Southern University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re a parent looking at Southern University in Baton Rouge, you’re probably wondering what the real price tag is—and where the scholarships come in. As Louisiana’s flagship HBCU, Southern offers a mix of fee waivers, competitive awards, and hidden gems that can make college far more affordable. This page breaks it all down in plain English, with links to the Louisiana state aid guide and our full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Southern University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $9,922 | $17,272 |
| Housing & Meals | $8,018 | $8,018 |
| Books, Travel & Personal | $7,196 | $7,196 |
| Total (before aid) | $25,136 | $32,566 |
Out-of-State Fee Waivers & ACM: Southern University offers the Jaguar Out-of-State Fee Waiver, which waives 100% of non-resident fees for eligible freshmen and transfers (minimum 2.75 GPA or ACT 24+). This brings the out-of-state cost down to in-state levels—about a $7,400 savings per year.
Southern also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), a regional program that allows students from certain states to pay in-state tuition if their major isn’t offered at home. Savings vary but can match the in-state rate when approved.
Cost & Waiver FAQ
Who qualifies for the Jaguar Out-of-State Fee Waiver?
New freshmen with at least a 2.75 GPA or ACT 24 (SAT 1160) and transfer students with a 2.75 GPA who file the FAFSA and take 12+ credits per term.
How much does the waiver save?
It removes the non-resident fee, cutting about $7,400 per year from the out-of-state bill—making costs almost identical to in-state students.
Do I need to apply for ACM separately?
Yes. The Academic Common Market requires an application through your home state’s higher education office, and approval depends on your chosen major and whether it’s offered in your state.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar Out-of-State Fee Waiver | Waives 100% of non-resident fees (brings cost close to in-state) | New freshmen: ≥2.75 HS GPA or ACT ≥24 / SAT ≥1160; Transfer: ≥2.75 transfer GPA. Full-time (12+ credits/term), FAFSA required, maintain ≥2.75 college GPA. | No (granted upon eligibility; FAFSA required) | Yes — up to 8 semesters; summer excluded | Non-residents meeting the GPA/test bar who stay full-time and in good standing; cuts ~the out-of-state surcharge. |
Note: Amount reflects the published waiver of the out-of-state fee (not a fixed cash stipend). Other institutional or outside scholarships may stack up to the Cost of Attendance unless your award letter says otherwise.
Southern University also participates in the National Merit Scholarship Program, offering additional aid for Finalists.
Automatic Merit FAQ
How do I get considered for the waiver?
Apply for admission, submit your official test scores and transcript, file the FAFSA, and enroll full-time (12+ credits). If you meet the criteria, the waiver is applied without a separate scholarship application.
Is the award guaranteed for four years?
It’s renewable up to eight semesters if you maintain full-time enrollment each fall/spring and at least a 2.75 cumulative Southern GPA. Summer is not covered.
Do they superscore the ACT/SAT for the waiver?
Southern’s scholarship materials indicate scores should come from a single test date; no public statement confirms superscoring for this waiver. Plan to qualify using your best single official score report.
Can I stack this with other scholarships?
Often yes, but stacking rules can vary by award. The waiver removes the non-resident fee; other institutional or outside scholarships typically apply to remaining charges up to the Cost of Attendance. Always verify the stacking language in your award letter.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Southern University offers a handful of named, university-level scholarships that go beyond the automatic out-of-state fee waiver. These awards are competitive, meaning they’re limited in number and require stronger academics, applications, and sometimes essays or recommendations.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph S. Clark Presidential Scholarship | Covers tuition, fees, room & board (up to 8 semesters) | Freshmen with ~3.8+ GPA and ACT ≥30 / SAT ≥1400*. Must take 15 credits/term and maintain 3.5 GPA to renew. | Yes — via SUS Foundation/Admissions portal | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Top academic students with strong rigor, leadership, and service. Only a limited number awarded each year. |
| Jesse N. Stone Scholarship | Covers tuition & fees (up to 8 semesters) | Freshmen with GPA ≥3.6 and ACT ≥28 / SAT ≥1320. Must take 15 credits/term and maintain 3.3 GPA to renew. | Yes — via SUS Foundation/Admissions portal | Yes — up to 8 semesters | High-achieving students who combine strong GPA/test scores with leadership or service. |
| President’s Legacy Scholarship | Covers tuition (amount varies by year) | Freshmen with GPA ≥2.7 and ACT ≥20 (Composite with ≥18 English and ≥19 Math) or SAT ≥1020. Must take 12 non-developmental credits/term and maintain 2.5 GPA. | Yes — via SUS Foundation/Admissions portal | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Students with solid but not top-tier academics who show promise and meet the minimum thresholds. Limited slots available. |
*GPA and test score ranges for the Clark and Stone awards are based on published thresholds. Actual cutoffs may shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funding.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
Unlike automatic awards, only a limited number of students are selected. Applicants need strong academics, leadership, and sometimes essays or recommendations to stand out.
Are there extra steps to apply?
Yes. You must submit a separate application through the Southern University System Foundation (True Blue portal) and meet priority deadlines, usually February 1.
Can I combine these with the Out-of-State Fee Waiver?
Stacking rules aren’t always clear. Some flagship awards may replace the waiver. Always check the details in your award letter.
When should I apply?
Apply for admission early and complete your scholarship application by the priority deadline (February 1). Competitive funds are limited and awarded to the strongest applicants.
⭐ College Specialty
Southern University and A&M College isn’t just Louisiana’s flagship HBCU — it’s also a land-grant institution with deep roots in agriculture, engineering, and the arts. Families should know that while the campus is best known for its culture and marching band, it also houses academic programs with statewide recognition and strong career pipelines.
Widely recognized as one of the nation’s most iconic collegiate marching bands, the “Human Jukebox” has performed at Super Bowls, Presidential inaugurations, and international events. Students selected for the band often receive substantial scholarships tied to their audition performance.
- College of Engineering — ABET-accredited programs in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering; a steady pipeline of graduates into Louisiana’s industry and public sector.
- Agricultural Research & Extension Center — As Louisiana’s 1890 land-grant institution, Southern delivers statewide impact through agricultural research, 4-H programs, and community outreach.
- Nursing — The School of Nursing prepares a large share of minority nurses in Louisiana, with NCLEX pass rates consistently near the state average.
- Business — The College of Business has produced many of the state’s Black business leaders, supported by internships and corporate partnerships in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
🎖️ Honors College
Southern’s Dolores Margaret Richard (D.M.R.) Spikes Honors College gives high-achieving students a smaller community inside the larger campus. It’s designed for motivated learners who want priority registration, faculty mentorship, and the chance to graduate with a thesis on their transcript and diploma.
High school GPA around 3.5 or higher, ACT scores in the mid-20s or above, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Dual Enrollment), and evidence of leadership or service.
Priority course registration, Honors-only seminars and colloquia, access to faculty research and thesis mentoring, smaller class sizes, leadership programming, and recognition on transcript and diploma.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship (University Scholars) | Full ride — tuition, fees, room, board, and books | Incoming freshmen admitted as “University Scholars” in the Honors College | Yes — Honors College application required | Yes — maintain GPA and Honors standing | Top-tier incoming Honors freshmen with the strongest GPA/test scores and leadership profiles |
| Honors College Annual Scholarship | Sliding scale (amount increases with GPA and ACT/SAT scores) | Incoming freshmen admitted to the Honors College; e.g., ACT ≥24 and GPA ≥3.3 meet the minimum bar, higher scores earn larger awards | Yes — Honors College application required | Yes — maintain GPA and Honors standing | Strong incoming freshmen with GPA in the mid-3s and ACT scores mid-20s or above |
- Honors College Keystone Scholar Award: For rising juniors admitted into the Honors Keystone Program. Provides an annual scholarship for two years once students begin the Keystone curriculum.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College, including transcripts, test scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No — Honors courses and the thesis are designed to fit within a standard four-year degree plan.
When should I apply?
It’s best to apply as early as possible, ideally by the university’s scholarship priority date (February 1). Space is limited.
Does the Honors College come with extra scholarship money?
Yes. Honors students may compete for dedicated scholarships ranging from partial tuition support up to a full-ride package.
📎 Official Links
- Southern University Homepage
- Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
Final Thoughts
Southern University brings together history, culture, and opportunity in a way that’s hard to match. From the Human Jukebox band to the Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College, families will find both tradition and pathways to real savings. With automatic waivers, competitive scholarships, hidden gems, and honors perks, there’s more than one way to make Southern affordable—and more than one reason it continues to attract students from across Louisiana and beyond.
✅ Last updated: September 17, 2025