Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 7, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18-24
- Middle 50% SAT: 950-1160
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Stephen F. Austin State University at a Glance
🏆 Full Tuition Opportunity Available
Average Net Price
$15,948/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$3,000–$8,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
13 opportunities
3 automatic · 2 competitive · 5 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 20+ / SAT 1030+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Available for top qualifiers
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
competitive_scholarship_waiver
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Stephen F. Austin State University (Read This First)
- “Automatic” merit is real—but not huge on its own. Most students land in the $1K–$6K/year range, so you’ll likely need to stack with other aid to make a big dent.
- Out-of-state pricing can drop fast. Even a $1,000+ scholarship can trigger an in-state tuition waiver—this is one of the biggest hidden advantages at SFA.
- Full tuition awards are competitive. Programs like the Regents Scholarship exist—but they require a separate application and top-tier academics.
- Test scores can still boost your offer. Even though SFA is test-optional, submitting strong scores can move you into a higher automatic scholarship tier.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Stephen F. Austin State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18-24; SAT: 950-1160.
Average net price? About $15,948/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in competitive_scholarship_waiver.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Stephen F. Austin State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$10,600 |
$24,070 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$13,940 |
$13,940 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$24,540 |
$38,010 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,948 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Waivers & Discounts
SFA participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) at the graduate level,
allowing eligible students from participating SREB states to pay in-state rates for select programs.
Additional tuition waivers include:
- Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Out-of-state students awarded at least $1,000 in competitive SFA scholarships may qualify for in-state tuition.
- Graduate Assistant Waiver: Teaching or research assistants (and dependents) 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 benefits.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $24,070 vs. $10,600 in-state — a potential difference of roughly $13,000 per year when qualifying through ACM or a waiver.
💡 Don’t Miss State Aid:
Texas residents can combine
TEXAS Grants,
Tuition Equalization Grants, and local scholarships with SFA’s merit-based aid to further reduce costs.
👉
Texas State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding SFA Costs
Why does out-of-state tuition cost so much more?
Nonresident students pay about $13,000 more per year than Texas residents in tuition and fees. However, qualifying for the Competitive Scholarship Waiver or certain military/assistantship waivers can reduce tuition to the in-state rate.
What’s actually included in the $24,540 and $38,010 totals?
These totals include only the direct costs billed by SFA—tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Indirect expenses like books, personal costs, and travel are not included because they vary by student.
Does SFA participate in the Academic Common Market?
Yes, but only for graduate-level programs. Undergraduate students can still qualify for in-state tuition through competitive scholarships or military-related waivers.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates without moving to Texas?
Yes. Earning at least $1,000 in competitive SFA scholarships makes nonresidents eligible for the Competitive Scholarship Waiver, which grants in-state tuition for the covered term(s).
What’s the average amount students pay after aid?
The typical SFA student pays around $15,500 per year after scholarships and grants, though lower-income families often pay closer to $10,700.
What state aid can Texas residents use?
Eligible Texans can combine TEXAS Grants, Tuition Equalization Grants, and local SFA scholarships to reduce total cost. These awards can stack with merit-based aid and institutional scholarships.
Do housing and meal plan costs vary?
Yes. The $13,940 estimate is based on a standard double-room and full meal plan. Different residence halls and meal plans can shift costs by several hundred dollars each semester.
Sources:
https://www.sfasu.edu/sbs/tuition-fees/plans-rates
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/coa
https://www.sfasu.edu/docs/student-business-services/tuition-rate-table-guaranteed-price-plan-2025-26.pdf
https://www.sfasu.edu/sbs/tuition-fees/waivers/tec-54-213
https://www.sfasu.edu/sbs/tuition-fees/exemptions-waivers
https://www.sfasu.edu/reslife
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships/excellence
https://www.sfasu.edu/docs/institutional-research/ipeds-executive-summary.pdf
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/reported-datadata/228431
Automatic Merit Scholarships — Stephen F. Austin State University
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the
Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines.
We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
Superscore Policy: SFA does not accept ACT and SAT superscores for scholarship review. SFA’s published policy states that only the highest composite ACT score or highest SAT total from a single test date will be used to determine eligibility for admission and automatic merit scholarships-not a combination of section scores from multiple sittings
Automatic
Axe Award
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other SFA scholarships and grants within Cost of Attendance; nonresidents with this award also qualify for the nonresident tuition waiver.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award level corresponds to mid-tier academic performance among admitted freshmen and is available to in-state and out-of-state students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with weighted GPAs of at least 3.5 and ACT scores of 24 or SAT scores of 1160 or higher; competitive but attainable for above-average applicants.
Automatic
Lumberjack Award
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1310 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Highest standard automatic merit tier; stacks with some competitive and need-based aid up to Cost of Attendance and triggers the nonresident tuition waiver for out-of-state recipients.
💡
Strategic Detail
Designed for high-achieving students; strong extracurriculars help borderline cases but meeting numeric cutoffs is key for automatic eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top academic applicants with weighted GPAs of around 3.75 or higher and ACT scores of 28 or SAT scores of 1310 or higher, often with strong extracurricular records.
Automatic
Purple Award
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with competitive and need-based awards up to Cost of Attendance. Nonresidents receiving at least $1,000 in SFA scholarships also receive an out-of-state tuition waiver.
💡
Strategic Detail
SFA uses the highest composite ACT or SAT total from a single test date and does not superscore for scholarships.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with weighted high school GPAs of at least 3.0 and ACT scores of 20 or SAT scores of 1030 or higher who meet the priority date.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: GPA is weighted based on the high-school transcript. Awards are available to both in-state and out-of-state students.
Nonresidents who earn at least $1,000 in SFA scholarships also receive an automatic out-of-state tuition waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.
Automatic Merit FAQs — Stephen F. Austin State University
Do I need a separate application?
No — these awards are automatic with admission. Apply by the priority deadline for best consideration.
Does SFA use weighted or unweighted GPA?
SFA uses the weighted GPA from your high-school transcript, so AP, IB, and Dual Credit courses can improve eligibility and award tiers.
Do test scores matter if I apply test-optional?
Yes. Submitting ACT/SAT scores can move you into a higher award tier. Without scores, you may qualify for the GPA-only tier, but the award amount may be smaller.
How do I keep the award each year?
Maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress (each scholarship specifies its own GPA minimum). Renewal is typically for up to four years.
Sources:
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships/excellence
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.sfasu.edu/sbs/tuition-fees/waivers/tec-54-213
https://catalog.sfasu.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=1766
https://sfasu.academicworks.com/opportunities/23821
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Stephen F. Austin State University offers several highly selective scholarships that require essays, applications, or departmental nominations.
These aren’t automatic awards — students must apply, demonstrate leadership or service, and meet GPA and deadline requirements.
App Required
Community Impact Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with automatic merit and other institutional scholarships as long as total aid does not exceed Cost of Attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete SFA’s scholarship application and the specific Community Impact essay by March 1, highlighting sustained volunteer work and community leadership.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts vary by year and funding; renewal generally depends on continued enrollment, GPA, and ongoing community involvement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with at least a 3.0 weighted GPA and a track record of sustained service or community engagement, demonstrated through a strong impact-focused essay.
App Required
Regents Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$8,000–$12,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~15 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards typically range from $8,000 to $12,000 per year and stack with other SFA merit up to Cost of Attendance; highest amounts may influence packaging of other institutional funds.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the SFA scholarship application and required Regents materials by February 1, including an essay and documentation of leadership and service; finalists may be reviewed by a committee.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Most recipients receive about $10,000 annually, with a smaller number at $12,000; renewal requires maintaining Honors-level academic performance and engagement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Roughly 10–15 incoming freshmen per year with weighted GPAs often between 3.8 and 4.0, strong ACT/SAT scores, multi-year leadership roles, extensive service, and standout essays.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Reality Check — Who Wins the Regents?
Most Regents Scholars have:
- Weighted GPA of 3.8–4.0
- ACT 28+ or SAT 1300+
- Multiple leadership roles (officer, captain, or community organizer)
- Strong, specific essays about goals and impact
- Several years of documented service work
With just 10–15 recipients per year, competition is tough — but meaningful extracurriculars and a strong essay can make the difference.
FAQs: Competitive Scholarships at SFA
Are these worth the effort?
Yes — even smaller awards can stack with merit or need-based aid. Regents and Community Impact recipients often reduce their total cost by thousands per year.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Absolutely. Just track deadlines and tailor your essays to match each scholarship’s focus.
Do I need test scores?
Not always, but the highest awards (like Regents) typically favor students who submit strong ACT/SAT scores alongside top GPAs.
Where do I apply?
Through SFA’s centralized Scholarship Application Portal, which opens each fall. Apply early for full consideration.
Sources:
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships/regents
https://sfasu.academicworks.com/opportunities/23495
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/181176-university-regents-scholarship-stephen-f-austin-state-university
https://www.sfasu.edu/coe/student-resources/scholarships
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/college-of-fine-arts-departmental-scholarship/17096/
https://www.sfasu.edu/academics/colleges/sciences-math/student-resources/scholarships
https://www.sfasu.edu/ecofin/student-resources/awards-scholarshipsships
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.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College & Departmental Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by college and program; many follow early-spring timelines
Non-Renewable
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to layer on top of base merit; multiple small awards can significantly reduce net cost when combined.
📄
How to Apply
Complete SFA’s centralized scholarship application and any department-specific forms or recommendations required by individual colleges or academic departments.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Each college (Forestry, Fine Arts, Business, Sciences and Math, etc.) manages its own pool of endowed and annual scholarships, typically ranging from $500 to $3,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who connect early with faculty, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and submit complete applications within their college or department.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Scholarships (Hidden Gems)
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Multiple departmental awards can be layered with central merit; many remain undersubscribed when students do not complete department applications.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through SFA’s scholarship portal and any department-specific applications in areas like Forestry, Nursing, Music, Education, and others by the March 1 target date.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Each college manages its own pool of scholarships, often with awards in the $500–$2,500 range for one year at a time.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong GPAs and faculty recommendations who actively engage with their major department and meet internal deadlines.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Generation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with automatic merit and other institutional or federal aid up to Cost of Attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SFA scholarship application and GenJacks/first-generation scholarship materials by March 1 and file the FAFSA to document financial need and first-generation status.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical awards fall between $1,000 and $2,000 per year for up to four years when funding and eligibility allow.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with demonstrated financial need who meet all deadlines and fully complete required applications.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Identity-Based Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by scholarship, generally in spring
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
These awards often stack with merit and need-based aid and may be renewed if GPA and engagement remain strong.
📄
How to Apply
Use SFA’s scholarship system to apply for named awards that serve underrepresented groups such as Hispanic or Latino, African American, Native American, and LGBTQ+ students; many require short essays or involvement statements.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes multiple small to mid-sized awards with donor-defined criteria; amounts and exact eligibility vary for each named fund.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students from underrepresented backgrounds who are active in cultural or advocacy organizations and complete tailored applications.
App Required
ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies by branch; high school national boards generally run in the fall
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Federal ROTC scholarships can cover full or partial tuition plus a stipend and may require coordination with institutional scholarships so as not to exceed allowable costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the appropriate Army ROTC or other service branch scholarship process, meet academic, physical fitness, and medical standards, and contract to serve as an officer after graduation.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award specifics depend on branch and scholarship type; many cover full tuition and fees plus book stipends and monthly allowances.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students committed to military leadership who satisfy GPA, fitness, and medical requirements and are selected by ROTC scholarship boards.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Spirit and Service Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Early spring, set by sponsoring organizations
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is intended to supplement other scholarships and can usually be renewed while students remain active and in good standing.
📄
How to Apply
Apply or be nominated through band, cheer, dance, or campus service organizations and meet the sponsoring unit’s GPA and participation requirements.
💡
Strategic Detail
Named amounts and exact criteria may differ by group; $1,000 per year is a typical support level for active participants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who maintain regular participation and meet GPA and conduct standards in spirit, band, dance, or service groups.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
- Leadership Scholarships – For active roles in student government or campus organizations.
- Fine Arts & Performance Awards – For theatre, choir, orchestra, and art students who commit to performances/exhibitions.
- Special Interest Club Awards – Debate, multicultural, or academic clubs sometimes award stipends to active members.
- Transfer Pathway Awards – For transfers and select freshmen with significant dual-credit coursework.
Pro Tip: Many of these scholarships have few applicants simply because students don’t know they exist. Apply early — smaller awards can still stack to cover books, housing, or meal plans.
Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQ
Can these stack with other SFA scholarships?
Yes. Most hidden gems can be combined with automatic or competitive awards, though some may have limits at the Cost of Attendance level.
Are they need-based?
Some are (like the First-Generation Scholarship), while others reward participation, leadership, or service.
Do I have to reapply each year?
Some renew automatically if you meet GPA and activity rules; others require a new application each year.
Sources:
https://www.sfasu.edu/ssc/student-resources/genjacks
https://www.sfasu.edu/about-sfa/newsroom/2025/sfa-awarded-13m-grant-expand-support-first-generation-students
https://www.sfasu.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-applied-arts/military-science/student-resources/faq
https://www.sfasu.edu/about-sfa/newsroom/2025/four-students-selected-2025-best-sfa-awards
https://www.sfasu.edu/musicprep/about/scholarship
https://www.sfasu.edu/international/current-students/scholarships
https://www.sfasu.edu/sfaalumni.com/event/HoCo22
https://www.sfasu.edu/coe/student-resources/scholarships
https://sfasu.academicworks.com/
https://www.sfasu.edu/art/student-resources/scholarships-grants
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/scholarshipsolarships
Honors College at Stephen F. Austin State University
The School of Honors at Stephen F. Austin State University gives driven students the opportunity to explore deeper academic challenges with close faculty guidance and a supportive community. Admission is by separate application and considers GPA, essays, optional test scores, and recommendations.
Typical SFA Honors Student
- Weighted GPA ~3.7–4.0; strong writing and reflective essays
- AP, IB, or dual credit coursework in high school
- Demonstrated leadership, service, or work experience
- First-generation, rural, and underrepresented students strongly encouraged to apply
Perks of the SFA School of Honors
- Priority registration and small honors seminars
- Honors housing (Wisely Hall) with a quiet, academic atmosphere
- Undergraduate research and faculty mentorship
- Dedicated advising and travel or study-abroad support
- Special transcript and diploma recognition for graduates (University Scholar distinction)
Honors Scholarships
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Honors Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies by department, generally in spring
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards may be renewed based on departmental criteria and continued Honors standing, and generally stack with institutional merit and need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the School of Honors or directly through participating departments (such as Forestry, Nursing, and Music) according to their posted Honors scholarship procedures.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and criteria differ across majors; these awards leverage both Honors membership and departmental excellence.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students in designated majors who maintain strong GPAs, are active in their departments, and submit complete applications or are nominated by faculty.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Honors Stipend
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to supplement existing study-abroad funding for Honors students and typically stacks with other institutional or external awards.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a short Honors study-abroad funding application by March 1, including program information and a brief statement of academic goals for the trip.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Aids with travel costs for Honors students; award amount varies by available funds and number of applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students in good standing who apply early and participate in faculty-led or approved study-abroad programs.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Wisely Award
📅 Deadline: February 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time scholarship that supplements other aid for engaged Honors students.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the School of Honors by February 1 as a current member returning for the next academic year and meeting Honors GPA and course-completion requirements.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Typically up to $1,000 and awarded for one year only; named for the Honors residence hall Wisely and tied to Honors participation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students in good standing who demonstrate continued engagement and solid academic performance and who plan to return the following year.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors Distinction & Membership
| Track / Distinction |
Key Requirements |
Recognition |
| University Scholar (Graduation Distinction) |
Complete 24 Honors credits (12 upper-division); maintain 3.0 GPA in Honors courses (no more than two C’s) and a 3.25 overall GPA while remaining a member in good standing.
|
Honors cords, medallion, diploma & transcript notation |
| School of Honors Membership |
Take at least 6 Honors credits per year; maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA; full-time enrollment (12+ hours fall/spring).
|
Access to Honors housing, advising, and internal scholarships |
Honors FAQs
Does SFA have multiple honors tiers?
Not formally. The School of Honors offers membership in good standing and the University Scholar graduation distinction. There are no bronze/silver/gold tiers.
What are the main requirements for University Scholar?
24 total Honors credits (12 upper-division), 3.0 GPA in Honors courses, and a 3.25 cumulative GPA while maintaining full membership.
Is there a thesis or capstone?
No thesis is required, but some departments encourage optional research or creative projects as part of Honors coursework.
Where do Honors students live?
Many live in Wisely Hall, the designated Honors residence hall known for quiet study spaces and a strong academic community.
Are there special scholarships for Honors students?
Yes — the Wisely Award, study abroad stipends, and several departmental Honors scholarships support active Honors members.
Sources:
https://catalog.sfasu.edu/content.php?catoid=24&navoid=1047
https://catalog.sfasu.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=1768
https://www.sfasu.edu/finaid/scholarships/honors
https://sfasu.academicworks.com/opportunities/24215
https://www.sfasu.edu/international/study-abroad/cost-aid
https://www.sfasu.edu/academics/colleges/sciences-math/student-resources/scholarships
🏫 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.
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.
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