Establishment and History: Founded in 1923 as a teachers college, SFA was built on part of the homestead of prominent Texan Thomas Jefferson Rusk. It was named after Stephen F. Austin, a key figure in the founding of Texas. The institution gained university status in 1969.
Mission: The university's mission is "to provide students a foundation for success, a passion for learning and a commitment to responsible global citizenship in a community dedicated to teaching, research, creativity and service.
Academic Standing: SFA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It is classified as a Master's College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.
Enrollment and Reach: The total enrollment is around 11,600 students, representing diverse backgrounds from across Texas, 44 other U.S. states, and over 50 countries. A significant portion of students come from major metropolitan areas in Texas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Academic Programs: SFA offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 80 undergraduate majors, nearly 60 graduate degrees, and four doctoral programs. These are housed within six colleges and one independent school.
Unique Facilities: The university boasts several unique facilities that support its academic and research activities, including:A computerized observatory for astronomy research.A 2,650-acre experimental forest.An on-campus arboretum known as the Mast Arboretum.A biotechnology/environmental science research center.Agricultural research facilities for beef, poultry, and swine.The Stone Fort Museum, a replica of an 18th-century house.A regional geospatial laboratory.
Location: Situated in Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, SFA benefits from a location in the beautiful pine forests of East Texas. Nacogdoches is about 140 miles northeast of Houston and 180 miles southeast of Dallas. The town has a rich historical background dating back to Spanish missions in 1721.
Global Engagement: SFA has an Office of International Programs and offers a Friendship Program that matches international students with American students.