Southeastern Louisiana University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships for 2025–26
- Out-of-state tuition waivers and Honors benefits
- Key deadlines and test-optional details
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~98%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1160
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.2–3.8
Source: Southeastern Louisiana University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Southeastern Louisiana University at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) keeps higher education affordable with a strong mix of automatic scholarships, test-optional admissions, and guaranteed out-of-state fee waivers. Many admitted students earn between $2,000 and $8,000 in automatic awards based on GPA and test scores.
For top students, the competitive President’s Scholarship covers full tuition, and SLU’s Honors Program adds small classes and priority registration — making it one of Louisiana’s best value universities for motivated undergraduates.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Southeastern Louisiana is test-optional through 2026 and uses GPA for scholarship consideration if scores aren’t submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–24; SAT: 940–1160 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $11,813/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Southeastern automatically grants out-of-state fee waivers to qualifying nonresident students.
University scholarships page – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/scholarships/index.html
Freshman academic scholarships – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/scholarships/freshmen.html
Admissions (freshman) – https://www.southeastern.edu/apply/index.html
Honors Program – https://www.southeastern.edu/academics/honors/index.html
Common Data Set – https://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/instres/cds.html
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?160612-Southeastern-Louisiana-University
BigFuture profile – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/southeastern-louisiana-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at Southeastern Louisiana University
The 2025–2026 estimated cost of attendance (COA) below reflects typical yearly expenses for a full-time undergraduate living on campus. Tuition is billed at a flat rate for 12–18 credit hours each semester. Out-of-state students are charged an additional nonresident fee unless they qualify for a waiver or the Academic Common Market (ACM).
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,372 | $20,848 |
| Housing & Meals (median) | $9,430 | $9,430 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $17,802 | $30,278 |
Note: The figures above include only direct costs billed by the university (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals). Other estimated expenses—such as books, transportation, and personal costs—are excluded here because they are not paid directly to Southeastern.
Academic Common Market (ACM): Students from eligible Southern states may qualify for in-state tuition on specialized programs not offered in their home state. A nonresident paying $20,848 in tuition and fees could pay $8,372 instead—a savings of roughly $12,500 per year. ACM participation requires state certification after admission and is not automatic.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Louisiana residents automatically qualify for in-state rates. Nonresidents can qualify through ACM or institutional waivers.
How much do families really pay?
The published in-state total is $17,802, but after scholarships and grants, families paid about $11,813 on average.
Is the Academic Common Market automatic?
No. Students must apply through their state’s ACM office after admission and be certified for an eligible program.
Southeastern Louisiana University Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance 2025–26
Southeastern Housing & Meal Plan Rates 2025–26
Southeastern Admissions — Apply Page
Southeastern Financial Aid — Scholarships & Waivers
Academic Common Market (SREB) Participant List
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Net Price Data)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Southeastern Louisiana University automatically considers all admitted freshmen for scholarships based on ACT or SAT scores and high school GPA. No separate application is required. Some tiers also include a housing supplement for students who live on campus.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Honors Scholarship | $4,000/yr + $3,000 housing (if on campus) | ACT 30+ (superscore 32+ accepted), GPA ≥ 3.0 | No | Yes | High-achieving students with 30+ ACT and strong GPA; housing add-on for on-campus students | Priority Jan 15 |
| Simmons Award | $3,750/yr + $2,000 housing (if on campus) | ACT 27–29 (superscore 29–31), GPA ≥ 3.0 | No | Yes | ACT 27–29, GPA 3.0+; extra for on-campus housing | Priority Jan 15 |
| Southeastern Scholars Award | $2,500/yr + $1,000 housing (if on campus) | ACT 24–26 (superscore 26–28), GPA ≥ 3.0 | No | Yes | Students in the ACT 24–26 range, B average or higher; on-campus students can receive an additional supplement | Priority Jan 15 |
Award values and eligibility are based on SLU’s official Fall 2026 scholarship grid. Superscore ACT is accepted. All awards require full-time enrollment and maintenance of a 3.0 college GPA for renewal.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Is a separate application required? No; all admitted freshmen are automatically considered.
Does Southeastern use ACT superscores? Yes, the highest ACT Composite or Superscore by the deadline is considered.
Can awards stack? Some Foundation or outside scholarships may stack with these awards; check with the scholarship office for current stacking policies.
Test-optional policy? SLU will consider test-optional applicants for scholarships using equivalent criteria but most awards clearly specify ACT/SAT bands.
New Freshman Scholarships – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/scholarships/newfreshman.html
SLU Scholarship Office – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/
Foundation Scholarships – https://selu.academicworks.com/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These university-level awards require extra steps beyond admission (applications, essays, interviews, or cohort selection). They are limited and competitive. Departmental or Honors-specific scholarships are listed elsewhere on this page.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExCEL Leaders’ Scholarship | $4,000 total ($500/semester × 8 semesters) | First-time freshmen selected into a competitive leadership cohort (25 students/yr). Requires strong academic record and documented leadership/service (active in 2+ activities, leadership in at least 1). | Yes — ExCEL application (includes application, video and references) | Yes — maintain GPA, leadership/service role, and campus participation | Freshmen with prominent high school leadership or service who stand out in application/interview | Jan 31 priority |
| National Merit Scholarship | $2,000/yr ($1,000 per semester) for up to 8 semesters | First-time freshmen recognized as National Merit Finalist or Semifinalist, official proof submitted to SLU Financial Aid | Yes — documentation required | Yes — maintain eligibility per award letter | Students who submit timely National Merit credentials | June 30 (verification) |
Notes: Some university-level scholarships are routed through the Foundation portal with a general application and supplemental questions. College- and department-specific competitive awards are listed in other sections.
ExCEL Award – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/excel/index.html
National Merit Scholarship – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/scholarships/newfreshman.html
Foundation Awards – https://selu.academicworks.com/
🎖️ Honors College
Southeastern’s Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, closer faculty mentorship, and a chance to stand out with an Honors diploma. Admission is by application after you’ve been admitted to the university, and applying early is encouraged for best access to perks like Honors housing.
High school GPA around 3.5 or higher, strong ACT/SAT scores (many with 27+ ACT), completion of AP or dual enrollment coursework, involvement in leadership or service activities. Minimum eligibility is 3.0 GPA and 24 ACT, but competitive admits are often higher.
- Priority registration each semester
- Dedicated Honors housing in Ascension Hall (by application, space-limited)
- Small, discussion-based seminars with top faculty
- Mentored research and thesis opportunities
- An Honors diploma notation, recognized by grad schools and employers
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Honors Scholarship | $4,000/yr tuition + $3,000 housing (see automatic merit grid) | ACT ≥30 (superscore 32+), GPA ≥3.0; awarded automatically to top freshmen including many Honors admits | No (via admission/scholarship file) | Yes — maintain full-time and GPA | Freshmen who meet GPA/ACT for Honors and submit admission by Jan 15 | Jan 15 priority (for both admission and scholarship) |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. You submit a separate Honors Program application after being admitted to SLU.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors classes are designed to fulfill core requirements, so most students complete their degree in four years.
Is there a separate “Honors-only” scholarship?
No published Honors-exclusive awards beyond the Southeastern Honors Scholarship, which is awarded to top freshmen regardless of Honors status but commonly received by Honors admits.
When should my student apply?
As soon as they’re admitted to SLU—early applications maximize access to Honors housing and enrollment perks.
SLU Honors – https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/depts/honors/
Honors Application & FAQ – https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/depts/honors/apply/index.html
Honors Student Profile – https://catalog.southeastern.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=4015
Scholarship Policy – https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/fin_aid/scholarships/newfreshman.html
⭐ College Specialty
Southeastern Louisiana University is best known in Louisiana for giving students practical, career-focused programs with strong ties to regional industries. While it isn’t classified as an R1 national research powerhouse, SLU has carved out a statewide reputation in areas like business, education, nursing, and the arts—programs that consistently send graduates into leadership roles across the region.
- College of Business (AACSB Accredited): One of only a handful of Louisiana business schools to earn AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business programs worldwide.
- Education: Southeastern is among the top producers of certified teachers in Louisiana, with statewide recognition for teacher preparation and leadership programs.
- Computer Science & Information Technology (ABET Accredited): SLU’s computer science and IS programs hold ABET accreditation, aligning with national industry standards in computing and IT.
- Music & the Arts: The university’s School of Music and Performing Arts is regionally recognized, and the Southeastern Channel (student-run media outlet) has won multiple Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards in recent years.