LSUA vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

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

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than LSUA based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 6,815 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University Alexandria is located in Alexandria, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Louisiana State University Alexandria 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: Louisiana State University Alexandria 33:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

LSUA vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSUA 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 Louisiana State University Alexandria than SFASU ($8,296 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University Alexandria are 27% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($9,598 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 57.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSUA (about $4,078 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $7,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.9% higher at SFASU than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (about $8,776 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $14,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University Alexandria than at Stephen F Austin State University (86% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students is 41.4% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University Alexandria students ($10,694 vs. $7,561).

LSUA vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSUA 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 LSUA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University Alexandria (1100) is 30 points higher than at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming SFASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at LSUA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University Alexandria 970/1220; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University Alexandria 17/22; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSUA - Required; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SFASU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at LSUA (3.16).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than LSUA (92.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 66.6% at LSUA vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

LSUA vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSUA 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 Louisiana State University Alexandria's (12%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than LSUA graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University Alexandria graduates have a $7,293 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($17,707 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, LSUA graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($183 vs. $258).
• More SFASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSUA students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 46%)

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.