Stephen F Austin State University combines open access with exceptional mobility outcomes. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university produces earnings beyond expectations while maintaining accessibility for Pell-eligible and first-generation students, supporting economic advancement through affordable education.
Modestly below average, driven by moderate long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Above average, reflecting controlled costs and reasonable debt levels
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop-tier mobility with open access
Stephen F Austin State University ranks #335 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 90.2nd percentile demonstrating top-tier performance. Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, this medium-sized public university maintains open access with an 88.2% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic mobility outcomes.
Stephen F Austin State University enrolls 36.8% Pell-eligible students and 35.4% first-generation students, reflecting above-average accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Graduates earn $825 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 59.5th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $49,634 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings. This combination of high accessibility, controlled costs, and strong mobility outcomes positions Stephen F Austin State University as an Opportunity Builder, where institutions create pathways for economic advancement through accessible education.
Stephen F Austin State University combines accessibility with manageable financial outcomes for graduates. Graduates earn a median of $49,634 ten years after enrollment, ranking around the national average nationally.
Earnings range from $32,573 at the 25th percentile to $67,133 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. The institution generates $825 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it above average nationally on this measure.
Students seeking accessible public education with strong outcomes for diverse backgrounds, particularly those interested in nursing, business, and interdisciplinary programs. Well-suited for first-generation students (35.4%) and Pell-eligible students (36.8%) who value economic mobility alongside manageable costs.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Stephen F Austin State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/stephen-f-austin-state-university/analysis.
Stephen F Austin State University admits 88.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Stephen F Austin State University in the Open Access category, indicating broad accessibility for prospective students.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Stephen F Austin State University admits students at a slightly higher rate than similar institutions, though both figures reflect accessible admission policies. This level of accessibility means that most academically qualified students can expect admission, though completion of required coursework and meeting minimum academic standards remain important.
The university's high acceptance rate reflects its mission to serve Texas students across diverse academic backgrounds and preparation levels. For students building college lists, Stephen F Austin State University represents a reliable option with predictable admission outcomes.
Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and genuine interest rather than viewing admission as highly competitive. The combination of accessibility with solid post-graduation outcomes makes Stephen F Austin State University an attractive choice for students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Stephen F Austin State University's published cost of attendance is $24,231 per year—that's $10,600 in in-state tuition, $11,142 for room and board, and $1,202 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $20,680.
However, the average student pays $15,152 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,079 compared to the sticker price. Net price falls slightly above the peer median of $14,093, though the $1,059 difference is modest.
Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with lower-income students receiving substantially more support. The university's accessible admission policy combines with need-based aid to create affordable pathways for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Stephen F Austin State University's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with meaningful financial aid that reduces the burden for most students, particularly those from lower and middle-income families.
Stephen F Austin State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $43,144 six years after enrollment to $47,094 at eight years and $49,634 at ten years, representing 15.0% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 4,602 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $825 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Stephen F Austin State University above average for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $43,000, ranking in the top 50% nationally. Earnings span from $32,573 at the 25th percentile to $67,133 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 27.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry. Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $482 less annually, though this modest gap is offset by the institution's accessibility and controlled debt levels.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
119 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
44 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
61 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
85 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
56 graduates
Stephen F Austin State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking. Adult Health Nursing leads earnings outcomes at $73,525 with 119 graduates, ranking #148 nationally and #13 in Texas with a value score of 46.4.
Artificial Intelligence graduates earn $68,965 with 44 graduates, ranking #162 nationally and #16 in Texas. Banking and Financial Support Services produces graduates earning $61,595 with 61 graduates, ranking #168 nationally and #15 in Texas.
Accounting Technology ranks #111 nationally and #11 in Texas, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $59,586 and a strong value score of 60.0. Brass Instruments stands out with a remarkable #4 national ranking and #1 in Texas, graduating 83 students with median earnings of $48,515 and an exceptional value score of 97.9.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies represents the largest program with 291 graduates annually, reflecting strong student demand and institutional focus.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Norfolk State University Similar quality tier (#332 ranked) | VA | 87% | $44,666 | #332 | Compare |
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier in Southwest (#334 ranked) | NM | 76% | $39,067 | #334 | Compare |
University Of South Alabama Similar quality tier (#328 ranked) | AL | 65% | $49,379 | #328 | Compare |
University Of New Mexico-Main Campus Similar quality tier in Southwest (#327 ranked) | NM | 95% | $44,792 | #327 | Compare |
The College Of New Jersey Similar quality tier (#326 ranked) | NJ | 62% | $73,323 | #326 | Compare |