Baylor vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

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

Baylor University is larger than SFASU based on total student enrollment (20,626 students vs. 10,472 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Baylor University is located in Waco, TX (Midsize City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Baylor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Baylor University 15:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Baylor vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Baylor 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 Stephen F Austin State University than Baylor ($14,959 vs. $47,001).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephen F Austin State University are 14.2% lower than at Baylor University ($13,144 vs. $15,314).
• Baylor University is 422.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SFASU (about $46,972 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $11,128.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148% higher at Baylor than at Stephen F Austin State University (about $34,674 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $23,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Baylor University than at Stephen F Austin State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Baylor University students is 154.6% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($27,232 vs. $10,694).

Baylor vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Baylor 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 Baylor.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Baylor University (1300) is 230 points higher than at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming Baylor students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at SFASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Baylor University 1200/1400; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Baylor University 27/32; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Baylor - Test optional; SFASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Baylor Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Baylor students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Baylor (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Baylor vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Baylor vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Baylor 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).

• Baylor University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Stephen F Austin State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Baylor University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephen F Austin State University and Baylor graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Stephen F Austin State University and Baylor graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Baylor graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 52%)

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.