Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) may be tucked away in the piney woods of Nacogdoches, Texas, but it offers a surprisingly wide range of scholarships — from automatic awards based on GPA and test scores to competitive scholarships that require essays, interviews, or extra applications. If you’re a Texas family, you’ll also want to explore Texas state aid programs, which can stack on top of SFA’s own awards to cut your cost even further.

What makes SFA appealing for many families is the balance between affordability and opportunity. Even out-of-state students may find the price competitive, especially if they qualify for waivers or merit-based discounts. The key is understanding which scholarships are automatic, which require extra steps, and how they all fit together so you can plan ahead.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Stephen F. Austin State University

Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$10,600	$23,300
Housing & Meals	$10,600	$10,600
Total (Estimated)	$21,200	$33,900

Average Net Price: The federal average net price for SFA is about $12,649 per year after scholarships and grants. Your family’s actual cost could be higher or lower depending on income, test scores, and eligibility for state or institutional aid.

Out-of-State Waivers & Discounts:
Stephen F. Austin State participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) at the graduate level, allowing eligible students from SREB states to pay in-state rates for approved programs not offered in their home state. SFA also offers several non-resident tuition waivers:

Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Students who earn at least $1,000 in competitive SFA scholarships may have non-resident tuition waived, bringing costs down to in-state levels.
Graduate Assistant Waiver: Graduate teaching/research assistants (and sometimes dependents) may qualify for in-state tuition while employed half-time or more.
Military & Veteran Waivers: Includes the Hazlewood Act and federal GI Bill-related in-state tuition benefits.

Savings Example: Out-of-state tuition is about $23,000 vs. $11,000 in-state — a difference of roughly $12,000 per year if you qualify through ACM or a waiver.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Test Superscoring: SFA accepts ACT and SAT superscores for scholarship purposes. That means they’ll take your student’s best section scores across multiple test dates and combine them for a higher composite — which could bump them into a bigger award tier.

Scholarship	Award Amount (per year)	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Purple Award	$3,000	Weighted GPA 3.0+, ACT 20+ or SAT 1030+	No	Yes	Many students with solid academics — not just top scorers — qualify for this.
Axe Award	$5,000	Weighted GPA 3.5+, ACT 24+ or SAT 1160+	No	Yes	Competitive but attainable for students above average in both GPA and test scores.
Lumberjack Award	$8,000	Weighted GPA 3.75+, ACT 28+ or SAT 1310+	No	Yes	Typically goes to top academic applicants; strong extracurriculars help if close on scores.

Note: GPA is weighted, based on your high school transcript. These awards are available to both in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state recipients who earn at least $1,000 in scholarships from SFA also receive a non-resident tuition waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.

Automatic Scholarship FAQ

Do I have to apply separately?

No — these awards are granted automatically based on the information in your admission application. Just be sure to apply early so you don’t miss priority consideration.

Is the GPA weighted or unweighted?

SFA uses the weighted GPA from your high school transcript when determining scholarship eligibility, so AP, IB, and Dual Credit courses can help boost your scholarship tier.

Do test scores matter if I’m applying test-optional?

Yes, if you want to be considered for higher automatic merit awards. Without scores, you may still qualify for the GPA-only tier, but the award amount could be lower.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships require a separate application, extra materials, or are limited in number. They’re not awarded automatically — students must actively apply and stand out.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Regents Scholarship	$8,000–$12,000/year Most recipients get $10,000/year; top few get $12,000/year	Incoming freshmen, weighted GPA 3.5+, strong leadership, community service; essay required.	Yes — by Feb. 1	Yes — 4 years	Limited to a small group of high-achieving, well-rounded students. Only about 10–15 awarded each year.
Community Impact Scholarship	$2,000–$5,000/year	Weighted GPA 3.0+, documented volunteer/service work, essay describing impact.	Yes — by Mar. 1	Yes	Students with sustained community involvement (not just one-off projects).
College/Departmental Scholarships	$500–$3,000/year	Varies by major; most require GPA 3.0+ and a short application.	Yes — deadlines vary	Varies	Students who connect with their department early and build relationships with faculty often have an edge.

Reality Check — Who Wins the Top Awards?
For the Regents Scholarship, most recipients have:

Weighted GPA of 3.8–4.0
ACT scores in the high 20s or SAT 1300+
Leadership roles in at least 2–3 activities
Strong, specific essays about their goals and impact
Community service that spans multiple years

With only 10–15 awarded each year, competition is tight — but strong academics paired with meaningful extracurriculars can put you in the running.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

Are these worth the extra effort?

Yes — while they require essays or recommendations, the award amounts can significantly reduce your costs. Even smaller departmental awards can stack with other aid.

Can I apply for more than one?

Absolutely. Just keep track of deadlines and tailor your application to each scholarship’s specific criteria.

Do I need test scores?

Not always, but higher-tier awards like the Regents often favor applicants with strong ACT/SAT scores alongside high GPAs.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These are the scholarships you might miss if you only focus on automatic or competitive awards. They’re often less competitive, have very specific eligibility, or are tied to activities or identities. Many can stack with other aid.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
First-Generation Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000/year	First in family to attend college; FAFSA required.	Yes — by Mar. 1	Yes — 4 years	Students with demonstrated need who meet the first-gen criteria. Fairly generous acceptance rate if you apply on time.
ROTC Scholarship	Full or partial tuition + stipend	Commitment to ROTC program and future military service.	Yes — varies by branch	Yes — 4 years	Students committed to military leadership training. Covers major costs when combined with other aid.
Spirit & Service Scholarship	$1,000/year	Active involvement in SFA band, cheer, dance, or service organizations.	Yes — check activity sponsor	Varies	Students who commit to activity participation throughout the year. Limited spots, but many go unfilled.
Identity-Based Scholarships	$500–$2,000/year	Available for underrepresented backgrounds including Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native American, and LGBTQ+ students.	Yes — deadlines vary	Varies	Applicants who are active in cultural or advocacy organizations often stand out.
Departmental Scholarships	$500–$2,500/year	Awarded by individual academic departments (e.g., Forestry, Nursing, Music, Education).	Yes — deadlines vary	Varies	Students with strong GPA in their intended major, often with faculty recommendations.

Leadership Scholarships – For active roles in student government or major campus organizations.
Fine Arts & Performance Awards – For theatre, choir, orchestra, and art students who commit to performances/exhibitions.
Special Interest Club Awards – Certain clubs (e.g., debate, multicultural) offer stipends or small scholarships to active members.
Transfer Pathway Awards – Mostly for transfers, but some freshmen with significant dual credit might qualify.

Pro Tip: Many of these scholarships have fewer applicants simply because students don’t know they exist. If you qualify, apply — even smaller awards can stack and cover books, housing, or meal plans.

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQ

Can these stack with other SFA scholarships?
Yes — most hidden gem scholarships can be combined with automatic and competitive awards, but check individual rules.

Are they need-based?
Some are, like the First-Generation Scholarship, while others (ROTC, Spirit & Service) are based on participation or commitment, not financial need.

Do I have to reapply each year?
Some renew automatically if you meet GPA and activity requirements; others require a fresh application each year.

🏫 What Stephen F. Austin State University Is Known For

SFA stands out as a mid-sized public university in Nacogdoches, Texas, known for hands-on learning, a tight-knit campus, and degree programs deeply connected to regional and national communities.

Flagship Program: The **Arthur Temple College of Forestry & Agriculture** hosts one of only two forestry schools in Texas and the only one in the timber-rich East Texas region. It’s consistently ranked as **#1 in Texas for forestry** and recognized among the **top bachelor’s forestry programs nationally** .

School of Music – Ranked **#5 in the nation** among bachelor’s music schools by GradReports (2020), noted for strong alumni earnings and value.
Environmental Science – Holds a **U.S. national ranking of #410**, and for forestry within environmental science, it ranks around **#132 nationally**.
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy – Listed among the **top 79 programs** of its kind in America .
Nursing – Rated **#310 nationally** among colleges for Nursing in the U.S..
Accounting & Finance – Claimed a **#226 ranking nationally** among similar majors .

Parent tip: If your student is targeting any of these specialties, encourage them to spotlight it in essays or interviews—SFA appreciates when applicants draw clear ties to program strengths.

🎓 Honors College at Stephen F. Austin State University

The SFA School of Honors is built for students who want extra challenge and closer mentorship. Admission is by application (it isn’t automatic even for top students) and typically considers GPA, optional test scores, a brief essay, and recommendations.

What a Typical SFA Honors Student Looks Like:

Weighted GPA ~3.7–4.0; strong writing and thoughtful essays
AP/IB/Dual Credit or honors courses in high school
Leadership in clubs, service, work, or community projects
First‑gen, rural, and underrepresented students are encouraged to apply

Perks of the SFA School of Honors

Priority registration and smaller honors seminars
Honors housing (Wisely Hall) and a quieter study-focused environment
Undergraduate research and faculty mentorship
Dedicated advising plus honors‑only scholarships/study‑abroad support
Special recognition at graduation and on the transcript/diploma (for University Scholar)

Honors Distinction & Membership

Track / Distinction	Key Requirements	Recognition
University Scholar (graduation distinction)	Complete 24 honors credits (incl. 12 upper‑division in honors sections); maintain 3.0 GPA in honors courses (no more than two C’s in honors); and 3.25 cumulative GPA, with full School of Honors membership in good standing.	Listed on diploma & final transcript; cords & medallion; noted in commencement program.
School of Honors Membership (good standing)	Take ≥6 honors credits/year; maintain ≥3.25 cumulative GPA; enroll full‑time (12+ hours fall/spring). Required to remain eligible for certain honors scholarships.	Access to honors courses, advising, housing, and internal awards.

Honors College Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Wisely Award (School of Honors)	Up to $1,000 (one‑time)	Full Honors member in good standing; returning next academic year; typically ≥3.25 GPA	Yes	No	Active Honors students who meet membership & GPA benchmarks
Study Abroad Honors Stipend	$500–$1,000 (one‑time)	Honors student in faculty‑led study abroad; good standing	Yes (short app)	No	Common for engaged Honors students who apply early
Departmental Honors Awards	$500–$2,000/year	Honors students in designated majors (e.g., Forestry, Nursing, Music)	Varies by department	Varies	Selected by department faculty; GPA & involvement matter

Honors FAQs (Plain English)

Does SFA have multiple honors “tiers”?
Not really. SFA recognizes one formal graduation distinction—University Scholar—plus standard School of Honors membership in good standing. There aren’t bronze/silver/gold‑style tiers.

What do I need for University Scholar?
24 honors credits (including 12 upper‑division in honors sections), a minimum 3.0 GPA in honors courses (no more than two C’s in honors), and a 3.25 overall GPA while remaining a full, active Honors member.

What keeps me “in good standing” for Honors?
Take at least six honors credits each academic year, stay at or above a 3.25 cumulative GPA, and be enrolled full‑time (12+ credits in fall/spring).

Is there a thesis or capstone required?
SFA’s University Scholar criteria focus on honors‑designated coursework totals and GPA. A formal thesis isn’t listed as required in the current School of Honors criteria; some majors may still offer/encourage capstones or research within honors sections.

Where do Honors students live?
Many choose Wisely Hall (Honors housing), which offers a quieter environment and small‑community feel.

Any special scholarships just for Honors?
Yes—like the Wisely Award (up to $1,000, one‑time) and small study‑abroad stipends. Departmental awards are also common for active Honors students.

📎 Official Links

At the end of the day, Stephen F. Austin State University gives families more than just a set of scholarships — it offers a community where students can thrive. If your student leans into SFA’s strengths (forestry, nursing, fine arts, and more), combines automatic merit with hidden‑gem awards, and explores the School of Honors, you can often bring the net price down to something truly workable.

✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025