Stephen F Austin State University: 89.5% Acceptance Rate

89.5%Acceptance

$10,600Tuition

8,746Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,634Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F Austin State University thrives in the East Texas pinewoods where forestry and agriculture programs have deep roots. The 8,746 students at this regional full university study in Nacogdoches, a town surrounded by the timber industry that still defines much of the curriculum. SFA accepts 89.5% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1065. Professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin and NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett both started their careers here as Lumberjacks.

Students pay an average net price of $15,152 after financial aid, making this one of Texas's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,634 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt of $23,409 and monthly loan payments around $248, most students see reasonable returns on their investment. The 96.2% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the 51.7% six-year graduation rate.

Women make up 62.8% of the student body at this Division I school that competes in 14 varsity sports. Nearly all students come from Texas (98.2%), creating a tight-knit community feel. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 71.3% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.

Academics & Faculty

Stephen F. Austin State University specializes in forestry, agriculture, and natural resources programs that take advantage of its location in the East Texas Piney Woods. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 52% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to finish their degrees. SFA's forestry program is nationally recognized and benefits from the surrounding pine forests for hands-on learning. The university also offers strong teacher preparation programs that serve rural East Texas communities. With 98% of students coming from Texas, the school maintains deep connections to state industries like timber, agriculture, and energy that create clear career pathways for graduates.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.7%
Retention Rate: 71.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,634
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$70,456
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,768
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$63,005
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$57,943
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.	Master	$55,286
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$54,760
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$52,941
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$52,420
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$50,856
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$50,231

View all 119 programs →

Campus Life

Students here embrace the outdoors year-round in East Texas, where you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats in the humid subtropical climate. The 8,746-student campus sits in Nacogdoches, nearly three hours from Houston and Dallas, creating a tight-knit college town atmosphere. With housing for 3,911 students, about 45% live on campus, fostering strong residential communities.

The Lumberjack and Ladyjack spirit runs deep, with 392 student-athletes competing across 14 Division I sports that unite the campus. Women make up 62.83% of students, and nearly everyone (98.19%) comes from Texas, creating a distinctly Lone Star identity. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities in the surrounding Piney Woods, whether hiking, fishing, or camping. The forestry program takes full advantage of the location, with students conducting field work in actual East Texas forests. Greek life, intramural sports, and campus traditions like Purple Pride Week keep the social calendar full. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while the remote setting creates lasting friendships.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 3,911 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	7	5
Dating Violence	2	2
Stalking	4	0
Burglary	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Fondling	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–58°F
July Avg: 72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.3"
Annual Snowfall: -1,555.3"

Student Demographics

Stephen F Austin draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 98% of students calling the Lone Star State home. The strong local pull reflects the university's reputation as a regional powerhouse for forestry, agriculture, and education programs that serve East Texas industries. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, largely due to popular nursing, education, and social work programs. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing SFA's role as an accessible pathway to four-year degrees for working-class families across rural Texas communities.

Men: 37.2%
Women: 62.8%
White: 56.6%
Black: 12.0%
Hispanic: 23.2%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.8%

Location

Stephen F Austin State University sits in Nacogdoches, Texas, about 140 miles northeast of Houston and 180 miles southeast of Dallas. The campus serves 8,746 students in the heart of East Texas pine forest country. Nacogdoches calls itself the "oldest town in Texas" and revolves heavily around the university. The remote town setting means students get a classic college experience without big city distractions. Over 98% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel. The surrounding Piney Woods region is known for timber, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Stephen F Austin State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

Stephen F. Austin State University August 2017 04

Stephen F. Austin State University August 2017 06

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,634
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,535
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $248/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,409

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Stephen F Austin State University?

Stephen F Austin State University accepts 89.51% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1065, with middle 50% scores ranging from 970 to 1160. This East Texas university welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Stephen F Austin State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Stephen F Austin State University is $15,152, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $11,426, while those from higher-income families pay up to $21,940. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this regional university affordable for many Texans.

What academic programs is Stephen F Austin State University known for?

Stephen F Austin State University is well-known for its forestry and agriculture programs, taking advantage of its location in East Texas pine country. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, allowing for personalized attention. The school serves as a regional comprehensive university with strong ties to natural resource industries.

What are the graduation rates at Stephen F Austin State University?

Stephen F Austin State University has a 52% four-year graduation rate and a 52% six-year graduation rate. The retention rate stands at 71%, meaning about seven in ten freshmen return for their sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,634 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects in the region.

Where is Stephen F Austin State University located and what is campus life like?

Stephen F Austin State University sits in Nacogdoches, a remote East Texas town that creates a close-knit college atmosphere. The campus houses 3,911 students in residence halls, serving an enrollment of 8,746 total students. Nearly 98% of students come from Texas, creating a strong sense of state pride and community connection.

Does Stephen F Austin State University compete in Division I athletics?

Stephen F Austin State University competes as the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks in NCAA Division I athletics within the Southland Conference. The university fields 14 varsity sports with 392 total student-athletes receiving $5.4 million in athletic scholarships. The Lumberjacks basketball team has gained national attention for upset victories in March Madness tournaments.