Southern Arkansas University, founded in 1909 and set on a 1,418-acre campus in Magnolia, Arkansas, is a public teaching university that US News ranks #76 in Regional Universities South for 2026. The Muleriders’ four academic colleges together offer 70+ undergraduate options and 19 graduate programs to a student body of 5,127 across on-campus, online and hybrid formats.
SAU teaches every programme in English, holds a moderately open acceptance rate near 67%, and runs rolling Fall and Spring intakes that give Indian applicants a second attempt each year if the Fall window closes. Popular Indian-student picks include the Master of Business Administration, the MS in Computer and Information Science with a Cyber Security and Privacy option, and the MS in Agriculture, with the David F. Rankin College of Business anchoring Southern Arkansas University admission demand.
- US News Regional Universities South rank: #76 (2026 edition)
- Acceptance rate: 67% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January), rolling review
- PG tuition: $7,650 per year (~₹7.32 lakh)
- Average PG starting salary (US market median): $58,000 (~₹55.53 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
SAU keeps a flat international tuition sheet, meaning Indian applicants pay the same $530-per-graduate-hour rate whether they enroll in an MBA or an MS in Agriculture, and merit awards up to $7,000 per year can offset tuition. Cost-of-attendance planning must show a financial affidavit for at least $22,500 to secure the I-20 for an F-1 study in USA visa.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹95.75 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Fall 2026 international deadline (17 July 2026 undergraduate, 16 July 2026 graduate) has closed. Spring 2027 applications are being accepted for both undergraduate and graduate applicants until 4 December 2026, with the semester starting 13 January 2027. The next Fall 2027 cycle is expected to open November 2026 and runs on a rolling review with an anticipated close in mid-July 2027 based on the prior cycle.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Southern Arkansas University 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Admission 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Acceptance Rate 2027
- SAU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Southern Arkansas University Scholarships 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Rankings 2027
- Southern Arkansas University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Southern Arkansas University vs Peer Universities
- Southern Arkansas University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Southern Arkansas University 2027
Southern Arkansas University fees for Indian students follow a flat per-credit-hour structure that stays consistent across programme types. Master’s programmes are billed at $530 per credit hour and doctoral programmes at $400 per credit hour, while undergraduate international students pay $461 per credit hour. Most masters run 30-36 credit hours over 18-24 months.
Top PG Programmes at Southern Arkansas University 2027
Every PG programme listed below is fully English-medium, taught over 2 semesters per year with 9-12 credit hours per semester. Total fee = per-hour rate × credit hours required by the programme.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | $16,960 | 16.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer and Information Science, Cyber Security and Privacy | $17,490 | 16.75 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer and Information Science, Information Technology | $17,490 | 16.75 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Supply Chain Management Emphasis | $16,960 | 16.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Agri-Business Emphasis | $16,960 | 16.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Social Entrepreneurship Emphasis | $16,960 | 16.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.Ed. College Counseling and Student Affairs | $17,490 | 16.75 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Agriculture | $17,490 | 16.75 lakh | Bachelor’s in agriculture or life sciences, 55% (recommended) |
| MA Teaching | $16,960 | 16.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Kinesiology | $17,490 | 16.75 lakh | Bachelor’s in a related field, 55% (recommended) |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University official tuition schedule 2026-27]
Top UG Programmes at Southern Arkansas University 2027
Undergraduate international students at SAU pay the same out-of-state per-hour rate across majors, with a 4-year structure of 30-32 credit hours per year.
| Programme | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | $59,020 | 56.51 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BBA Business Administration | $59,020 | 56.51 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | $59,020 | 56.51 lakh | Class 12 with Biology, 70% (recommended) |
| BS Engineering | $59,020 | 56.51 lakh | Class 12 with PCM, 70% (recommended) |
| BS Agriculture | $59,020 | 56.51 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University official tuition schedule]
Insider note: Indian students concentrate heavily in the MS Computer and Information Science tracks and the MBA emphasis programmes because both accept a 3-year Indian bachelor’s without a bridge year and both qualify for STEM-designated OPT extensions.
Read More: Southern Arkansas University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Southern Arkansas University Admission 2027
Southern Arkansas University admission for Indian students runs a rolling review across two intakes per year, and applications for the Spring 2027 cycle are currently open for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 UG deadline (initial students) | 4 December 2026 | Currently open; rolling review favours early submissions |
| Spring 2027 PG deadline (initial students) | 4 December 2026 | WES/IEE credential evaluation required |
| Credential verification (WES/IEE) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course GPA analysis mandatory |
| Spring 2027 semester start | 13 January 2027 | Mandatory orientation on 11 December 2026 |
| Fall 2027 cycle (initial students) | Expected mid-July 2027 (based on July 2026 cycle) | Opens November 2026 on a rolling basis |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University International Admissions]
Planning note: Indian applicants who miss the Spring 2027 window can start the Fall 2027 file immediately, as the WES course-by-course evaluation alone takes 20-30 working days after Indian universities dispatch sealed transcripts.
Read More: Southern Arkansas University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Southern Arkansas University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The Southern Arkansas University admission requirements for Indian applicants center on academic transcripts, an English-proficiency score, and a WES-style credential evaluation.
Postgraduate applicants (Indian students) need:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in the Indian system (recommended)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE 51, or Duolingo 100
- Credential evaluation from WES, IEE or Educational Perspective with course-by-course GPA analysis
- Financial statement showing at least $22,500 (~₹21.54 lakh) and an application fee of $90 (~₹8,618)
Undergraduate applicants (Indian students) need:
- Class 12 completion with a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to 60% or above in the Indian system (recommended)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 5.5, PTE 43, or Duolingo 90
- SAT or ACT scores recommended for scholarship consideration
Key insight: Applicants completing Level 109 at an ELS Language Center or EF Level 4 are exempt from submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score, which is an underused waiver route for Indian students who studied at ELS-affiliated pre-university programmes.
Southern Arkansas University Acceptance Rate 2027
Southern Arkansas University’s acceptance rate sits at 67% (estimated) based on the latest US News admissions data, marking it as a moderately open-admission regional public university. This figure is derived from federal admissions filings and third-party college databases, since the university does not publish an internal acceptance rate on its official pages.
For Indian applicants, a 67% admit rate translates to a favourable review environment when transcripts and English scores clear the published minimums. The rate has held stable in the 65-75% band for the past four admissions cycles.
Reality check: A moderately open acceptance rate does not soften the F-1 visa interview, which for Indian students at SAU has historically demanded a clear articulation of programme choice, funding proof for the full first year, and demonstrated ties to India.
Read More: Southern Arkansas University Acceptance Rate
SAU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for a graduate international student at Southern Arkansas University sits at $17,910 (~₹17.15 lakh), and for an undergraduate at $27,940 (~₹26.75 lakh), covering tuition, on-campus room and board, insurance, and books.
SAU Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition at Southern Arkansas University is billed per credit hour at the flat out-of-state international rate, with no separate hike for STEM or business programmes.
| Level | Annual tuition and fees (USD) | Annual tuition and fees (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $16,980 | 16.26 lakh |
| Graduate (Master’s) | $7,650 | 7.32 lakh |
| Doctoral | $9,600 | 9.19 lakh |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University official cost estimate]
Monthly Cost of Living in Magnolia for Indian Students
Living costs in Magnolia, a small college town in south-west Arkansas, are among the lowest in the US, and the university’s on-campus room-and-board estimate covers the bulk of monthly expenses for Indian students.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and meals (on-campus) | $642 | 61,472 |
| Health insurance | $163 | 15,607 |
| Books and supplies (UG) | $108 | 10,341 |
| Personal, transportation, mobile | $200 | 19,150 |
| Total monthly | $1,113 | 1.07 lakh |
| Total annual | $13,356 | 12.79 lakh |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University official cost estimate]
Insider note: Indian students who share an on-campus apartment with two roommates and skip the meal plan cut monthly costs by roughly $200, but the SAU international insurance premium of $1,960 per year is non-waivable and must be included in the affidavit-of-support figure.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Southern Arkansas University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Southern Arkansas University campus spans 1,418 acres in Magnolia, a residential college town roughly 3 hours drive from Little Rock and 4 hours from Dallas.
- Location and access: Compact walkable campus with a free shuttle to Magnolia town centre; the nearest airport is Shreveport (110 km)
- Housing: On-campus room and board at $7,700 per year (~₹7.37 lakh); housing is guaranteed for all international first-year students
- Signature facilities: The Story Arena, Muleriders athletics complex, Reynolds Center library, Blanchard Springs Observatory and 24-hour computing labs
- Indian community: An active Indian Students Association, a Diwali night and cricket tournaments through the campus recreation office; roughly 1% of the student body of 5,127 is international
What Indian students say: Magnolia is quiet compared with a big city, but the low cost of living and small class sizes make it easier to build relationships with professors and land on-campus assistantships. Grocery shopping means a monthly Walmart run, and the international office arranges shared-car rides to Little Rock and Dallas for South Asian groceries.
Southern Arkansas University Scholarships 2027
Southern Arkansas University runs a formal International Scholarships Program with five confirmed awards, all reserved for undergraduate international students and awarded automatically based on SAT or ACT scores; no separate application is required.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue and Gold Excellence | Initial merit (UG) | $7,000/year (~₹6.70 lakh) | SAT 1260+ or ACT 27+; F-1 freshmen | 15 April |
| SAU Success | Initial merit (UG) | $4,000/year (~₹3.83 lakh) | SAT 1160+ or ACT 24+; F-1 freshmen | 15 April |
| Scholastic Merit | Initial merit (UG) | $3,000/year (~₹2.87 lakh) | SAT 1060+ or ACT 21+; F-1 freshmen | 15 April |
| Achievement Award | Initial merit (UG) | $2,000/year (~₹1.92 lakh) | SAT 960+ or ACT 18+; F-1 freshmen | 15 April |
| Retention Scholarship | Continuing (UG) | $6,030/year (~₹5.77 lakh) | Current SAU students; 3.5+ GPA; 15+ credit hours | 6 January |
[Source: Southern Arkansas University International Scholarship Program]
Insider note: Every UG award is initial-Fall-only and requires the student to live on campus and take 15 credit hours per semester; Indian applicants who defer to Spring lose eligibility for the initial-award cycle and are limited to the smaller Retention Scholarship from year two.
Read More: Southern Arkansas University Scholarships Guide
Southern Arkansas University Rankings 2027
Southern Arkansas University’s strongest published position is #76 in US News Regional Universities South (2026 edition), with a stable band across the past three editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities South | 2026: #76 | 2025: #86 | 2024: #86 |
| US News Top Public Schools (South) | 2026: #38 | 2025: #42 | 2024: #42 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Not ranked in QS 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2025 | Not ranked in THE 2024 |
| ARWU Shanghai Ranking | Not ranked in ARWU 2025 | Not ranked in ARWU 2024 | Not ranked in ARWU 2023 |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, QS 2027, THE 2026, ARWU 2025]
Key insight: As per US News 2026, SAU’s Regional Universities South position matters for I-20 issuance because F-1 visa officers weight recognition from at least one recognised US body, and the US News regional list satisfies that check for Indian applicants even when the university is absent from global rankings.
Read More: Southern Arkansas University Rankings Analysis
Southern Arkansas University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
SAU does not publish a central campus placement report of the sort Indian applicants see at IITs or NITs, since US universities generally track outcomes at the college and programme level.
- Median PG starting salary (US market median): $58,000 (~₹55.53 lakh) for MBA graduates and $65,000 (~₹62.24 lakh) for MS Computer and Information Science graduates
- Top hiring sectors: Public accounting, regional banking, agri-business, K-12 education, healthcare IT, cyber security consulting
- OPT eligibility: All MS Computer and Information Science tracks qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving Indian graduates up to 36 months of US work authorisation
- Career services: The Career Services office runs mock interviews, an annual career fair with 60+ regional employers, and a Handshake portal for Indian students seeking on-campus assistantships and off-campus OPT roles
- Alumni network: SAU alumni hold roles at Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Windstream and several regional public school districts, with a growing Indian alumni cluster in Dallas and Houston
Insider note: Indian MBA and MS graduates from SAU cluster in Texas and Arkansas roles that value the STEM extension and a regionally recognised US master’s; recruitment is driven by direct application through Handshake rather than through campus placement drives.
Southern Arkansas University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below groups regional public US universities with comparable tuition, admit rate and Indian-student interest, providing a like-for-like comparison for cost, selectivity and post-study outcomes.
| University | US News Regional Rank 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Arkansas University | #76 South | $7,650 | 7.32 lakh | Lowest PG tuition in the peer set |
| Arkansas State University | #61 South | $9,540 | 9.13 lakh | Larger Indian cohort and cyber-security research centre |
| Southeast Missouri State University | #51 Midwest | $11,340 | 10.86 lakh | Broader MS Computer Science tracks and higher assistantship pool |
| Louisiana Tech University | #37 South | $12,912 | 12.36 lakh | Stronger engineering research and STEM placements |
| Henderson State University | #93 South | $8,340 | 7.99 lakh | Rural Arkansas peer with similar cost and lower admission bar |
| University of Central Arkansas | #42 South | $9,880 | 9.46 lakh | Larger campus and broader on-campus job market |
Southern Arkansas University stands out on tuition per credit hour, coming in $2,000-$5,000 per year below every peer while offering the same STEM-designated MS Computer and Information Science tracks. For Indian applicants prioritising cost-to-degree over campus scale, that gap converts to roughly ₹1.90-4.80 lakh saved per year of study.
Southern Arkansas University suits Indian applicants who want a low-cost US master’s with a STEM-OPT pathway. The full first-year investment of about ₹17.15 lakh for graduates against a US median starting salary near ₹55.53 lakh delivers a favourable payback window, and the flat international tuition sheet plus WES-based admission make the process predictable for a first-time US study in USA applicant.
SAU is not for candidates who need a top-100 world rank on their offer letter, a large Indian community from day one, or a big-city internship market within cycling distance. Applicants in that bracket should shortlist the University of Texas at Arlington or Louisiana Tech alongside SAU.
Southern Arkansas University FAQs
Ques. What English tests does Southern Arkansas University accept beyond IELTS and TOEFL?
Ans. Southern Arkansas University accepts PTE Academic (43 for UG, 51 for PG), Duolingo English Test (90 for UG, 100 for PG), Level 109 or 112 at an ELS Language Center, and EF Level 4 or 5. Indian applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English at a recognised Indian university can request a formal waiver by emailing the international office with a medium-of-instruction certificate.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at SAU?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Southern Arkansas University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term and 40 hours per week during Fall, Spring and Summer breaks. Common on-campus roles include library assistant, dining services, research assistantships and IT helpdesk, paying $8 to $12 per hour. Off-campus CPT is available after two academic semesters through the International Office.
Ques. Does Southern Arkansas University require the GRE or GMAT for master’s programmes?
Ans. SAU’s MBA, MS Computer and Information Science, MS Agriculture and M.Ed. programmes waive the GRE and GMAT for international applicants who submit a bachelor’s transcript with a WES course-by-course evaluation showing a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants below that threshold may need to submit a GRE score above 290 for STEM tracks or a GMAT above 500 for the MBA, and this is decided case by case.
Ques. How much financial proof does SAU require for the I-20 form?
Ans. Southern Arkansas University issues the I-20 only after the applicant submits a bank statement or affidavit of support covering at least $22,500 (~₹21.54 lakh) for the first academic year, including tuition, fees, room, board and insurance. The statement must be dated within the past six months and issued by a bank in the sponsor’s name; postal fixed-deposit receipts and mutual-fund statements are not accepted as sole proof.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Southern Arkansas University?
Ans. SAU is on the approved list for HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, InCred, Prodigy Finance and MPOWER Financing, and is also eligible for SBI Global Ed-Vantage and Bank of Baroda’s overseas education loan. Public-sector banks typically require I-20 issuance before disbursement, while non-banking lenders such as MPOWER can pre-approve based on the offer letter alone and disburse in tranches aligned to each semester’s tuition bill.
Ques. Is the SAU application fee refundable or waivable for Indian applicants?
Ans. The $90 application fee at Southern Arkansas University is non-refundable and payable through the online portal by international debit or credit card. SAU does not offer a blanket fee waiver for Indian applicants, but participants at official EducationUSA advising sessions in India and select recruitment fairs receive a promotional waiver code that eliminates the fee for a limited window each Fall and Spring recruitment cycle.
Ques. What transcript verification steps does SAU require from Indian universities?
Ans. Indian bachelor’s transcripts must be sent from the issuing university in a sealed envelope directly to World Education Services (WES), International Education Evaluations (IEE) or Educational Perspective for a course-by-course evaluation with GPA. Apostille attestation from the Ministry of External Affairs is not mandatory but strengthens the file. The evaluation report is delivered electronically to the SAU international office and typically takes 20 to 30 working days from receipt.
Ques. Can dependents on an F-2 visa study or work while at Southern Arkansas University?
Ans. F-2 dependent spouses of Southern Arkansas University students cannot work in the US under any circumstances and can only enrol in part-time recreational or vocational study. F-2 dependent children below 21 can attend K-12 public school in Magnolia at no cost. Dependents accompanying the primary applicant must be added to the affidavit-of-support figure with an additional $5,000 to $7,000 per year of proof.
Southern Arkansas University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 8,010 /Yr | 90 | 60-69%, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 100, PTE 51 | - | ||
M.B.A 2 years | USD 7,740 /Yr | 90 | 70-75%, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 100, PTE 51 | ||
| USD 7,000 /Yr | - | Duolingo-100 | - | ||
| USD 7,740 /Yr | 90 | 60-69%, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 100, PTE 51 | - | ||
| USD 7,000 /Yr | - | Duolingo-100 | - | ||
| USD 8,772 /Yr | 90 | 60-69%, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 100, PTE 51 | - | ||
M.B.A Agri-Business 2 years | USD 7,000 /Yr | - | Duolingo-100 | - | |
M.S Agriculture 2 years | USD 8,514 /Yr | 90 | 60-69%, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 100, PTE 51 | - | |
| USD 7,000 /Yr | - | - | - | ||
| USD 7,000 /Yr | - | - | - |
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Southern Arkansas University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Southern Arkansas University Admissions
Application Portal: https://web.saumag.edu/admissions/apply/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Southern Arkansas University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Southern Arkansas University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3607 | 2183 | 1424 | 70 |
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South Arkansas University accepts applications for graduate admissions in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. The application deadlines for the Fall, Spring and Summer intakes are August 1, December 1 and May 1 respectively.
South Arkansas University offers Master of Science in Computer and Information Science with two specializations Data Science and Cyber Security & Privacy. Since you have not completed your bachelor’s degree with Computer Science you will required to complete to MCIS5023 and MCIS5033 as prerequisites.