Stephen F. Austin State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 25, 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
$1,000–$6,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
16 opportunities
6 automatic · 2 competitive · 5 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
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/year 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
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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
Academic Excellence Scholarship ($6,000 tier)
📅 Deadline: June 30
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Sweet news for families: this $6,000 award is split evenly between fall and spring, and it stacks on top of School of Honors awards, the University Regents Scholarship, and outside scholarships up to your published Cost of Attendance. Renewal locks at the $6,000 level as long as your college GPA stays at 3.50 or higher and you complete 24 hours each academic year.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $6,000 tier is the top of SFA's Academic Excellence grid. It is automatic for any admit who hits the GPA + rank combination on the chart, with no separate application required. Awards are split into two equal disbursements (fall and spring). Be admitted by June 30 to lock it in.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Valedictorian-tier admits — students with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher who also rank in the top 1% of their graduating class. If your student is the academic standout of their high school, this is where they land on the chart.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship ($2,000 tier)
📅 Deadline: Rolling — apply early for best aid and housing access
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $2,000 splits across fall and spring and can stack with Pell, state grants, departmental scholarships, and outside aid up to your published Cost of Attendance. Renewal is one additional year only (max 2 total) and requires completing 24+ hours during your first fall and spring at SFA with a 3.25 GPA.
💡
Strategic Detail
The top tier of the Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship — a fully automatic award for transfers with a 3.50+ transferable GPA. SFA's Office of Admissions calculates your transferable GPA from official transcripts, so be sure each prior institution sends them directly to SFA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students arriving with a transferable GPA of 3.50 or higher and at least 15 college credit hours. Many community-college students moving up after a strong first or second year land here automatically — no extra application needed.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship ($1,000 tier)
📅 Deadline: Rolling — apply early for best aid and housing access
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $1,000 splits across fall and spring and stacks with Pell, state aid, departmental awards, and outside scholarships within Cost of Attendance. Renewal is for one additional academic year only (max 2 total) and requires 24+ completed hours and a 3.25 GPA across the first fall and spring at SFA.
💡
Strategic Detail
The entry tier of the Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship — automatic for transfers with a 3.00–3.49 transferable GPA. AP and credit-by-exam hours don't count toward the 15-hour minimum, so plan accordingly. Apply early; SFA reviews on a rolling basis.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with a transferable GPA between 3.00 and 3.49 and at least 15 transferable semester hours. It's a steady automatic award for solid B-average transfers — no essay, no separate form, just admission and transcripts.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholarship ($5,000 tier)
📅 Deadline: June 30
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
This $5,000 award splits evenly across fall and spring and stacks freely with Honors awards, the University Regents Scholarship, and outside aid up to your published Cost of Attendance. Renewal requires a 3.25 college GPA and 24 completed hours per academic year — manageable goalposts for any focused student.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $5,000 tier appears across multiple GPA-and-rank combinations on SFA's published Academic Excellence chart. Automatic award — no application. Award splits in two for fall and spring. Be admitted by June 30.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong students who land in one of two sweet spots on the chart: a 3.75+ GPA in the top 5% of their class, or a GPA between 3.30–3.70 in the top 1%. If your student is academically excellent but not the class valedictorian, this is the most common landing zone.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholarship ($3,500 tier)
📅 Deadline: June 30
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $3,500 splits into two equal fall and spring disbursements and stacks on top of Honors awards, the University Regents Scholarship, and outside scholarships within Cost of Attendance. Renewal asks for a 3.25 college GPA and 24 hours per academic year.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $3,500 tier covers the broadest section of SFA's Academic Excellence chart and is the most commonly awarded amount. Fully automatic — no application or essay. Awards split in half for fall and spring. Admission deadline is June 30.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
This is the widest band on the chart — solid, well-rounded students with a 3.00+ GPA in the top 10–20% of their class, or stronger GPAs paired with mid-range class rank. If your student is steady and college-ready, $3,500 a year is genuinely within reach.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholarship ($2,500 tier)
📅 Deadline: June 30
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $2,500 splits across fall and spring and stacks freely with Honors awards, the Regents Scholarship, and outside aid up to your Cost of Attendance. Renewal is the most forgiving of the four tiers — just maintain a 3.00 college GPA and complete 24 hours each academic year.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $2,500 tier is the floor of SFA's published Academic Excellence chart and replaces the older Purple Award. Awards are automatic with admission by June 30 — no application required. The amount is split evenly between fall and spring.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The entry point to the Academic Excellence grid — students with a 3.00 GPA who rank in the top 15%, or students with a 3.75+ GPA who rank in the top 25%. Plenty of B+ and B-plus-rank students qualify here, and it's a meaningful tuition cushion.
* 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⚠ All Undergrad Only
University Regents Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1220 SAT👥 ~Two recipients per academic department per year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
The $3,000 splits into two $1,500 disbursements (fall and spring) and is designed to cover an SFA residence hall room — commuters can apply it instead to tuition and fees. It stacks with Academic Excellence, Honors awards, and outside aid up to Cost of Attendance. Renewal is generous (up to eight terms for freshmen, six for sophomores, four for juniors) as long as the student keeps a 3.25 GPA, completes 24 hours per year, and stays in good standing with the selecting department.
📄
How to Apply
Be admitted to SFA, then submit the SFA general scholarship application at sfasu.academicworks.com using your mySFA credentials by the February 1 deadline. Each academic department selects two students each year, so the department of your intended major drives the final pick.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
The University Regents Scholarship is one of SFA's most prestigious named awards. Each academic department hand-picks two undergraduates per year for $3,000, paid out as two $1,500 housing or tuition credits. Apply through the AcademicWorks general scholarship application at sfasu.academicworks.com by February 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A very small pool — just two students per academic department each year. Winners are typically incoming freshmen in the top 15% of their high school class, or those with a 27+ ACT or 1220+ SAT, plus a strong essay and faculty references that make the department want them. Transfer applicants need at least a 3.25 college GPA.
* 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
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⚠ 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
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.
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
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.
* 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
Hoops for Scholars Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1290 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Hoops splits into two $2,500 disbursements (fall and spring) and stacks on top of Academic Excellence, the Regents Scholarship, and outside aid up to Cost of Attendance. Renewal requires a 3.25 cumulative GPA plus one honors course (three honors credit hours) per term until at least 25 honors hours are completed — which also earns the University Scholar designation on the diploma.
📄
How to Apply
Be a high school senior with clear admission to SFA, then submit the School of Honors online scholarship application by February 1. Request up to three references from teachers or professors and answer the 300–600 word essay prompt: "Describe an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped shape it."
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Hoops for Scholars is the flagship School of Honors award for incoming freshmen, worth up to $5,000 per year ($2,500 per term). Beyond test scores, the selection committee weighs essays, references, and outside achievements — artistic work, leadership, professional activities, or significant volunteer service all matter.
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Who Actually Wins
This is SFA's top Honors entry award. Recipients are high-achieving incoming Honors students who clear the 27 ACT / 1290 SAT threshold and write a memorable character-based essay. National Merit Scholars and National Merit Finalists receive explicit preference here.
App Required
University Scholars Award (Honors)
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1290 SAT
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Stacking & Combining
The award splits into two $2,000 disbursements (fall and spring) and stacks with Academic Excellence, the Regents Scholarship, and outside scholarships up to Cost of Attendance. Renewal requires a 3.25 cumulative GPA and one honors course (three credit hours) per term until 25 honors hours are reached — which also earns the University Scholar designation on the diploma.
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How to Apply
Be a high school senior with clear admission to SFA, then submit the School of Honors online scholarship application by February 1. Include up to three references and the required essay response per the AcademicWorks prompt.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
University Scholars is the second tier of School of Honors awards for incoming freshmen, worth up to $4,000 per year ($2,000 per term). Same application as Hoops — there is no separate form; you're considered for all Honors awards through one submission.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong Honors-admitted freshmen who meet the 27 ACT or 1290 SAT threshold but don't quite make the smaller Hoops for Scholars pool. The selection committee balances test scores against essay quality, references, and broader achievements.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Wisely Award (Honors)
📅 Deadline: February 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
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Stacking & Combining
Wisely is a one-time award of up to $1,000 for the upcoming academic year — it doesn't auto-renew, so currently enrolled Honors students can reapply each year. It stacks cleanly with Academic Excellence, Regents, and any other Honors or outside aid up to Cost of Attendance.
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How to Apply
Submit the School of Honors scholarship application via the SFA system by February 1. On the application, request up to three references from teachers or professors, check the "Honors Program" box on page 6, and answer the 300–600 word essay prompt: "What does success mean to you?"
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
The Wisely Award is the only School of Honors scholarship aimed at currently enrolled SFA students rather than incoming freshmen. Recipients receive up to $1,000 for the next academic year. Maintaining the award going forward means keeping Honors membership: 3.25 cumulative GPA, six honors credits per academic year, and 12 SFA credit hours each fall and spring.
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Who Actually Wins
Continuing School of Honors members in good standing who plan to return the following fall. The committee favors students who keep their 3.25+ GPA, stay active in honors coursework, and write a thoughtful essay on the meaning of success.
* 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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