MSU vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX 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 MSU based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 5,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Midwestern State University is located in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Midwestern 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: Midwestern State University 18:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

MSU vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU 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 Midwestern State University than SFASU ($11,215 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 15.4% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($11,124 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $548 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87% higher at SFASU than at Midwestern State University (about $10,896 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University than at Stephen F Austin State University (92% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midwestern State University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($11,037 vs. $10,694).

MSU vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU 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 MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming SFASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midwestern State University 910/1100; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midwestern State University 16/22; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test-free; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SFASU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at MSU (3.2).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than MSU (93.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at MSU vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

MSU vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $2,701 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($22,299 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.