creates an intimate atmosphere with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Just 24 students compete in two NJCAA sports, making athletics a minor presence on campus. Weekend activities center around Shreveport's downtown entertainment district and nearby casinos rather than campus events. As part of the Southern University System, the school maintains strong ties to HBCU traditions while serving primarily as a stepping stone for career training or transfer to four-year institutions. The 86.7% in-state enrollment means most students have local connections and often work part-time jobs in the city.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 240 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–56°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 145.3"
Annual Snowfall: -1,554.2"

Student Demographics

This historically black community college draws students primarily from Louisiana who couldn't otherwise afford higher education. Women make up more than three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting. Most students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for low-income families. The overwhelmingly in-state enrollment demonstrates SUSLA's role as a local workforce development center. Students typically come from working-class backgrounds and choose the college for its practical career training and low cost.

Men: 22.4%
Women: 77.6%
White: 7.0%
Black: 90.2%
Hispanic: 0.8%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 86.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 51.0%

Location

Southern University at Shreveport sits in Louisiana's third-largest city, about 20 miles from the Texas border. Shreveport has around 190,000 residents and anchors the region known as the Ark-La-Tex, where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas meet. The city built its economy on oil, gaming, and riverboat commerce along the Red River. Students find an urban environment with casinos, entertainment districts, and Southern culture. Nearly 87% of SUSLA students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role serving the local community. The campus houses 240 students in a city that blends industrial heritage with modern amenities. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Southern University at Shreveport with similar schools in the region.

Address: Shreveport, Louisiana 71107

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,099
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,131
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southern University at Shreveport cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,890 after aid, with costs varying by family income from $12,436 for families earning under $30,000 to $16,789 for those earning over $110,000. This historically black community college keeps tuition affordable at $4,958 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern University at Shreveport?

Classes average 18 students per faculty member, allowing for reasonable personal attention in this two-year institution. The college serves 1,974 students with a strong focus on career preparation and workforce development programs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Southern University at Shreveport?

The six-year graduation rate is 7.20%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. Graduates who complete their programs earn a median of $33,099 after 10 years, with a 90.7% employment rate showing strong job placement success.

What is the student body like at Southern University at Shreveport?

Women make up 77.61% of the student population, with 90.17% of students being Black, reflecting the college's identity as an HBCU. About 87% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere on this urban campus.

Does Southern University at Shreveport offer on-campus housing?

The campus houses 240 students in residence halls at a cost of $10,450 for room and board. As a relatively small community college founded in 1967, it offers a more intimate campus experience than larger universities in the Shreveport area.

What athletic programs does Southern University at Shreveport offer?

The college competes in NJCAA athletics with just 2 varsity sports and 24 total athletes, making it one of the smaller athletic programs among HBCUs. Athletic scholarships total $136,625, providing opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both education and sports.