Arkansas State University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than SFASU based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 10,472 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Arkansas State University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or SFASU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than SFASU ($12,410 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 12.1% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($11,550 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $3,038 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.3% higher at SFASU than at Arkansas State University (about $8,904 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at Stephen F Austin State University (97% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 25.3% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($13,395 vs. $10,694).

Arkansas State University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or SFASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SFASU and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at SFASU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Arkansas State University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and SFASU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Stephen F Austin State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More SFASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.