Stephen F. Austin State University kicked off the 2025 fall semester Monday with its largest first-time undergraduate class ever. The university also celebrated its first increase in total enrollment since fall 2018. SFA’s largest freshman class, pictured, gathered for a photo ahead of last week’s Holler at Homer event.
August 30, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University kicked off the 2025 fall semester Monday with its largest first-time undergraduate class ever. The university also celebrated its first increase in total enrollment since fall 2018.
“This historic milestone reflects the growing confidence in SFA's mission, our outstanding faculty and staff, and the transformative experience we provide,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Reaching record enrollment is not just a number — it's a testament to the dedication of our Lumberjack community and the bright future ahead for every student who chooses to call SFA home.”
According to the university’s early enrollment data, SFA welcomed nearly 2,800 first-time undergraduate students, up 31% compared to last year. Transfer student enrollment increased by 16%, and total enrollment is up 7% from fall 2024.
The new fall enrollment record is a reflection of The University of Texas System’s investment to expand SFA’s Purple Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for families earning $100,000 gross income or less. It’s also a result of new initiatives like the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch to improve access, support and college readiness for students across Texas, said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA.
“Students are looking for the personal touch of a close-knit and safe campus that also provides rigorous academics, strong career preparation, and opportunities for leadership, service and social engagement at an affordable price,” Willis said. “SFA offers all that along with the power and prestige of the UT System.”
The increase in enrollment has led to an increase in semester credit hours, which are up 9% over fall 2024. This marks SFA’s highest number of semester credit hours since fall 2020 and the first annual (fall to fall) increase since fall 2021. In Texas, state lawmakers use a formula driven by weighted semester credit hours to determine the funding for public universities.
Enrollment highlights:
- 7% increase in total headcount
- 9% increase in semester credit hours
- 16% increase in first-time transfer students
- 31% increase in first-time undergraduate students
- 12% increase in first-time undergraduate applications
- 25% increase in admitted first-time undergraduate students
- 21% increase in first-time transfer applications
- 18% increase in admitted first-time transfer students
Official enrollment data reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will be available following the 20th class day.
Applications for the fall 2026 semester are officially open, and students can apply today at sfasu.edu/apply. High school students and their families exploring universities can learn more about SFA by visiting sfasu.edu/lumberjackfamily, scheduling a campus tour at sfasu.edu/visit, and viewing SFA’s episode of Amazon Prime Video’s “The College Tour,” which premieres September 1 at sfasu.edu/tct.
