Nelson University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nelson University in Waxahachie, 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 Nelson University based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nelson University is located in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Nelson 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: Nelson University 15:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Nelson University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nelson 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 Stephen F Austin State University than Nelson University ($14,959 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 27% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($9,598 vs. $13,144).
• Nelson University is 125.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SFASU (about $13,936 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $11,128.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Nelson University than at Stephen F Austin State University (about $1,638 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $23,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Stephen F Austin State University (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($12,075 vs. $10,694).

Nelson University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nelson 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 Nelson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nelson University 890/1090; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsStephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nelson University - Required; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SFASU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 56.8% at Nelson University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Nelson University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nelson 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Stephen F Austin State University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephen F Austin State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, SFASU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($258 vs. $271).
• More SFASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 50%)

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.