- Southern Arkansas University Tech, a comprehensive two-year college of the Southern Arkansas University system. SAU Tech offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs designed for students who plan to enter the workforce, transfer to a university, or upgrade their skills in a specific area. Classes are conveniently scheduled and many of the courses are offered via the Internet, allowing even more flexibility in scheduling.
School Highlights
Southern Arkansas University Tech serves 1,437 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 39%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,437 students
- In-state tuition: $4,677
- Out-state tuition: $6,117
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 44%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Southern Arkansas University Tech ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 123 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Southern Arkansas University Tech
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
123 staff
165 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southern Arkansas University Tech has grown by 30% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 6:1 over five years.
The Southern Arkansas University Tech diversity score of 0.57 is less than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has declined by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,437 students
1,653 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
544 students
595 students
# Part-Time Students
893 students
1,058 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
143 students
194 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
544 students
595 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
893 students
1,055 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
38 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
160 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
6%
11%
% Black
33%
18%
% White
56%
61%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.58
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
63%
36%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
31%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,300
$28,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,677 is more than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,117 is more than the state average of $4,750. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,677
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,117
$4,750
Tuition Notes
Variable based on program - see the SAU Tech website for details
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
94%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,500
$9,596
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$5,300
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
SAT Reading
n/a
540
SAT Math
n/a
520
SAT Writing
n/a
515
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Rocket
- Southern Arkansas University Tech is a two-year college specializing in technical training and offers the first two years of a university transfer program. In addition to offering traditional classroom courses, SAU Tech offers a number of internet courses. The college has a large enrollment in its high school dual credit program. The college also operates the SAU Tech Career Academy, the Ouachita & Calhoun County Adult Education Centers, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and the Arkansas Environmental Academy. Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden was created on April 5, 1967, as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the General Assembly of Arkansas. The purpose of the institute was to provide a technically trained workforce for the growing Highland Industrial Park where it was located. Seventy acres of land and six buildings were donated by the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas which had purchased the Schumacher Naval Ammunition Depot for use as Highland Industrial Park. SAU Tech operates the Arkansas Fire Training Academy providing training to firefighters throughout the state as well as the Arkansas Environmental Academy, which also has a statewide mission of training individuals in the fields of wastewater and solid waste issues. The SAU Tech Career Academy provides a variety of career-technical education programs to high school students in our area and operates in conjunction with our high school concurrent credit programs. SAU Tech provides adult basic education and GED preparation through Ouachita & Calhoun County's Adult Education Center. Our Business and Industry Training Department provides customized training for the area companies. Southern Arkansas University Tech is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southern Arkansas University Tech cost?
Southern Arkansas University Tech's tuition is approximately $4,677 for In-State students and $6,117 for Out-State students.
What is Southern Arkansas University Tech's ranking?
Southern Arkansas University Tech ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arkansas for: Highest completion rates and Least debt for graduating students.
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