Southern University at Shreveport (SUS) Academics and Admissions

Academics

A member of the Southern University system, Southern University at Shreveport opened its doors in 1967. The campus at Shreveport has remained a two-year, primarily commuter campus. Other campuses in the Southern University system include New Orleans and the main campus in Baton Rouge.

Southern University at Shreveport only offers certificates and associate’s degrees. Students wishing to continue their studies may transfer to Southern’s main campus or to any other state-sponsored school in Louisiana. Career-minded students can also formulate a program that delivers them straight into the workforce.

Business management is one of the more popular programs for students at Shreveport. Both the associate’s degree and the certificate of technical studies are available to students wishing to gain a broader understanding of all business practices. The curriculum for the associate’s degree includes 68 credit hours, while the certificate program only requires 24. Certificate programs focus more strongly on one aspect of business management.

The Louisiana Transfer Associate Degree streamlines the process of completing the bachelor’s degree at another institution. Students enrolled under the program earn their first 60-plus hours at the Shreveport campus and then transfer all of them to a four-year institution. The curriculum includes 39 general education hours, meeting the basic requirements of every state university in Louisiana. Early in the program, students meet with an adviser to tailor their class schedule and select the best baccalaureate program for their chosen field of study.

Southern University at Shreveport includes academic outreach and service to the community as part of its overall mission. The Department of Continuing Education engages the community by offering occupational training alongside personal enrichment courses. An Incumbent Workers Program allows local businesses to enhance the skill set of their workforce. Courses open to the public include exam preparation, computer skills, Adobe Photoshop techniques and basic paralegal training.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Information Summary

Ranks 76th in Louisiana and 3306th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	46.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$21,212
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	22 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	39% / 40%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,651

Admissions

First-time college applicants must complete a Southern University at Shreveport application and submit official high school transcripts or GED score reports. Prospective students must show their full immunization record, including vaccinations against meningitis. Scores on the ACT or SAT test must be forwarded to the Admissions Office.

Transfer students have the additional requirement of submitting official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities. Prospective transfer students with very few credits may be considered first-time applicants and need to forward high-school transcripts as well.

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Financial Aid

As early as possible, students admitted to Southern University at Shreveport should complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A link on the school website directs students to the application site. Information entered into the FAFSA will determine a student’s eligibility for certain state and federal aid programs.

Grants and Scholarships

The federal government oversees both the Pell Grant program and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. These programs are need-based gifts that never have to be repaid. Students can also combine employment with need-based aid via the Federal Work-Study Program. Participants receive a small income while part of their earnings are directed towards the cost of education.

The state of Louisiana offers grant programs of its own. These grants include the LEAP program, the TOPS program and the Louisiana GO Grant. Each state program has specific criteria which applicants must meet in order to be eligible. Typically, state grants are a combination of need-based and merit-based aid. Southern University at Shreveport advertises several scholarship programs and links on their financial aid website. As with grants, each of these opportunities comes with a different application process and minimum requirements.

Loans

Federal loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest as long as the borrower attends classes at least half-time. Unsubsidized loans, on the other hand, always accrue interest. Upon leaving school, students must select a repayment plan that works for their budget. Generally speaking, loans should be a last resort, only tapped when all other sources of funding have been explored.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3448th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Louisiana.

Students

Of the roughly 1,300 students attending classes at Southern University at Shreveport, more than 70 percent are women. Part of a historically black university system, 9 out of 10 students on the Shreveport campus identify as African-American. A student living complex called the Jaguar Courtyard features 2 and 4 bedroom apartments with all appliances.

Over 25 clubs and organizations add variety to the student experience at Shreveport. Student-led groups include a library club, biology club, engineering club and business club. The Student Government Association provides the opportunity to participate in community decision-making processes.

Meals on campus are provided by the Jaguar Market Place, generally open from early morning to late evening through the semester. Vegetarian options are available, as well as specially-prepared courses for students with food allergies. Any student can purchase a semester-based meal plan which includes a declining balance for use at the Jaguar Java shop or other small eateries.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Local Community

After New Orleans, Shreveport has the second highest concentration of historical landmarks in Louisiana. The community is large and ethnically diverse, with cultural events that reflect that diversity. Those who enjoy the outdoors can go boating on Caddo Lake or the Red River. The economy of Shreveport has gradually shifted away from Big Oil and towards the service industry. The opening of several riverboat casinos has bolstered tourism considerably. The southern climate means that tourist season runs pretty much all year.

With top-rated police and fire departments, and more than 20 accredited private schools, Shreveport also makes a good place to raise a family. Southern University at Shreveport is only one of several higher-learning institutions operating in the city.

Faculty

Southern University at Shreveport employs about 100 faculty members. Half of these 100 teach only part-time. The overall student to faculty ratio is 16:1, an enviable number by almost any standard.

Bibliography

The College Board. Southern University at Shreveport. 2011. Web. 24 July 2011.
Gale Group. The College Blue Book. 37th ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference, 2010. Print.
Peterson’s. Southern University at Shreveport. 2011. Web. 24 July 2011.

Southern University at Shreveport