Stephen F. Austin State University

Yes, SFA is online, and it offers numerous degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels that students can complete 100% remotely. This includes online bachelor's degree programs such as general business, interdisciplinary studies - middle-level grades 4-8 teacher, and sustainability. Online graduate degrees can help students develop advanced skills in nursing (MSN-FNP), National Security, public administration, and others.

In general, SFA is largely considered a good school. It's on two of OnlineU's rankings lists: #3 for best online child development degrees and #9 for best online colleges in Texas. It's also institutionally and programmatically accredited, and — according to College Scorecard data — its annual tuition is lower than the average, and graduate median earnings are approximately $46,000, which is comparable to other four-year schools.

Employers respect SFA's online degrees because of the school's favorable accreditation status: SFA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate degrees, and certificates.

This accreditation means that SFA has sound and ethical accounting practices, and its programs provide high quality education. SFA's online programs are comparable to those available on campus, providing the same instruction, rigor, and outcomes. Transcripts and diplomas generally don't state whether degrees are completed remotely, so you don't have to tell anyone if you don't want to.

Rest assured knowing that OnlineU only includes accredited online colleges and universities on its site.

SFA is known for its research through more than a dozen specialized laboratories, institutes, and campus research centers. For example, the university's location near the 2,560-acre, USDA Forest Service-owned Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest is ideal for enabling SFA students to research a variety of topics, such as birds, wildlife, soil, and hardwoods. SFA also boasts a new $46 million STEM Research Center supporting collaborative research within and outside the STEM disciplines. Additionally, the center aims to bolster STEM education at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels by increasing STEM awareness and providing teacher and student support through mentoring.

College Scorecard data, which is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, shows that SFA's bachelor's degrees in registered nursing (RN-BSN), computer and information sciences, and finance provide the highest earnings. Graduates earn median annual salaries of approximately $66,800, $59,000, and $54,500, respectively. 

Another way to gauge earning potential is through OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score, which ranks colleges by how much their alumni earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. SFA has a bachelor's degree Salary Score of 53 out of 100, 35 for its master's degrees, and 9 for its doctoral degrees. More specifically, its online bachelor's degree in human development and family studies has an exceptionally high Salary Score of 95.

Getting into SFA is not too difficult, as Collge Scorecard shows that it accepts 76% of applicants. Applicants must complete entrance exams, however, which may present a barrier to some students applying. Admitted students have combined SAT scores between 980 and 1150 and ACT scores between 18 and 24, on average. 

SFA's undergraduate admission requirements for first-year students include the following:

• An application and a $50 application fee
• Official high school transcripts or GED scores 
• Official college transcripts if transferring credits
• Military transcripts, if applicable
• SAT/ACT scores

SFA has a rolling admissions policy with no application deadlines. Enrolling in college takes some time and planning, however, so it's helpful to meet with an enrollment advisor early to ensure you understand all the requirements. Advisors can also let you know if your chosen program has additional requirements to those listed above. 

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