
6400 SUNO Knights Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA


Southern University at New Orleans maintains an active athletics program that competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) within the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The institution's sports teams, known as the Knights, participate in a range of men's and women's sports, including basketball, baseball, and softball. This involvement provides students with opportunities to compete at the collegiate level while fostering teamwork and school spirit.
Southern University at New Orleans hosts a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among the groups available are the Student Government Association, First 50 Knights, Psychology Club, and Communication Club. These organizations provide students opportunities for leadership, community engagement, and academic enrichment.
Southern University at New Orleans hosts a student body with a strong representation of in-state students, making up 81% of the enrollment-a figure that ranks in the top 30% nationally. Out-of-state students constitute a smaller portion, around 16%, which is comparatively lower and places the university in the bottom 35% for this measure. The campus population is predominantly composed of U. S. students, accounting for 97%, a rate that is above average and ranks in the top 35%.
The university sees a moderate number of international students from about three foreign countries, positioning it near the median in terms of global diversity. A very small percentage of students fall under categories that are either unknown or unreported.
New enrollees tend to be on the smaller side at Southern University at New Orleans, with 154 freshmen enrolled, which is considered low and places them in the bottom 30% compared to other institutions. Transfer students number slightly higher at 165, situating this subgroup in the bottom 45%. Overall, total new student enrollment remains modest, falling within the bottom 35% nationally.
The age distribution of students reflects a mix of traditional and non-traditional learners. Most undergraduates are below 20 years old, but there is significant representation across older age groups as well, including large numbers in their mid-20s through late 40s. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority between ages 22 and 64, highlighting the university's appeal to adult learners pursuing advanced degrees.
Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, African American students constitute the overwhelming majority, with a count of 1,013, placing Southern University at New Orleans well above many institutions nationally for this demographic. Hispanic students, numbering 25, and those identifying as White, also 25, are present but in much smaller proportions, both rankings near the lower third nationally. Other racial groups such as Native American and students of two or more races appear at modest levels, each falling below the midpoint compared to peer institutions. Data for Asian and Pacific Islander students is not available.
Student life at Southern University at New Orleans offers a modest campus environment with limited extracurricular activities. The university does not have a campus newspaper, drama club, radio station, band, chorus, or television outlet, which may affect the variety of student-run media and performing arts opportunities available.
Health support services are in place, including access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, which provide essential wellness resources for students. However, facilities such as legal services and a women's center are not available on campus.
The student body totals approximately 2,059 students, with full-time degree-seeking students numbering 151, indicating a relatively small community. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 13 to 1, suggesting fairly accessible interaction with instructors.
International presence is limited, with students from about 10 countries enrolled, representing a smaller level of cultural diversity compared to many universities. Overall, Southern University at New Orleans provides a quieter campus experience with fundamental support services but fewer opportunities for extracurricular involvement and cultural activities.
Students at Southern University at New Orleans have access to the Leonard Washington Library, the institution's sole library facility. This library provides both physical and digital resources, ensuring a range of study materials are available. The library is staffed by trained personnel and maintains established hours to support student needs. Additionally, students benefit from access to shared collections, expanding the scope of resources beyond those housed directly at the Leonard Washington Library.
Total enrollment
2059Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
151Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
245 full time, 51 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Leonard Washington 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