Financial Aid: Paying For College

Paying for college is an important step in your education journey, and SAU Tech is here to make it easier. Whether you're looking for financial aid, payment plans, or just need to make a payment, this page will guide you through the process.

Know Your Options

SAU Tech offers several options to help cover the cost, including financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, and more.
Here are the most common ways SAU Tech students pay for college:

Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA):  Grants, loans, and work-study opportunities based on your FAFSA application

Scholarships:  SAU Tech and Foundation scholarships awarded for academics, financial need, and more

Payment Plans:  Spread out tuition and fee payments across the semester

Direct Payment:  Pay in full using cash, check, or card

Career Pathways Support: Extra help for qualifying students (childcare, transportation, etc.)

Veterans Benefits & Senior Waivers:  Special programs for veterans and senior citizens

Tuition, Fees & Housing Costs (AY 2024–2025)

Southern Arkansas University Tech strives to provide affordable, transparent tuition and housing costs. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of tuition, student fees, housing rates, payment methods, and refund policies.

Download Our Tuition & Fees

Tuition Rates (Per Credit Hour)

Residency Tuition Processing Fee Facility Use Fee Technology Fee Activity Fee Security Fee Internet Course Fee
Arkansas Resident $115 $25 $5 $9 $11 $3 $25
Out-of-State $163 $25 $5 $9 $11 $3 $25

Housing & Meal Plans




Room & Board (Per Semester)

All housing costs include the mandatory housing meal plan (13 meals/week).


Refundable Application/Damage Fee: $100
(Pending move-out inspection)

Residence Hall Cost Per Semester
Rocket Complex $2,736
Athletic Complex $2,736
Blue & Gold Complex $2,536
Highland Park Hall $2,536

Meal Plans

Plan Type Cost Per Semester Meals Per Week
Housing Student Plan (Mandatory) $1,136 13
Commuter Plan (Optional) $436 4

Student Fees

Fee Description Cost
Matriculation Fee (per semester) $30
Learning Strategies Fee (first-time internet students) $25
Tech Learning Center Fee (per transitional course) $15
Science Materials Fee $55
Athletic Gear Fee (Fall/Spring) $200
Late Registration Fee $25
International Application Fee $50

Program Specific Fees

Program Fee
LPN Nursing Fee $75
LPN Licensure Fee $400 (over 3 semesters)
LPN Curriculum Fee $2,100 (over 3 semesters)
RN Curriculum Fee $3,300 (over 3 semesters)
Cosmetology Fee $6,386
Cosmetology Instructor Fee $4,447
Esthetics Technology Fee $6,114
Nail Technology Fee $5,645
Barbering Fee $6,386 (over 3 semesters)
Sonography Program Fee $750 (per course)
Sonography Testing Fee $1,128 (over 4 semesters)
Sonography Subscription Fee $45
Welding Academy Fee $1,850 (per course)
FAA Certification Fee $575 (per semester)
Aviation Program Fee $650 (per semester)
HVAC-R Exam Fee $70 (last semester)
CTE Course Fee $75 (if applicable)
Non-Destructive Testing Fee $1,500 (per course)

Refund Policy – Fall & Spring Semesters

Withdrawal Period Refund Percentage
Day 1 – Day 8 100%
Day 9 – Day 14 90%
Day 15 – Day 21 50%
Day 22 – Day 28 25%
After Day 28 0% (No Refund)

Refund Information:

  • Refunds For Dropped Calles

    Students are responsible for all tuition and fees at the time of registration. Students must officially drop by written notice or in person and pay the course change fee in order to reduce their balance owed. This policy does not apply to drops initiated by faculty.

  • Fall/Spring Regular Semester Classes

    Internet fees and lab fees are refunded as follows. (Other fees are non-refundable after 100% period.)


    • Before Class Begins:100% all costs
    • Day 1 – Day 8 of Semester: 100% all costs
    • Day 9 – Day 14 of Semester: 90%
    • Day 15 – Day 21 of Semester: 50%
    • Day 22 – Day 28 of Semester: 25%
    • After Day 28: 0%

  • Summer Semester Classes

    Tuition charges and course-specific fees such as Internet fees and lab fees are refunded as follows.  (Other fees are nonrefundable after 100% period.)


    • Before Class Begins: 100% all costs
    • Day 1 – Day 2 of Semester: 100% all costs
    • Day 3 – Day 8 of Semester: 90%
    • Day 9 – Day 15 of Semester: 50%
    • Day 16 – Day 22 of Semester: 25%
    • After Day 22: 0%

    Tuition refunds for classes of short duration may vary depending on the length of the class.