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Southern Arkansas University Reviews

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Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Southern Arkansas University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Southern Arkansas University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Southern Arkansas University reviews, or contribute your own Southern Arkansas University review if you're a current student there.

  • 3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Resentful Mulerider

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The science department has been wonderful and challenging, especially the higher level chemistry. The professors, for the most part, are really warm and just beg you to let them help you succeed. The labs are wonderful for reinforcing the lectures. Of course if you are majoring under this department, expect to WORK. While the rest of the campus could probably get by just breathing (just needing a 2.75), which a vegetable could accomplish in other departments, this won't be the case with these more difficult degrees. These guys are great for the stubbornly over driven, academically oriented student. The brand new building is beautiful, conducive to learning, and designed to be enviro-friendly; truly the pride of the campus!
    The Ag folks are all extremely nice and down to earth. This department also holds students to a high standard if you're working on an Ag Sci degree. (Falling in line 2nd to the previously discussed department.) The other Ag degrees are not quite as hard, but they are still challenging. There's plenty of opportunity for hands on with their ENORMOUS farm and work study in this department seems to create a very satisfied student.
    Like most universities I've seen, this poor department is last on the list for building funds. It's really rundown and the second floor is only accessible by stairs. Handicapped-forgettable! The computers are pathetically slow, if they work at all, and temp-wise you WILL be uncomfortable since they can't manage to make the heat or air work properly or even at all most of the time. Not the greatest learning environment.
    The Language and Liberal Arts portion of the school leaves much to be desired. Though you will find a few (a very few) professors enjoying their job while doing a good job, most of them in these departments are rude and couldn't care less about you and what you're doing. With some, it takes an act of congress just to get them to tell you what they actually want from you on assignments...no topic given, but whatever you do, it won't be on subject and won't be right. The buildings are mostly older, but some have gone through some renovations, so it's still better than the Ag building.
    I have to warn about this for Lang and Lib Arts. It doesn't matter what grade you actually make. In literature for instance, A's are just not awarded even if earned point wise. At least that's what the professor told me when I complained about my final grade being bumped down over 10 points. Apparently that's what he told the others with the same problem for the last several semesters.
    Beware, you won't learn much, the textbooks are useless unless you personally enjoy the reading, and these people will KILL your GPA. Don't even think about trying to fight this one. The further up the chain you go, the more back side they cover on the way down. Fortunately, I've managed to stay in the 3.75 range, but it would be 4.0 if A's were actually allowed!
    I'm not under the Nursing department, however these students say this is the most god-awful experience of their lives! There's got to be something to it; there are pending lawsuits right now against that department from senior nursing students. The students say it's hard to learn and grasp new concepts because some of the instructors are terrible teachers and will not help or further explain whatsoever.
    The library is awesome! There are plenty of resources available including PCs galore, rentable laptops, study rooms to reserve with televisions and marker boards, a writing center, etc. This place is packed with students on every floor every time you go.
    Yes, I'm learning a great deal, but I'm fortunate to be under the better departments. Most of my gen-ed was finished before I came, but the few I had to drag myself through were enough to turn anybody away. To be fair in this review, all the pros and cons need to come out. There wouldn't even be three stars here if it weren't for the Science and Ag guys.
    Am enjoying being here

    God help the poor soul that gets tricked into coming to this university. The administration here is the most incompetant, ingnorant, rude, condescending, haughty, shiftless, lazy, uneducated bunch of people I have ever met in my life. Have a talk with most any current student and they will agree.
    The Financial Aid department is by far the worst. They will lose your paperwork, including transcripts, deny you the financial aid you've received (so screwed up for some it renders them ineligible in the future), advise students to take out all the loans humanly possible, and have the nerve to scold you if you point out their descrepancies.
    There is a good reason the retention rate is only about 33%. Most can't handle the stressful fight required EVERY semester just to stay in college on top of the demands of being a student in general. I've seen lots of out-of state freshman go back home after the first semester and plenty of non-trads give up a life long dream. They are quick to inform you to just deal with it because it's like this everywhere you go.
    Until you are a Sophomore, you are doomed to the Advising Center for making a schedule. These people have no idea what you need for your degree, don't have any idea what these classes are actually about, will enroll you in anything that rings a good bell for them at that moment, and waste your time and money. You have to file a degree plan when you come here, but it really is pointless. IF it gets put in the system, it won't be correct.
    The billing office, poor things, end up doing their job and that of the other pathetic offices. The problem is, since nobody seems to want to post your aid or payments, they will send you all sorts of threatening, intimidating, nasty letters about how they will not save, and even drop, your schedule if you don't pay now. This happens, then chances are you can't re-enter class and will be obliged to pay for nothing or attend junk that doesn't pertain to you at all, still nothing. Among the threats are them saying they will not update your transcript for what you have already earned. And no, this advertised payment plan does not exist. No aid is available for summer and if you enroll in one of these short sessions you have about a month to come up with the money in full.
    This college makes a big deal out of advertising itself as totally friendly to non-trad students and the wonders of distance learning. Compared to what? Nothing about this school is geared in a way that helps non-trads and nothing is convenient about their online learning, for what short supply exists.
    Apparently, the horrors of non-trad existance here is across the board. Make sure you talk to a few of them. Bonus points are awarded to living-on-campus slackers just for attending tutoring sessions. While you work you tail off, some failing kid can pass with a D just off these sessions, just show up. If you're really a non-trad, then you have a job, family, and live off campus. These tutoring sessions are set for the craziest times, which you won't be able to attend.
    They reserve need-to-know information for these sessions that you are not allowed to know unless you go to these sessions and it will be on tests. They say it's designed that way on purpose to boost attendance. If you just attend lectures, most of your education will come about as a result of your own doing outside the college. It's like a little scavenger hunt for knowlegde all semester long.
    Also, this is supposed to be a public university with no religious affiliation. Wrong! Most of your classes will envolve discussion and comparison regarding the Bible and Christianity...down to cited quotes of Biblical verses IN THE TEXT for the most unrelated subject areas. (My economics text actually states that the first economist in the world was a well know, dream interpreting character from the Bible.) How ridiculous!
    In fact, I just got an e-mail addressed to all students last week about applying for a scholarship. Right up top, the first line of the requirements...must be a Christian to apply and receive this aid. A little further down you see that you also must have a recommendation from your minister. So basically, as long as you're Christian, you'll receive a degree of indoctrination nearly free.
    The other thing is the quality of the student body. These people are so immature for college students, some even engage in play wrestling in the classroom. And I swear if I hear the term facebook drama once more, I'll vomit! Oh, and don't forget, it's all about the look. Prissy, primpy, preppie....clothes, hair, and make-up all the way. How else could you convince those professors to go ahead and give you that glorious D when you're failing? (I've heard these requests.)
    Bang for the buck

    Yeah, you get bang for the buck, but not in the good sense. It's true that this is a lower cost institution, but you can get much more for your money, even at the Tech. So what bang you ask...if you like to pay big bucks for a hard time and for people to be jerks to you, you get your money's worth.
    If you attend full time, you will see that, once all those sneaky little fees are in there, you're going to pay close to $3500.00 per semester. That doesn't include your books.
    I saw a review that said you get free health care. Actually that is included in those fees they don't like to itemize...a flat rate every semester whether you use it or not. But remember, if you need an injection, you will pay for that.
    You're also paying for the use of computers on campus whether you use them or not (a separate fee for each class that might* require them. Oh and you're paying for that new science building as well, even if you're not a major under them. (Those $20,000.00 each marker boards are worth bragging rights and fee increases.) I thought public institutions got grants for those construction projects...hmmm. At any rate, get an itemization. Some of those fees really don't make sense, about $500-$600.00 of no sense.
    The bottom line is this: You can get quality education at many other colleges for about the same, or even a lot less, money and you'll actually enjoy your time there without the aid and scheduling fights.
    Tips for prospective students

    Think seriously beyond the aesthetics of the campus and hyped-up, jovial advertisements before you apply....then run before it's too late. If you decide to come anyway, there are a few things you need to know.
    It will probably be a good idea to get your gen-ed requirements elsewhere. At least that will ease your pains. Do keep this in mind though: a huge selling point around here is their accepting transfer credits from SAU Tech. Yes, they do, and you will see them on your transcript. However, if you are going to be under the Sci or Ag department, they probably won't accept your old sci classes toward your new degree. You will end up repeating courses because they feel theirs is a much higher level, even if classified the same.
    Fresh-out-of-school students will have a much easier time here than the non-trad. That's just a hard-learned fact. If you're 18, live on campus, and have no job, it should be gravy. (A big class scolding was about deciding if you were a student or an employee. Basically, they told us if you're going to be a student, you need to quit your job and forget about family obligations because sacrifices had to be made to do well here, in just near those words.)
    Also, you should know that they treat you very much like children here. Some professors have admitted that they are told to treat students this way, apparently because we don't have sense enough to manage day to day life.
    They will make seating charts and post them, don't deviate. They will take roll everyday, don't miss. They will lock you out of the classroom if you are late and in if you're on time. Yes, lock the door. Just hope you don't have to urinate or there's no chance of fire!
    And no the cafeteria is not wonderful. They do have a multitude of options, but given a choice, students go elsewhere...anywhere else. The meal plan is high and so if the pay per meal option. If you're going to live here, get a bike and take yourself out to eat if possible.
    Yes we do have lots of internationals. The are wonderful people. I'd much rather associate with them than the natives. The international office is great but it only works one way. If you want to study abroad, even short term, they will tell you they don't know anything about it because they only see to it internationals come here. Typical of this campus for an office not to know how to do its job.
    Great for these types of students

    The Psych and Soc majors are abundant here. These are probably the easiest degrees to squeeze out of this militant, tyrannical, overpriced apartment complex for people looking to get out from under mom and dad's roof, but with the same pesky limitations.
    Honestly, I wondered if somebody paid people to write those awesome reviews. I'm telling you, just talk to any serious student on campus. If that's not enough, there are plenty of other *student reviews* sites (hint, hint) that will give you an idea of some heinous personal experiences.
    I plan to get out of here as soon as I can UPROOT my family and FIND WORK near a WORTHY institution on higher education. After all, what the professors say here is true...sacrifices have to be made to succeed academically; and I choose to me a mom, wife, student, and employee that succeeds without ungodly debt.

  • 3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Cynethia from Buckner, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Here at SAU, the professor's take pride in teaching! I love the fact that SAU professor's know you by name and actually take the time out to help you when you need it the most. Your definitely CANNOT go wrong at SAU!
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love SAU! It was my first choice after visiting the campus on preview day. Not only is SAU a beautiful campus, but it is also in the heart of the South West. I chose SAU because when I first came here, the campus and everyone here made me feel right at home, which was exactly what I was looking for.
    Bang for the buck

    SAU is definitely worth your money! My spring 2011 tuition is around $2,800, which is not bad. SAU offers you everything you will need in your tuition! With your student ID, your can attend just about all campus activities for free! That includes football games, basketball games, baseball games, volleyball tournaments, several of the campus cook-out's and even the annual spring concert's they have each year! Need to see a nurse about a sore throat or small injury? SAU has you covered, with free University Health Services! You can go as many times as you would like, all for free! (With your student ID, of course)
    Tips for prospective students

    My advice to future students is for you to check out SAU. Whether it's the website or a visit on campus, I guarantee you'll want to consider SAU as one of your future college option's. At SAU, the food in the cafe` in excellent, providing a fresh salad bar and fruit daily! The many frat's and sororities we have on campus always welcome new SAU students (as well as current students) by providing free cook-out's and playing music. If you are looking for a school with a mid-sized student population, that provides fun, learning, new friendships and everlasting memories all into one, then SAU is the right school for you.
    Great for these types of students

    International students are always welcome at SAU! We have an entire department here that is dedicated to Internationals, which helps organize event's for them to make their stay at SAU as comfortable as possible. Also, if you are looking for a mid-sized town with a school with a mid-sized student population, that crams fun, learning and great memories all into one, then SAU is the school for you!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Shequita from Strong, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes are well oriented. The student teacher ratio is 25:1 which makes it easy for the teacher to teach the class while helping every student in the class. It is more easier for a student to learn also because there are less distractions by fellow students.
    Am enjoying being here

    They have a variety of activites to attend from greek show to student plays and free movies nights.
    Bang for the buck

    They have numerous scholarships to offer you and are very helpful in making sure you have apllied for financial aid and loans.
    Tips for prospective students

    Overall the college is great and i would recommend anyone looking for a nice, peaceful, learning environment to go there.
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking
    Challenging

  • 3 out of 5 people found this review useful. 3 people found this inaccurate.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Jessica from Lawson, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Here at Southern Arkansas University you have the ability to learn in many different ways. There are a variety of classes and also a variety of students who live both here on campus and off-campus.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love the fact that I can schedule my classes how I want to and with the teachers that I want. The food here isn't bad they mix it up but nothing will ever be better than momma's home cooking!
    Bang for the buck

    Southern Arkansas University is a GREAT school for its price. The tuition isn't outrageous at all and there are scholarships that you can apply for you area of study.
    Tips for prospective students

    Pick a school to your liking and whether or not you like being close to home. Base your decision on your education and the affordability of the university.

  • Brian from Strong, AR

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a outstanding college .It has great academic opportunities .my only fault I found in the college is it's buildings such as it's dorms and living space .
    Tips for prospective students

    Stay focused on your work.
    Academic Rigor

    Great opportunity for learning.
    Dorm Life

    They dorms was very fun to live it , it's fun when you interact with other students, otherwise it's boring.
    Food and Dining

    They need more options to choose from.
    What to do for fun

    Play basketball in the gym with friends.

  • No name woman

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is the most helpful place I have ever been. Wether I am getting good news, or bad news SAU is always there to answer any question I may have. There are no waiting lists and no phone wait tone. I love being a student at Southern Arkansas University!
    Tips for prospective students

    Do all your homework and G0 to class! Don't have too much fun on Thursday night!
    Academic Rigor

    Love love. Alwasy the best.
    Dorm Life

    Amazing.
    Food and Dining

    Food is awful! Dining is great though!
    What to do for fun

    PARTY!:)
    Bang for the buck

    Cheap for the amout of fun we have here at SAU!
    Greek Life

    AMAZING greek life! RUSH TRI SIG or PHI LAMBDA CHI!
    Campus Safety

    Very safe!

  • Student011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is an interesting college to go to. The teachers and staff there are helpful and friendly, and they are happy to take in anyone qualified for the college. This college really knows how to show you the college experience.
    Academic Rigor

    Really good.
    Dorm Life

    I don't live in a dorm, but I hear it's good depending on which dorm you live in.
    Food and Dining

    Great tasting food. It's just easier to go to the cafe rather than spend more money off campus, depending on what they serve.

  • Victoria from Texarkana, AR

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    yes because there is a lot of help on and off campus
    Great for these types of students

    all kind of students because you can come out with alot under your belt

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