SFASU vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than CSUMB based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 7,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stephen F Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stephen F Austin State University 16:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

SFASU vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SFASU or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than SFASU ($14,493 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephen F Austin State University are 23.7% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($13,144 vs. $17,234).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $3,349 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15% higher at SFASU than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $3,047 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephen F Austin State University than at California State University Monterey Bay (83% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($12,185 vs. $10,694).

SFASU vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SFASU or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and SFASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 10 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Incoming SFASU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephen F Austin State University 18/24; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SFASU - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSUMB students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than SFASU (94%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at SFASU vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

SFASU vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SFASU and CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of about $700 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($144 vs. $258).
• More CSUMB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.