Historically Black University in New Orleans serving over 2,700 students with strong programs in social work, criminal justice, and sciences.
SUNO offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across five colleges and schools. The College of Arts and Sciences provides Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of General Studies degrees. The College of Business and Public Administration offers degrees in Public Administration and Business. The College of Education and Human Development focuses on Child Development and Family Studies. The School of Social Work is recognized as one of the South's premier programs, with a Master of Social Work degree that reached capacity with 150 students by Fall 2008. The School of Graduate Studies offers Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Social Work degrees. SUNO is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council for Social Work Education, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
SUNO's urban campus in New Orleans includes the Health and Physical Education Building (nicknamed 'The Castle'), a 1,200-seat arena that opened in 1974 and hosts men's and women's basketball and volleyball. The university began construction on its first residence halls in 2008, which opened in January 2010. Over 30 registered student organizations provide opportunities for academic, religious, and social engagement. The student body is 93% Black, with 63% of undergraduates classified as low-income. SUNO competes in NAIA athletics as the Knights and Lady Knights, fielding five varsity sports: men's basketball and track & field, and women's basketball, track & field, and volleyball.
SUNO opened in 1959 with 158 freshmen and 15 faculty members, awarding its first degrees in 1963. The university experienced catastrophic damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with all 11 buildings on the Park Campus flooded to heights of 11 feet. Enrollment dropped from 3,600 to a projected 1,200, and 20 academic programs were suspended. Through FEMA assistance exceeding $92 million, the university rebuilt and recovered, with enrollment rebounding to 3,105 by Fall 2008. The university faced accreditation probation in 2019 but has since stabilized and reinstituted its athletic program in 2022.
SUNO maintains an open admissions policy and serves a predominantly low-income student population. The university offers Evening and Weekend College programs to accommodate non-traditional students, including working adults and caregivers. Support services include academic advising, disability services, counseling, career services, and TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math and Science). The university also provides online education options and graduate studies programs.