Southern Arkansas University offers more than 100 degree programs in a family-like setting, all at one of the nation’s most affordable rates.
Introducing
Launching for the freshman class of 2025, the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee is an innovative initiative to ensure students are ready for their next step – whether that’s a career or continuing higher education.
Undergraduate
First-time freshmen, transfers and high school students.
Graduate
Master’s, specialist and doctoral programs.
International
Students applying from outside the United States.
SAU offers more than 100 academic degree and certificate options, including associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.
of any public university in Arkansas.
Compare the cost
Live on campus for less
Tuition, fees, room and board per semester · in-state, 15 credit hours, 2026–27 published rates at Arkansas’s 10 public universities
| University | Tuition | Fees | Room | Meal plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Arkansas University | $3,900 | $1,320 | $2,070 | $2,095 | $9,385 |
| UA Monticello | $2,978 | $2,004 | $2,092 | $2,575 | $9,648 |
| UA Pine Bluff | $3,299 | $1,582 | $2,240 | $2,594 | $9,715 |
| Henderson State | $4,125 | $1,290 | $2,409 | $2,045 | $9,869 |
| UA Fort Smith | $3,420 | $1,671 | $2,575 | $2,280 | $9,946 |
| UA Little Rock | $3,506 | $1,581 | $2,388 | $2,605 | $10,079 |
| Arkansas State | $5,055 | $370 | $2,730 | $2,660 | $10,815 |
| Arkansas Tech | $3,975 | $1,727 | $2,691 | $2,452 | $10,846 |
| Central Arkansas | $4,005 | $1,687 | $3,002 | $3,115 | $11,809 |
| University of Arkansas | $4,168 | $1,290 | $4,655 | $2,843 | $12,955 |
Room = average of on-campus double rooms; meal plan = each school’s top tier. Source: each university’s published 2026–27 rates.
SAU has the lowest total cost to live on campus of any public university in Arkansas, and it is the best small public college in Arkansas, the top-ranked public university on Niche’s 2027 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas list.
Students from neighboring states may qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver, significantly reducing their overall cost to attend SAU.
Scholarships up to $12,000 a year
Academic awards for incoming freshmen, per year and renewable for up to 8 semesters. You’re offered the highest award you qualify for.
One scholarship application considers you for every academic award. For Fall 2027 freshmen, early decision is January 15 and the priority deadline is March 1.
All scholarships require admission to SAU and are awarded as funds allow. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee an award.
