At $15,152/yr net price, Stephen F Austin State University graduates earn $49,634/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,634/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,152 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,634/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,634/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,409 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,426/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,174/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,068/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,985/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,940/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,456 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,768 | $25,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $31,855 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,943 | $17,860 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | Master | $55,286 | $28,825 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,760 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,420 | $24,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $21,864 |
The Risk Factor
51.7% of students at Stephen F Austin State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Stephen F Austin State University delivers below-average financial returns, with graduates earning a median $49,634 ten years out despite relatively low debt loads. The 52% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your degree.
Your major choice makes or breaks the investment here. Educational administration graduates earn $70,456 annually, while nursing and speech pathology majors both clear $63,000 with manageable debt. Accounting offers solid returns at $57,943 with the lowest debt burden at $17,860. These programs justify the investment in East Texas's job market.
Most other majors struggle financially. With median earnings under $50,000, many graduates will find loan payments difficult on typical salaries. The regional job market limits high-paying opportunities outside healthcare and education.
The school works best for Texas residents pursuing nursing, education, or accounting who want affordable training close to home. The $15,152 net price helps offset weaker earning potential. However, if you're not certain about your major or need higher earning potential, larger Texas universities offer better job prospects and alumni networks that justify higher costs.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, limiting options for those needing significant assistance. The 71% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year, creating additional risk for borderline applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stephen F Austin State University worth the cost?
Stephen F Austin State University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $49,634 ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the $15,152 annual net price. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Stephen F Austin State University?
Educational Administration and Nursing programs at Stephen F Austin lead earnings at around $70,000 and $64,000 respectively. Most other programs result in significantly lower earnings, with many graduates earning under $60,000.
How much debt do Stephen F Austin State University graduates have?
Stephen F Austin graduates leave with a median debt of $23,409. Given the low average earnings of $49,634, this debt load represents a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for those who actually graduate.
Does Stephen F Austin State University have good job placement?
With a 51% graduation rate and average earnings of $49,634, Stephen F Austin shows mixed employment outcomes. The school works best for students in nursing or education programs, but other majors face limited earning potential.