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.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,791 |
| Tuition and Fees | $23,426 |
| Room and Board | $13,144 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,208 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,531 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,260 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,318 |
| $30–48k | $11,023 |
| $48–75k | $13,100 |
| $75–110k | $17,609 |
| $110k+ | $22,959 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median student debt at Stephen F Austin State University is $23,409, which falls slightly above the peer median of $21,105 by $2,304. Debt levels vary considerably, ranging from $6,682 at the 25th percentile to $28,500 at the 75th percentile.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 47% of their first-year earnings to debt service under standard repayment plans, though income-driven repayment options can reduce this burden. Parent PLUS loans show a median of $14,000 with monthly payments of $184.
The debt levels reflect Stephen F Austin State University's moderate cost structure combined with students' varying financial circumstances. While debt is above peer institutions, the amounts remain within manageable ranges for most graduates given typical career earnings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Stephen F Austin State University generates $825 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking above average nationally for value-added performance. This positive differential indicates that graduates earn more than predicted based on their demographic and academic backgrounds.
Median earnings of $49,634 rank around the national average, while debt levels sit slightly above peer institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable repayment obligations for most graduates under standard payment plans.
Combined with the university's accessible admission policy and strong mobility outcomes (90.2nd percentile), Stephen F Austin State University delivers solid return on investment for students seeking economic advancement. The institution's strength lies in converting educational access into positive economic outcomes, particularly for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise substantial portions of enrollment.
Stephen F Austin State University enrolls 36.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than one-third of students come from families with significant financial need. The $9,079 gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution across the student body.
Net prices by income tier show that students from families earning under $48,000 receive the most substantial aid, paying approximately $11,300 regardless of specific income within that range. The progressive aid structure supports the university's accessibility mission, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Financial aid effectiveness aligns with the substantial Pell-eligible population, creating pathways for economic mobility through affordable higher education. Students from middle-income families still receive meaningful aid, with net prices well below the published cost of attendance across all income levels.
