Law sets Southern Arkansas University's spending and staffing limits

Southern Arkansas University can spend up to the listed amounts from the Southern Arkansas University Fund. The money covers salaries and operating costs for the university and its system. Spending cannot exceed either the approved amounts or the money made available by law. The university must follow applicable state purchasing, budgeting, and spending rules. These spending limits apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Southern Arkansas University can spend up to $58,711,000 from its cash funds, a separate funding source. The budget includes $9,800,000 for debt payments and $1,500,000 for building improvements, along with employee and operating costs. Spending cannot exceed the approved amounts or the money made available by law. The university must follow applicable state financial rules. This spending authority applies to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Southern Arkansas University may employ up to 529 regular employees and 1,900 temporary or part-time employees. The limits cover university teaching, administration, campus support, and other listed jobs. Regular positions have listed maximum annual pay rates; those rates do not guarantee each employee's pay. Temporary or part-time employees may be hired when needed and paid from authorized funds, without exceeding the applicable legal pay rate. These employee and pay limits apply to the 2026–2027 fiscal year.