Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges New Orleans, Louisiana 60.2% Acceptance Rate

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 New Orleans, Louisiana 70126 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.suno.edu/

Southern University at New Orleans — Admission Snapshot 2026

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

60.2%Acceptance Rate
2.4Avg GPA
910Avg SAT
16Avg ACT
$20,893Annual Cost
$34,042Grad Salary
44.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
60.2%
Avg GPA
2.4
Avg SAT
910
Avg ACT
16
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
870–940
ACT Middle 50%
14–18
Avg Net Price
$15,260
Need-Based Aid
44.6% receive Pell

Southern University at New Orleans Acceptance Rate

Southern University at New Orleans is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Southern University at New Orleans is 60.2%. This means that 60 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
  • Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective
Southern University at New Orleans Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 60.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.40 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.20 – 2.39
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 1.95
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.

SUNO GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at SUNO is 2.4. Admission is less selective based on GPA.

Most admitted students have a mix of B's and C's. A strong SAT or ACT score will improve your chances.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 2.60-2.80 for this same academic profile.

Check Your Admission Chances at SUNO

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Southern University at New Orleans'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 at New Orleans (SUNO) 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 SUNO Without SAT or ACT?

Southern University at New Orleans considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Southern University at New Orleans Average SAT Score: 910

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern University at New Orleans is 910 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Southern University at New Orleans SAT Competitiveness
SAT 910 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 910 on the SAT.

Composite
910
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (940 SAT or 18 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern University at New Orleans allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 870, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SUNO. 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 at New Orleans
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite910870940

It means that if you have scored less than 870 then you are below most of the admitted students at SUNO and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 940 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 900

Can I get into Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) with a 950 SAT?

With a 950 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) are good but the admission staff at SUNO 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 at New Orleans (SUNO) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at SUNO is 16.

ACT Competitiveness

Southern University at New Orleans ACT Competitiveness
ACT 16 — Accessible

This score makes Southern University at New Orleans an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 16 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Southern University at New Orleans
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math161417
ACT English151218
ACT Composite161418

Can I get into Southern University at New Orleans with a 18 ACT?

A 18 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Southern University at New Orleans — 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 at New Orleans 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 at New Orleans — 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 at New Orleans 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 18 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 16

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SUNO

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

SUNO is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at SUNO to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

SUNO Profile

Full Name
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)
City
New Orleans
State
Louisiana
ZIP Code
70126
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a SUNO Degree Worth It?

Getting into SUNO 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. SUNO 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 SUNO is $43,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.06%.

How much does a degree from SUNO Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Southern University at New Orleans is $20,893. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern University at New Orleans is $15,260.

44.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 37.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SUNO and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Southern University at New Orleans, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SUNO as your choice in the form.

How much does a SUNO Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $34,042. An average SUNO 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.

$20,893Annual Cost
$15,260Net Price
44.6%Pell Grant
37.8%Federal Loan
$34,042Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern University at New Orleans. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, GA 864 18
Bennett College Greensboro, NC 890 NA
Virginia Union University Richmond, VA 860 NA
Chamberlain University-Illinois Addison, IL 868 16
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern University at New Orleans. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

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
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern University at New Orleans. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Delaware State University Dover, DE 984 24

Degree Programs at SUNO

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Southern University at New Orleans →

Frequently Asked Questions About SUNO Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $34,042 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20,893 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

44.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of Southern University at New Orleans is 60.2% 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 2.4. 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 2.1, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.1, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2 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 2.4, 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 at New Orleans is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 910 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 870–940.

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

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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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