Southern Arkansas University became the fastest growing university in Arkansas in fall 2015. The campus is abuzz with energy and life, and the student-centered atmosphere is felt by first-time visitors and soon-to-be graduates.
SAU is also the most affordable university in Arkansas and has the highest return on investment, according to the U.S. Department of Education. SAU was even named the sixth most affordable in the U.S. by bestvalueschools.com.
Another reason SAU's popularity has skyrocketed is that SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of the ever-changing job market. The latest program additions include an exciting new cybersecurity computer science program, which will prepare students for fulfilling tech careers.
Also off to a singing start is Arkansas' most affordable complete Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music theatre, for which the curtains opened fall 2015. SAU BFA students gain 70 to 80 hands-on hours specific to their field of study.
In fall 2014, SAU established the only Arkansas engineering program south of Little Rock. This program was built on strong support from regional industry, meaning incoming SAU engineering students will not only gain valuable internship opportunities, but will also have high-paying jobs waiting for them upon graduation. These exciting programs follow SAU's induction in fall 2013 of the Computer Game and Animation Design program-the first and most affordable complete degree program of its kind in Arkansas. The Rankin College of Business has added Entrepreneurship and the valuable Supply Chain Management programs.
Even as new programs are added, SAU maintains a quality 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio that allows students to get personalized attention and keeps them from feeling like just another face in the crowd.
In adapting to the busy lives of those who have already achieved bachelor's degrees, the School of Graduate Studies at SAU shapes advanced course work to improve opportunities and further careers.
Many SAU master's degrees-such as the popular Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degrees-can be completed entirely online or can be custom fit with a combination of in-class experience and online convenience.
Through the Residential Interest Group program, SAU even offers students the unique experience of living with others who share similar interests. Because of the record enrollments, including campus living, SAU is currently constructing two new residence halls at the north entrance to campus. The two new residence halls will house 264 students on a scenic hillside opposite the new track facility. Just up the walking path is the new softball complex. Still feeling new to campus are the state-of-the-art Agriculture Center and Story Rodeo Arena.
These new buildings, along with the Mulerider Activity Center, add to the repertoire of new facilities that enhance the Magnolia campus. These include the 60,000-square-foot SAU Science Center, the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center, baseball's Walker Stadium, Mulerider Athletics' Ribble Weight Training Center, and the expansion of the Wharton Nursing Building.
The Bruce Center is home to Chick-fil-A, Subway and Grille Works, as well as a room equipped with computers, wide-screen TVs and lounging areas. The academic heart of any university is its library. Magale Library provides access to more than 152,000 books, 75 databases, more than 12,000 full-text publications and cozy, quiet study rooms and comfortable seating areas.
Entertainment flavors the campus experience throughout the year as SAU offers professional entertainment, concerts, plays, movies, lectures, workshops and intramural sports to round out the complete college experience.
For die-hard sports fans and athletes, SAU is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and part of the Great American Conference. Men's teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, football and golf. Women's teams compete in volleyball, basketball, cross country, softball and golf.
The Office of Financial Aid is able to assist most students in finding financial assistance for their education. SAU also offers a number of scholarship opportunities. Now is the time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The deadline for financial aid priority filing is June 1.