Southern University and A & M College logo

Southern University and A & M College

Accept Rate
49.87%
Grad Rate
29.3%
Enrollment
5,323
Avg SAT
938
Tuition
$9,940
Median Salary
$43,371
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
B-
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Southern University and A&M College offers a vibrant, close-knit HBCU experience where school pride and tradition are palpable. The campus feels like a supportive family, with a strong sense of community and a lively atmosphere fueled by its renowned marching band. Students are immersed in a culture of resilience and excellence, creating a unique and empowering environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

49.87%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 93875th Pctl
7981000
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 1775th Pctl
1519
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service and leadership roles in your application, as these values are central to the university's mission. Given the 49.87% acceptance rate, aim for an SAT score above the 938 average to strengthen your application. Clearly articulate your interest in one of their top majors like Engineering or Health Professions to show a focused academic plan.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
938
40080012001600
School range: 798โ€“1000

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university provides a solid academic foundation, particularly in Health Professions, Criminal Justice, and its signature College of Engineering. As a land-grant institution, it offers unique research opportunities in agriculture and environmental sciences. Small class sizes allow for meaningful student-faculty interaction, though students must be self-motivated to succeed.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
21.3%
Criminal Justice
12.7%
Business & Marketing
11.6%
Engineering
7.1%
Communications
7.1%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.7%
Psychology
6.2%
Social Sciences
5.4%
Agriculture
4.6%
Biology & Biomedical
3%
Public Administration
3%
Computer Science
2.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

29.3%
Graduation Rate
60.4%
Retention Rate
5,323
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$9,940
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,740
After financial aid
Total Cost
$26,076
Cost of attendance/year
64.6%
Receive Pell Grants
70.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, students can enjoy the lively downtown scene with its restaurants and live music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Mississippi River levee or local parks. The city's rich Cajun and Creole culture also means great food and frequent festivals are always within reach.

Local Rent Check

$1,124 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Baton Rouge
Explore Baton Rouge

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$39,760
$0Est. 4 Years: $39,760

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($43,371):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus has its own police force and promotes safety awareness through various programs. The surrounding Baton Rouge area has typical city crime rates, so students are advised to practice standard urban safety precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and school pride as an HBCU
  • โœ“ Affordable in-state tuition and significant financial aid availability
  • โœ“ Unique land-grant research opportunities in agriculture and engineering
  • โœ“ Renowned marching band and vibrant campus traditions

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below national averages
  • โœ— Students must be highly self-motivated to succeed academically
  • โœ— Campus location requires proactive safety measures typical of an urban setting

Notable Alumni

Ernie Banks
Hall of Fame MLB player known as 'Mr. Cub' for the Chicago Cubs.
Quincy Jones
Legendary music producer, composer, and arranger with 28 Grammy Awards.
Blanche K. Bruce
First African American to serve a full term in the U.S. Senate (1875-1881).

Frequently Asked Questions

It is Louisiana's only public historically black land-grant university, known for its strong sense of community, traditions, and the world-famous Human Jukebox marching band. The university is particularly recognized for its College of Engineering and its role as a hub for African American education in the region.

No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 49.87%, the university has a moderately competitive admissions process. Applicants with an average SAT score around 938 and a solid high school GPA have a strong chance of admission.

Campus life is vibrant and deeply rooted in HBCU culture and tradition. Students experience a tight-knit community feel, spirited athletic events, and the celebrated performances of the 'Human Jukebox' marching band. While there are numerous student organizations, the university's urban setting in Baton Rouge also allows for exploration of the city's rich culture and food scene.

Yes, it can be a worthwhile investment, especially for in-state students. With an in-state tuition of $9,940 and an average net price of $19,740, it is an affordable option. The 10-year median earnings of $43,371, combined with strong financial aid support (64.6% Pell Grant rate), provide a positive return on investment for graduates.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Entergy Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana IBM East Baton Rouge Parish School System Louisiana State University
Smart Start Score
42

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • In-State Tuition $9,940
  • Out-of-State $17,198
  • Zip Code 70813

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 31.8% โ™€ 68.2%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition under $10,000, the university offers a relatively affordable path to a degree, especially for Louisiana residents. The average net price of $19,740 is manageable for many, particularly given the high Pell Grant rate, which indicates strong financial aid support. The 10-year median earnings of $43,371 suggest a positive return on investment for graduates.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $9,940
Housing (12 mo) $13,488
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $30,628
With avg financial aid:
$19,740/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.