For the first time in its history, Stephen F. Austin State University has received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for a fall semester, marking a 17% increase over fall 2024 applications and a 67% rise since 2019. SFA also served more than 3,000 students during summer orientation sessions like the one pictured, marking the largest summer orientation attendance in SFA’s history.
August 7, 2025 –– For the first time in its history, Stephen F. Austin State University has received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for a fall semester, marking a 17% increase over fall 2024 applications and a 67% rise since 2019.
The surge follows 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.
“We’re incredibly energized by the excitement surrounding SFA right now,” said SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver. “This explosive growth speaks volumes about the momentum behind the SFA brand. Crossing the 20,000 threshold is a milestone achievement and a reflection of the academic strength, value and sense of belonging that define the SFA experience. Students and families across the state and beyond are taking notice.”
Due to the overwhelming interest, SFA added an extra in-person orientation session to accommodate students and families who plan to attend. In total, the university served more than 3,000 students during summer orientation, marking the largest summer orientation attendance in SFA’s history.
“This surge in applications and positive early enrollment data signals the strength of our strategic outreach, recruiting and marketing, as well as the appeal of our academic and student life offerings,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA. “From prospective first-year students to transfer and graduate students, more individuals are choosing SFA and committing to becoming Lumberjacks.”
These numbers and early enrollment trends show not only more applications but also stronger yield, retention and growth across first-time undergraduates, transfer students and graduate programs. The incoming first-time undergraduate class is currently on pace to be the largest in the university’s history.
“These numbers represent expanded opportunity for students and families across our region and beyond,” Willis said. “Through programs like Purple Promise, Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch, we’re breaking down barriers and making it easier for students to achieve a four-year degree. Our recent integration into the UT System has only accelerated this progress, providing our students with even greater resources, support and connections within one of the world’s most respected public university systems.”
To learn more and apply for SFA’s fall 2025 semester, visit sfasu.edu/apply.
About Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
