Southern University combines exceptional educational access with strong mobility outcomes, generating $7,224 in earnings beyond expectations for graduates. As an Under-Resourced Institution, the university demonstrates effectiveness in serving first-generation and transfer students while requiring additional support to address affordability challenges.
With above average tier designation, driven by consistent earnings beyond expectations relative to student demographics
With modestly below average performance, reflecting higher debt levels that create financial challenges for graduates
Nationally with a tier designation of exceptional, reflecting the institution's role as a gateway to higher education for underserved populations
With strong tier performance, indicating effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Exceptional access with mobility outcomes
Southern University and A & M College leads with exceptional access performance, ranking at the 98.4th percentile nationally for educational opportunity. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this medium-sized public historically black university serves diverse student populations with 39.7% first-generation students and high transfer enrollment.
The institution generates $7,224 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 80.3rd percentile nationally for uplifting student outcomes relative to backgrounds and program mix. Median earnings reach $43,371 ten years after enrollment, representing substantial growth from $33,033 at six years.
As an Under-Resourced Institution, Southern University demonstrates strong mobility outcomes at the 87.8th percentile while facing affordability challenges that require additional institutional support. The combination of exceptional access with well above average mobility performance positions Southern University as an important pathway for economic advancement, particularly for students who might otherwise lack access to higher education.
Southern University delivers strong earnings uplift relative to student demographics and educational context. Graduates earn $7,224 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking in the 80.3rd percentile for this measure of institutional effectiveness.
This earnings beyond expectations performance places the institution in the strong tier, demonstrating consistent ability to enhance student outcomes. Median earnings of $43,371 represent 31.3% growth from the six-year mark, indicating steady post-graduation advancement.
Students seeking strong earnings beyond expectations in health professions, particularly nursing and social services. Well-suited for first-generation students (39.7%) and transfer students (15.5%) who need exceptional access to higher education.
Southern University's Under-Resourced Institutions designation reflects the need for additional support despite strong mobility outcomes.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Southern University And A & M College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/southern-university-and-a-m-college/analysis.
Mechanical Engineering.
18 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
102 graduates
English Language and Literature, General.
7 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
8 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
32 graduates
Southern University offers 7 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, reflecting focused program offerings in health professions and social services. Adult Health Nursing represents the institution's flagship program, graduating 102 students annually with median earnings of $65,490.
This program accounts for 27.7% of graduates and demonstrates the institution's strength in preparing healthcare professionals. Corrections Administration graduates 68 students with median earnings of $34,246, while Psychology serves 50 graduates earning $33,765.
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology produces 47 graduates with earnings of $25,281, and Animal-Assisted Therapy serves 46 graduates earning $35,528. Forensic Social Work, with 34 graduates earning $38,183, represents a specialized field with strong outcomes.
Family and Consumer Sciences rounds out the program portfolio with 21 graduates earning $34,456. All tracked programs are designated as top majors at the school, indicating concentrated strength in these focused areas of study.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Southern University maintains relatively affordable sticker prices with in-state tuition of $9,940 and out-of-state tuition of $17,198, positioning costs well below many peer institutions. The average net price of $19,740 represents a moderate discount from published prices, though this exceeds the peer median net price of $12,905 by $6,835.
Net pricing varies significantly by family income, ranging from $18,473 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,940 for families earning over $110,000. This $5,467 gap between lowest and highest income tiers indicates moderate price discrimination in favor of lower-income families.
However, the overall net price structure remains above peer medians across income levels, reflecting the institution's resource constraints as an Under-Resourced Institution. The combination of accessible sticker prices with higher-than-peer net costs creates affordability challenges that require careful financial planning and aggressive pursuit of federal and state financial aid opportunities.
Southern University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $33,033 six years after enrollment to $38,628 at eight years and $43,371 at ten years. This represents 31.3% growth from the six-year mark, indicating steady career advancement for graduates.
These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 1,944 graduates at ten years, 1,631 at eight years, and 1,840 at six years, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $7,224 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 80.3rd percentile nationally for outcome uplift relative to student demographics.
Earnings range from $24,178 at the 25th percentile to $63,976 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.6:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles. Low-income graduates earn $37,500, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in serving students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Approximately 27.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The consistent upward trajectory suggests graduates benefit from strong career preparation despite resource challenges.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Louisiana State University-Alexandria Higher acceptance rate (42.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 86 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 93% | $42,205 | Compare |
Louisiana State University-Alexandria Higher acceptance rate (42.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 86 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 93% | $42,205 | Compare |
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette Higher acceptance rate (39 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 54 miles away; similar graduate earnings | LA | 89% | $47,089 | Compare |
Arkansas State University Higher acceptance rate (19.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | AR | 70% | $42,617 | Compare |
Arkansas State University Higher acceptance rate (19.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | AR | 70% | $42,617 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
William & Mary Similar quality tier (#224 ranked) | VA | 33% | $73,490 | #224 | Compare |
Eastern Kentucky University Similar quality tier (#226 ranked) | KY | 78% | $45,795 | #226 | Compare |
Central Washington University Similar quality tier (#228 ranked) | WA | 90% | $61,580 | #228 | Compare |
Central Connecticut State University Similar quality tier (#223 ranked) | CT | 76% | $58,562 | #223 | Compare |
University Of West Florida Similar quality tier (#230 ranked) | FL | 57% | $49,137 | #230 | Compare |