.png?h=90&w=90&mode=stretch)
Stephen F. Austin State University is a public research university in Nacogdoches, Texas, founded in 1923. In 2023 it joined the University of Texas System, deepening research and funding pipelines for graduate students.
SFA runs more than 120 undergraduate majors and 50 masters and doctoral programs across seven colleges. English is the sole medium of instruction, and Indian applicants can enter through MS universities in USA pathways for STEM, forestry, education, and business tracks. Fall and Spring intakes are both open to international students.
- US News Regional South Ranking: #93 (estimated), 2026-2027 edition
- Acceptance Rate: 89% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition (International): $ 14,400 per year, ₹ 13.6 Lakh
- Average Starting Salary (MBA): $ 62,500, ₹ 59.1 Lakh
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
SFA charges international students the same out-of-state tuition applied to all non-Texas residents, with no separate international premium. Merit scholarships waive the out-of-state portion for eligible applicants, and F-1 students can add 12 months of OPT (36 months for STEM). Cost of living in Nacogdoches is among the lowest in Texas, and full annual costs are outlined in the cost of living in USA guide.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Spring 2027 applications are currently open with a priority deadline of 15 November 2026 for international applicants. Fall 2027 applications open on 1 October 2026 with a final deadline of 1 June 2027 for most programs. Nursing and MBA close earlier, on 1 March 2027 and 15 April 2027 respectively.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Stephen F. Austin State University 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Admission 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Rankings 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Stephen F. Austin State University vs Peer Universities
- Stephen F. Austin State University FAQs
Popular Courses and SFA Fees at Stephen F. Austin State University 2027
Stephen F. Austin State University offers over 120 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs across seven colleges. Most masters programs run 30 to 36 credit hours over two years, with tuition billed per credit hour rather than as a flat annual figure. International students pay the standard out-of-state rate with no additional international surcharge.
Top 10 PG Programs at Stephen F. Austin State University
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | $ 22,400 | 21.2 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GMAT optional |
| MS in Computer Science | $ 24,600 | 23.2 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MEd in Educational Leadership | $ 18,900 | 17.9 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); teaching background preferred |
| MS in Forestry | $ 21,700 | 20.5 Lakh | Bachelor’s in life sciences with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Environmental Science | $ 21,700 | 20.5 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Administration | $ 19,800 | 18.7 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Nursing | $ 26,400 | 24.9 Lakh | BSN with active RN license (recommended) |
| Master of Fine Arts (Studio) | $ 25,200 | 23.8 Lakh | Bachelor’s in fine arts with portfolio (recommended) |
| MS in Data Analytics | $ 24,600 | 23.2 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); quantitative background |
| MS in Kinesiology | $ 20,500 | 19.4 Lakh | Bachelor’s in kinesiology or related field with 55% (recommended) |
Top 5 UG Programs at Stephen F. Austin State University
Bachelor’s programs run 120 credit hours over four years. Total tuition below reflects the four-year international out-of-state rate for the 2025-26 fee schedule.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration | $ 89,600 | 84.7 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS in Nursing | $ 96,800 | 91.5 Lakh | Class 12 with 80% in science stream (recommended) |
| BS in Forestry | $ 89,600 | 84.7 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS in Computer Science | $ 91,200 | 86.2 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% including Mathematics (recommended) |
| BS in Education | $ 86,400 | 81.6 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at SFA cluster in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture and in Computer Science, where research assistantships offset up to 50% of tuition for accepted applicants.
Read More: Stephen F. Austin State University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Stephen F. Austin State University Admission 2027
SFA runs two intakes each year, Fall (August) and Spring (January). Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants, with wider program availability and more assistantship openings.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline | 15 November 2026 | Applies to most graduate and undergraduate programs |
| Fall 2027 priority deadline | 1 March 2027 | Required for MBA, Nursing and assistantship consideration |
| Fall 2027 final deadline | 1 June 2027 | Standard cutoff for remaining programs |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for all Indian transcripts |
| Programme start | August 2027 (Fall) | Orientation typically 3 to 5 days before classes |
Planning note: The I-20 form processing at SFA averages 2 to 3 weeks after admission plus financial documents. Indian applicants should book the F-1 visa slot as soon as the I-20 arrives, given the Chennai and Hyderabad consulate backlogs.
Read More: Stephen F. Austin State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Stephen F. Austin State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Stephen F. Austin State University sets a moderate academic bar for Indian applicants, with English proficiency and credential evaluation being the two non-negotiables.
PG requirements:
- Bachelor’s academic eligibility: 55% or CGPA 5.5 out of 10 (recommended), from a WES or ECE recognised Indian university
- English test: TOEFL iBT 3.0 (1-6 scale) / 79 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.5 overall, PTE Academic 53, or Duolingo English Test 105 (recommended, verify at official page)
- Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation submitted directly to SFA graduate school
- Standout requirement: GMAT waivers available for MBA applicants with 3+ years of professional work experience
UG requirements:
- Class 12 academic requirement: Aggregate 70% to 85% from CBSE, ICSE, or state boards (recommended)
- English requirement: TOEFL iBT 71 legacy, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 100 (recommended, verify at official page)
Key insight: An IELTS waiver is available if the applicant completed the last three years of schooling in English medium, verified through an official letter from the Indian school on letterhead. This shortcut saves ₹ 17,000 in test fees.
Stephen F. Austin State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Stephen F. Austin State University maintains an acceptance rate of 89% (estimated), placing it among the more accessible US public universities. The figure is derived from published admissions volume for the 2024-25 cycle and is not officially confirmed by SFA for 2027.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 89% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2023-24 | 88% (estimated) | Stable |
The high acceptance rate reflects SFA’s open, holistic admissions approach for regional public universities. Indian applicants meeting the minimum GPA and English test thresholds are typically admitted, though competitive programs like Nursing and MBA operate under stricter internal review.
Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission. Nursing rejects roughly 60% of Indian applicants due to clinical placement caps, while Forestry and Business admit nearly all qualified candidates.
Read More: Stephen F. Austin State University Acceptance Rate
Stephen F. Austin State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian students at SFA falls between $ 32,000 and $ 38,000, or ₹ 30.2 Lakh to ₹ 35.9 Lakh. This covers tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing, and living expenses in Nacogdoches.
Stephen F. Austin State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (International) | $ 21,600 to $ 24,200 | 20.4 to 22.9 Lakh |
| Graduate (International) | $ 13,200 to $ 14,400 | 12.5 to 13.6 Lakh |
| MBA (International) | $ 22,400 total program | 21.2 Lakh |
[Source: SFA Tuition and Fees]
Monthly Cost of Living in Nacogdoches for Indian Students
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared off-campus) | $ 450 (estimated) | 0.43 Lakh |
| Food and groceries | $ 280 (estimated) | 0.26 Lakh |
| Transportation | $ 90 (estimated) | 0.09 Lakh |
| Books and supplies | $ 80 (estimated) | 0.08 Lakh |
| Personal and utilities | $ 200 (estimated) | 0.19 Lakh |
| Total monthly | $ 1,100 | 1.04 Lakh |
| Total annual | $ 13,200 | 12.5 Lakh |
[Source: SFA official cost estimate, 2025-26]
Insider note: Nacogdoches rent is roughly 40% lower than Austin or Dallas. Indian students sharing a two-bedroom apartment near campus pay $ 300 to $ 400 per person, cutting the total annual budget by ₹ 1.5 Lakh.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Stephen F. Austin State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
SFA sits on a 421-acre campus in Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. The setting is small-town East Texas, three hours from Houston and Dallas by road.
- Location and transport: Nacogdoches has no metro rail; SFA runs free campus shuttles, and Houston Hobby Airport is the closest international gateway at 240 kilometres
- Housing: On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year international students, with rooms starting at $ 3,400 per semester (₹ 3.2 Lakh)
- Notable facility: The Arthur Temple College of Forestry runs a 9,000-acre experimental forest, one of the largest teaching forests in the Southern US
- Indian community: The Indian Students Association organises Diwali and Holi celebrations and hosts a partnership with the Nacogdoches Hindu temple
What Indian students say: The MS Forestry program pairs students with real US Forest Service projects from semester one. Weekend life is quiet, but Dallas and Houston day trips are common through the ISA carpool network.
Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships 2027
SFA offers around 12 institutional scholarships to international students, three of which are open to Indian applicants without US residency.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | Merit | $ 4,000 per year (₹ 3.8 Lakh) | Minimum GPA 3.0 or CGPA 6.5/10; automatic on admission | 1 March 2027 |
| Graduate Assistantship | Work-study | Tuition waiver plus $ 12,000 stipend (₹ 11.3 Lakh) | Departmental nomination; requires 20 hours per week | 1 March 2027 |
| Arthur Temple Forestry Scholarship | Program-specific | $ 5,000 per year (₹ 4.7 Lakh) | Enrolled in Forestry or Environmental Science; verify at official page | 15 February 2027 |
Planning note: Graduate assistantships close well before the standard March deadline in practice, as departments allocate slots on rolling review. Indian applicants aiming for tuition waivers should submit by 15 December 2026.
Read More: Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships Guide
Stephen F. Austin State University Rankings 2027
Stephen F. Austin State University is best known through US News Best Colleges regional rankings (which group US universities by region rather than a single national list) rather than global tables, given its regional-university profile.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | Not ranked in QS World 2027 | Not ranked in QS World 2026 | Not ranked in QS World 2025 |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE World 2026 | Not ranked in THE World 2025 | Not ranked in THE World 2024 |
| US News Regional South | 2026-2027: #93 (estimated) | 2025-2026: #97 | 2024-2025: #94 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #412 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
SFA is not ranked in QS or THE global tables, which is normal for regional US publics. The US News Regional Universities South placement puts it in the mid-tier of southern regional universities, alongside neighbours like Sam Houston State.
Key insight: US News regional rankings hold weight with US employers and immigration attorneys for STEM OPT filings. For Indian students, this matters more than a missing QS number.
Read More: Stephen F. Austin State University Rankings Analysis
Stephen F. Austin State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Career outcomes at SFA are strongest for graduates in Forestry, Nursing, and Education, where regional employer demand is durable.
- Employment within 6 months: 82% (estimated market median for regional US publics)
- Median starting salary (Bachelor’s): $ 48,500 or ₹ 45.8 Lakh (market median)
- Median MBA starting salary: $ 62,500 or ₹ 59.1 Lakh (market median)
- Top recruiter sectors: US Forest Service, regional healthcare networks, K-12 school districts, oil and gas mid-tier firms in East Texas
- Career support: The Center for Career and Professional Development runs on-campus recruiting fairs each semester and dedicated OPT and CPT advising for international students
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates leverage the 36-month OPT extension for jobs in Dallas-Fort Worth tech firms. Non-STEM MBA graduates typically move to Houston or Austin within the 12-month OPT window.
Stephen F. Austin State University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below covers other Texas regional publics and comparable US regional universities, benchmarked on rank, cost, and outcomes.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Not ranked | #412 | $ 14,400 / ₹ 13.6 Lakh | Strongest US regional forestry program |
| Sam Houston State University | Not ranked | #398 | $ 13,800 / ₹ 13.0 Lakh | Criminal justice research strength |
| Texas State University | #1201-1400 | #284 | $ 16,200 / ₹ 15.3 Lakh | Larger Austin-adjacent tech pipeline |
| University of North Texas | #801-850 | #219 | $ 18,900 / ₹ 17.9 Lakh | Music and DFW proximity advantage |
SFA stands out on two counts. First, its forestry and environmental science programs use a working research forest, which peer regionals cannot replicate. Second, Nacogdoches offers the lowest cost of living among East Texas university towns.
Stephen F. Austin State University is the right fit for Indian students prioritising affordability plus a specialised program in forestry, environmental science, education, or business. The total investment of ₹ 30 Lakh to ₹ 35 Lakh per year against a median MBA salary of ₹ 59.1 Lakh keeps the ROI window under three years, and the F-1 to STEM OPT pathway is fully supported through SFA’s international office.
SFA is not the right pick for applicants aiming at Ivy-adjacent brand recognition or a large-metro campus. Students needing that profile should consider Texas State University or the MS in USA route through larger public universities like UT Dallas.
Stephen F. Austin State University FAQs
Ques. What English tests does Stephen F. Austin State University accept from Indian applicants?
Ans. SFA accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test for graduate and undergraduate admission. The Duolingo option is particularly popular among Indian applicants because it can be taken from home for $ 65. Minimum scores are 79 legacy TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS overall, 53 PTE, or 105 Duolingo for graduate programs, verified at the official international admissions page.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at SFA on an F-1 visa?
Ans. Yes. F-1 students at SFA can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours during breaks. Off-campus work requires either CPT tied to an internship or authorised OPT after two full semesters. On-campus jobs include library aide, research assistant, and dining hall roles, paying $ 9 to $ 15 per hour on average.
Ques. Does SFA offer GMAT waivers for its MBA program?
Ans. SFA MBA offers GMAT waivers for applicants with three or more years of full-time professional work experience or an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 (CGPA 8.5/10 equivalent). Waiver requests are submitted with the application and reviewed by the Rusche College of Business admissions committee. Indian applicants from IIT, IIM, or top NIT backgrounds often qualify automatically.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Stephen F. Austin State University?
Ans. SBI, HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred, and Axis Bank all fund Indian students admitted to SFA. Non-collateral loans of up to ₹ 40 Lakh are available from HDFC Credila and Avanse. State Bank of India requires collateral for loans above ₹ 20 Lakh but offers lower interest rates. Loan sanction typically requires the I-20 form and admit letter.
Ques. How long does the SFA I-20 form take after admission?
Ans. The I-20 form is issued 10 to 15 working days after Indian applicants submit financial documents proving they can cover one year of costs. This means bank statements showing $ 34,000 or roughly ₹ 32 Lakh in liquid funds. The I-20 is couriered to the applicant’s Indian address by DHL, with tracking shared over email by the SFA international office.
Ques. What is SFA’s application fee and can it be waived for Indian applicants?
Ans. The application fee at SFA is $ 50 for graduate applicants and $ 75 for undergraduate applicants, roughly ₹ 4,700 to ₹ 7,100. Fee waivers are not routinely offered to international applicants. Some graduate departments waive the fee for students recruited at SFA-attended fairs in India, particularly Forestry and Environmental Science recruitment events.
Ques. Are transcripts from Indian universities accepted directly at SFA?
Ans. SFA requires all Indian transcripts to be evaluated through WES or ECE on a course-by-course basis. The evaluation report is sent directly from the credential evaluator to SFA’s graduate school. WES charges roughly ₹ 20,000 and takes 15 to 20 business days. Applicants should also arrange transcripts with a university seal and signed medium of instruction certificate.
Ques. Does Stephen F. Austin State University accept 3-year bachelor’s degrees from India?
Ans. SFA accepts three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for most graduate programs, provided the WES or ECE evaluation confirms US equivalence. MBA and MS in Nursing are the exceptions, where four years of undergraduate study or an additional postgraduate qualification is required. Indian applicants with a BCom or BA from a UGC-recognised university typically qualify for direct entry to graduate business and arts programs.
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Master of Science [M.S] Biotechnology
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
1546425900.png?h=48&w=101&mode=stretch)
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Stephen F. Austin State University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
1 Reviews Found
Overview
I chose this college because it is a good program for my major. It was also far enough away from home for me to feel like I could be my own person. I also really liked the wooded area surrounding the town and the small campus.
Fees
All fees were paid online. Everything was included in tuition and was broken down charge by charge so you know what you were paying for. They charged you for everything, no matter if you used it or not.
Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Stephen F. Austin State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.sfasu.edu/admissions/prospective.asp
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Stephen F. Austin State University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Stephen F. Austin State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8868 | 5985 | 2883 | 238 |
Comments