Southern University Student Population: How Many Are There?

Southern University and A&M College, a public historically black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has experienced significant enrolment growth over the past few years. As of 2022, the university had a total of 8,226 students enrolled, including 6,470 undergraduate and 1,756 graduate students. This marks a notable increase from the previous year's preliminary total of 7,404 students. Southern University's student population comprises a majority of Black or African American students, with a significant number of female students as well.

Southern University and A&M College had 8,226 students enrolled in 2022

The university's enrolment yield in 2022 was 29.3%, meaning that 29.3% of admitted students ended up enrolling. Of the 8,226 students, 6,166 were full-time students, and 2,060 were part-time. There were 6,470 undergraduate students and 1,756 graduate students. The gender distribution was 34.04% male (2,800 students) and 65.96% female (5,426 students).

Southern University and A&M College has a diverse student body. The enrolled student population is 87.1% Black or African American, 4.75% White, 2.25% Asian, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.46% Two or More Races, 0.158% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0122% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The university's 13 intercollegiate athletics teams are known as the Jaguars and are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in NCAA Division I. The university also has a well-known collegiate marching band called the Human Jukebox, which has been representing Southern University since 1947.

The student body is predominantly female (66%)

Southern University and A&M College, a historically Black college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has a student body that is predominantly female. As of 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 8,226 students, with 5,426 (or 65.96%) of them being female and 2,800 (or 34.04%) being male. This gender distribution is consistent with the university's history, as it was founded in 1880 as a higher education institution "for the education of persons of colour".

The gender imbalance at Southern University is more pronounced among undergraduate students, with 4,337 females and 2,133 males enrolled in undergraduate programs for the 2022-2023 academic year. This means that women made up about 67% of the undergraduate student body, while men accounted for around 33%. The graduate programs at the university also had a higher percentage of female students, with 1,089 women and 667 men enrolled for the same academic year.

The female majority at Southern University is also reflected in the breakdown of full-time and part-time students. Out of the total number of full-time students (6,166), 3,424 were female and 2,742 were male. Among part-time students (2,060), there were 2,002 females and 1,058 males.

The gender distribution at Southern University and A&M College is not an anomaly, as it aligns with national trends. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, female students have outnumbered male students in higher education since the 1980s. This trend is particularly pronounced among Black students, with Black women consistently outpacing Black men in college enrollment rates.

The reasons for the gender imbalance at Southern University are multifaceted and likely influenced by a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. One contributing factor could be the university's history as a Black institution. As a historically Black college, Southern University has played a significant role in providing educational opportunities for Black students, particularly in a state like Louisiana, where segregation once prevented Black students from accessing certain institutions.

Additionally, the gender distribution at Southern University may be influenced by the types of programs offered and the demographics of the surrounding area. The university has a strong focus on fields like nursing, education, and the humanities, which have traditionally attracted higher numbers of female students. Moreover, the university draws a significant portion of its student body from Louisiana, and the gender breakdown of its student population may reflect broader demographic trends in the state.

The female-dominated student body at Southern University and A&M College is a reflection of broader trends in higher education, particularly within the context of historically Black colleges and universities. The university's commitment to providing educational access and opportunities for students of colour, especially Black women, continues to shape its student demographics today.

The university's student population is largely Black or African American (87%)

Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a historically Black college or university (HBCU). It was founded in 1880 as a higher education institution "for the education of persons of colour". In 1890, Southern University was designated as a land-grant college for Black students. It has since grown to become the largest HBCU in Louisiana.

In the academic year 2022-2023, Southern University had a total enrollment of 8,226 students, including 6,470 undergraduates and 1,756 graduate students. Of these, 6,166 were full-time students and 2,060 were part-time. The student population was predominantly female, with 5,426 women and 2,800 men.

The university's student population is largely Black or African American, with 7,164 Black students out of a total of 8,226. This percentage of Black students, at 87%, is significantly higher than the average across all Masters Colleges and Universities, which is 13%. The second largest racial or ethnic group at Southern University is White, with 391 students, followed by Asian students, of which there are 185.

Southern University's student population reflects its history as an HBCU and its commitment to providing educational opportunities for Black students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from 40 states in the US and nearly 30 countries represented.

Southern University's acceptance rate in 2022 was 53.9%

Southern University and A&M College is a public, historically black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is the largest HBCU in the state and is the flagship institution of the Southern University System. The university's acceptance rate for 2022 was 53.9%.

Southern University's admissions process is considered selective. Half of the admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 820-1050, while the other quarter scored above this range. The ACT score range is 15-19. The average number of enrolled students at Southern University is around 8,000, with a gender distribution of 34% male and 66% female. The student body is predominantly Black or African American, making up around 82% of the total student population.

The university has a rich history, dating back to 1880 when it was chartered as a higher education institution for "persons of colour". It opened its doors in 1881 with just 12 students. Over the years, Southern University has expanded significantly, with new buildings, programs, and an increasing student population. The university now offers a wide range of degree programs, including the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities; the College of Sciences and Engineering; and the College of Nursing and Allied Health, which has won Louisiana's Nursing School of the Year award multiple times.

Southern University is also known for its athletics teams, the Jaguars, and its well-regarded marching band, the Human Jukebox. With a long history, a diverse student body, and a range of academic and extracurricular offerings, Southern University and A&M College provides a unique and vibrant educational experience for its students.

The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates is 59%

Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the largest historically black college or university (HBCU) in the state. It is a public, historically black land-grant institution. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the university had a total of 8,226 students enrolled, including 6,470 undergraduates and 1,756 graduate students. Of these, 6,166 were full-time students and 2,060 were part-time.

Southern University's retention rate is an important metric for understanding the student body and the institution's performance. It refers to the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return to the university for a second year of study. In other words, it indicates how many students choose to continue their education at Southern University after their initial experience.

A retention rate of 59% suggests that just over half of the first-time, full-time undergraduates persist in their studies at the university. This rate provides insight into student satisfaction, the effectiveness of academic programs, and the overall appeal of the institution. It is worth noting that retention rates can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of education, campus life, financial considerations, and personal circumstances.

Southern University's retention rate of 59% can be a valuable piece of information for prospective students, their families, and the university administration. It can help inform decisions about enrolment, highlight areas for improvement, and guide strategies to enhance the student experience. Understanding retention rates can also contribute to a broader discussion about student success and the effectiveness of higher education institutions in supporting their students' academic journeys.

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