Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Baton Rouge, Louisiana 49.9% Acceptance Rate

Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.subr.edu/

Southern University and A & M College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

49.9%Acceptance Rate
3.1Avg GPA
938Avg SAT
17Avg ACT
$26,076Annual Cost
$43,371Grad Salary
64.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
Avg GPA
3.1
Avg SAT
938
Avg ACT
17
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
798–1000
ACT Middle 50%
15–19
Avg Net Price
$19,740
Need-Based Aid
64.6% receive Pell

Southern University and A & M College Southern University and A&M College, founded in 1880 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the flagship institution of the Southern University System and a premier historically black land-grant university. The 512-acre campus offers comprehensive programs with particular strengths in engineering, nursing, and criminal justice. Southern maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and is classified as an R2 research university. Campus landmarks include the Smith-Brown Memorial Union and the new Engineering Building. The university's athletic teams, the Jaguars, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Southern takes pride in its land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service to the African-American community. The campus serves as an important cultural and educational resource for Louisiana. Recent additions include the new Honors College building and upgraded STEM facilities. Southern's combination of academic programs, HBCU heritage, and research impact makes it a vital institution in Louisiana's higher education landscape.

Southern University and A & M College Acceptance Rate

Southern University and A & M College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Southern University and A & M College is 49.9%. This means that 50 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Southern University and A & M College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 49.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.10 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.90 – 3.09
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.65
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Southern University Baton Rouge GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Southern University Baton Rouge is 3.1. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.30-3.50 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 2.80 and 3.1, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Southern University Baton Rouge GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at Southern University Baton Rouge utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.1, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.10 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.90 – 3.09
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.70 – 2.89
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.69
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Southern University Baton Rouge, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Southern University Baton Rouge

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Southern University and A & M College's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Southern University Baton Rouge Without SAT or ACT?

Southern University and A & M College requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.

Southern University and A & M College Average SAT Score: 938

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern University and A & M College is 938 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Southern University and A & M College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 938 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 938 on the SAT.

SAT Math
435
SAT Reading
464
Composite
938
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1000 SAT or 19 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern University and A & M College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 798, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Southern University Baton Rouge. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Southern University and A & M College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math435380490
SAT Reading464418510
SAT Composite9387981000

It means that if you have scored less than 798 then you are below most of the admitted students at Southern University Baton Rouge and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1000 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950

Can I get into Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) with a 1000 SAT?

With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) are good but the admission staff at Southern University Baton Rouge tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Southern University Baton Rouge is 17.

ACT Competitiveness

Southern University and A & M College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 17 — Accessible

This score makes Southern University and A & M College an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 17 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Southern University and A & M College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math161517
ACT English171320
ACT Composite171519

Can I get into Southern University and A & M College with a 19 ACT?

A 19 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Southern University and A & M College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Southern University and A & M College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Southern University and A & M College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Southern University and A & M College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 19 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 17

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Southern University Baton Rouge

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At Southern University Baton Rouge, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

Southern University Baton Rouge Profile

Full Name
Southern University and A & M College (Southern University Baton Rouge)
City
Baton Rouge
State
Louisiana
ZIP Code
70813
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Southern University Baton Rouge Degree Worth It?

Getting into Southern University Baton Rouge can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Southern University Baton Rouge offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Southern University Baton Rouge is $45,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.81%.

How much does a degree from Southern University Baton Rouge Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Southern University and A & M College is $26,076. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern University and A & M College is $19,740.

64.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 70.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Southern University Baton Rouge and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Southern University and A & M College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Southern University Baton Rouge as your choice in the form.

How much does a Southern University Baton Rouge Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,371. An average Southern University Baton Rouge graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$26,076Annual Cost
$19,740Net Price
64.6%Pell Grant
70.1%Federal Loan
$43,371Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern University and A & M College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 916 16
Bethune-Cookman University Daytona Beach, FL 913 17
Trinity College of Florida Trinity, FL 905 19
Wesleyan College Macon, GA 905 NA
Morningside University Sioux City, IA 910 17
Kentucky State University Frankfort, KY 910 17
Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, LA 910 16
Maine College of Health Professions Lewiston, ME 910 NA
Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, MD 920 NA
Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, MS 910 16
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern University and A & M College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Johnson University Florida Kissimmee, FL 940 NA
Warner University Lake Wales, FL 937 17
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA 929 18
Bowie State University Bowie, MD 935 NA
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern University and A & M College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR 1018 19

Degree Programs at Southern University Baton Rouge

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Southern University and A & M College →

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern University Baton Rouge Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,371 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26,076 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

64.6% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.

The acceptance rate of Southern University and A & M College is 49.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.1. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.8, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.8, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.7 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.1, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Southern University and A & M College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 938 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 798–1000.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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