Southern University and A & M College is a public historically Black land-grant university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in 1880, it serves as the flagship institution of the Southern University System. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across disciplines including agriculture, engineering, business, education, nursing, and the sciences. As a land-grant institution designated under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, Southern University and A & M College has a longstanding mission of expanding access to higher education. It attracts students seeking a comprehensive academic experience rooted in public service, research, and community engagement, particularly within Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast region.
With a 35.12% acceptance rate, Southern University and A & M College is selective. Admitted students usually have strong academic records, competitive test scores, and consistent involvement in extracurricular activities. While admission is competitive, applicants who demonstrate solid academic preparation and clear interests have a realistic chance of admission.
Southern University and A & M College was founded in 1880 in New Orleans as Southern University for Colored Students, created to provide higher education opportunities for African Americans in Louisiana during the post-Reconstruction era. In 1891, it was designated a land-grant institution under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Legislative Act 118 of 1912 authorized the closure of the original campus and the relocation of Southern University and A & M College to Scotlandville, now part of Baton Rouge, with the move completed in 1914. Under President Joseph Samuel Clark and later Felton Grandison Clark, the university expanded its academic programs and campus infrastructure. Over the twentieth century, Southern University and A & M College grew into the flagship of the Southern University System, adding graduate and professional programs while maintaining its historic mission of access and public service.
Southern University and A & M College has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning classes may be larger, especially in introductory courses. While lecture-based learning may be more common, students still have opportunities to connect with professors through office hours, discussion sections, and academic advising.
Applying to Southern University and A & M College involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, and required test scores or supporting materials based on program guidelines. As a public land-grant institution in Baton Rouge, Southern University and A & M College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, so applicants should review specific admission criteria for their intended major.
Southern University and A & M College provides access to federal and state financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans. As a public university, it participates in Pell Grant and other need-based aid programs designed to support affordability for Louisiana residents and out-of-state students alike.
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