Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution in Magnolia, Arkansas with 2,865 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $9,820 compared with a Arkansas nursing-school average of $8,926. The school reports a graduation rate of 46.5%, median earnings of $42,386, and median federal debt of $18,750.
$9,820 is higher than the state average of $8,926.
46.5% is lower than the state average of 47.7%.
$42,386 is higher than the state average of $37,374.
About Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
| Location | Magnolia, Arkansas |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.saumag.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $9,820 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $15,400 |
| Total Enrollment | 2,865 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66.6% |
| Graduation Rate | 46.5% |
| Retention Rate | 69.1% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $42,386 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $198 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 44.6% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 66.7% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
44.6% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 66.7% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $39,280, while the reported median debt is $18,750 with an estimated monthly payment of $198. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (62.3%), followed by Black students (23.1%) and Hispanic students (5.7%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($42,386) divided by median debt ($18,750)