
100 E. University, Magnolia, AR 72032, USA


Southern Arkansas University boasts a variety of athletic programs that participate in NCAA Division II competitions. The university supports both men's and women's sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, golf, tennis, and track and field. These programs provide students with opportunities to compete at a collegiate level while balancing their academic commitments.
The athletics department emphasizes student-athlete development, fostering skills both on the field and in the classroom. The facilities available on campus include dedicated stadiums, gymnasiums, and training centers designed to enhance athletic performance and support team activities. Student-athletes benefit from coaching staff experienced in guiding teams through competitive seasons and tournaments.
Participation in athletics at Southern Arkansas University also encourages community involvement and school spirit, offering a vibrant campus experience. The programs strive to cultivate teamwork, leadership, and discipline among participants, aligning with the institution's broader educational mission.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and promote campus involvement. Among the active groups are the Student Government Association, which provides a platform for student representation and leadership; the Student Activities Board, tasked with organizing events and fostering community engagement; and the Resident Hall Association, focusing on the interests and welfare of students living on campus.
Additionally, the Residential College offers a unique living-learning environment that encourages academic and social interaction among residents. For international students, the International Student Association serves as a resource and community hub, facilitating cultural exchange and support. These groups contribute to a vibrant campus life, supporting over half of the student body-comprising approximately 1082 men and 1519 women-in building connections and enhancing their university experience.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus enrolls a diverse student body with various backgrounds and academic levels, offering a snapshot that can help prospective students understand the campus community.
The university maintains a moderately balanced mix between in-state and out-of-state students. About 69% of the student population is from within Arkansas, placing the institution in the higher half nationally in terms of local enrollment. Meanwhile, approximately 31% of students come from other states, a proportion that also ranks above average nationally. However, the representation of foreign students is very limited, with no international students currently enrolled, reflecting a lower global diversity.
Enrollment numbers for new students show moderate intake levels. Each year, roughly 797 freshmen join the university, which is typical for institutions of similar size and falls in the bottom half nationally for incoming class size. Additionally, transfer students make up a smaller but significant part, numbering around 199 annually. Overall, total new student enrollment hovers near 1,000, again reflecting a moderate scale compared to other universities.
Age distribution highlights a primarily traditional college-age population, especially among undergraduates. The largest cohorts are students aged 18 to 19 (1,316 individuals) and 20 to 21 (936 students). There are also noteworthy numbers of slightly older students ranging from ages 22 to 29, while mature students aged 30 and above represent a smaller segment. At the graduate level, the age range shifts older, with significant groups of students between 22 and 49 years old, suggesting active participation by mid-career learners.
Ethnic diversity at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus shows a predominance of white students, comprising 1,716 individuals, which places the university in the lower half nationally for this demographic share. African American students number 620, reflecting an average representation compared to similar institutions. Hispanic students account for 157, while smaller numbers include Native American (19) and Asian students (16). Those identifying with two or more races total 143. These figures suggest the university has an ethnically varied, but modestly balanced, student population.
Student life at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus offers a blend of cultural and support services that contribute to a well-rounded campus experience. The university fosters artistic expression through various programs including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a band, and a chorus. Although there is no campus radio or television station, students have multiple avenues for creative involvement.
Comprehensive health and wellness resources are available with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services. Veterans are supported through a dedicated Veterans Affairs office, ensuring their needs are addressed within the campus community. However, some support services such as legal assistance and a women's center are not currently offered.
The campus itself spans a significant 1,390 acres, providing ample space for academic, social, and extracurricular activities. While the student population size is average with about 4,700 enrolled, the student-faculty ratio is relatively favorable at 17: 1, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus offers access to a single primary library, the Magale Library, which serves as the main resource center for students. The university's library resources fall within the lower range compared to other institutions, with a total of one library facility ranked in the bottom 40% nationally. There are no additional libraries available on campus, indicating limited physical access points for study or research outside of the main location.
The Magale Library houses approximately 139,170 books, placing it near the bottom 45% in terms of physical collection size. Subscriptions to academic journals and periodicals total 471, also ranking in the lower 40% percentile bracket, while digital subscriptions number 51,931, situating the university closer to the bottom 45% for electronic academic resource availability. The e-book collection includes 275,339 titles, placing it in the bottom 35% for digital book offerings among peer institutions.
Database access is comparatively stronger, with 191 databases available to students, ranking near the median in the bottom 50% nationally. The library operates with established hours totaling 87 service hours weekly, though it does not provide all-day or 24-hour access. Physical study facilities are available; however, there are no designated study rooms for group or quiet study settings. Access to shared collection resources beyond the university is supported, and library staff receive training to assist students with research needs. The institution also offers digital access to library materials, ensuring resource availability beyond physical presence on campus.
Total enrollment
4732Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
705Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
158 full time, 154 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Magale LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes