Texas Tech vs Stephen F. Austin University Introduction
Choosing the right college is a crucial decision that will affect the next four years of your life, and potentially your entire career. In this article, we take an in-depth look at two universities: Texas Tech University and Stephen F. Austin State University. We’ll compare them in terms of cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs and aspirations.
Texas Tech University Overview
Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public research university located in Lubbock, Texas. Established in 1923, it is the flagship institution of the Texas Tech University System. TTU boasts an enrollment of over 40,000 students and offers more than 150 undergraduate, 100 graduate, and 50 doctoral degree programs.
Texas Tech University Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, Texas Tech University offers lower tuition fees for in-state students compared to out-of-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students were $11,600, while out-of-state students paid around $23,870. Additional expenses include housing, meal plans, and books and supplies, which together can bring the total cost of attendance to around $25,000–$40,000 per year, depending on the student’s residency status and lifestyle choices.
Texas Tech University Admissions
Admission to Texas Tech University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 71% in 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students had SAT scores between 1080 and 1260 and ACT scores between 22 and 28. In addition to standardized test scores, TTU considers factors such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular involvement when reviewing applications.
Texas Tech University Degrees Offered
Texas Tech University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across 12 colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Human Sciences, College of Media & Communication, College of Visual & Performing Arts, Graduate School, Honors College, Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, School of Law, and School of Veterinary Medicine.
Texas Tech University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, Texas Tech University provides a solid academic environment for its students. The university is classified as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Some of the most popular majors at TTU include business, engineering, education, and human sciences.
Texas Tech University Diversity
Texas Tech University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the university has a racial and ethnic diversity index of 0.61 out of 1.0. Additionally, around 25% of TTU’s student body identifies as Hispanic, and the university has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
Texas Tech University Students
TTU has a total enrollment of over 40,000 students, with about 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of on-campus housing options, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartments. Students can participate in more than 550 student organizations, including Greek life, academic and professional societies, and various recreational sports clubs.
Texas Tech University Campus
The Texas Tech University campus spans 1,839 acres, making it one of the largest campuses in the United States. The campus is known for its Spanish Renaissance architecture and features many green spaces, including Memorial Circle, the Engineering Key, and Urbanovsky Park. TTU also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center, the Innovation Hub at Research Park, and the TTU Libraries.
Texas Tech University Alumni
Texas Tech University has produced numerous successful alumni, including business leaders, politicians, athletes, and entertainers. Some notable TTU alumni include Ed Whitacre (former CEO of AT&T and General Motors), Susan Graham (world-renowned opera singer), and Kliff Kingsbury (head coach of the Arizona Cardinals).
Texas Tech University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, Texas Tech University is ranked #217 in National Universities, #121 in Top Public Schools, and #131 in Best Value Schools. In addition, TTU’s engineering program is ranked #93, and its business program is ranked #95.
Texas Tech University Outcomes
Texas Tech University has a six-year graduation rate of 60%, and the average starting salary for TTU graduates is around $49,000 per year. The university’s Career Center offers numerous resources for students and alumni, including career advising, job search assistance, and networking events.
Stephen F. Austin State University Overview
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is a public university located in Nacogdoches, Texas. Established in 1923, SFA enrolls approximately 13,000 students and offers more than 120 areas of study across six colleges, including the College of Business, College of Education, College of Fine Arts, College of Liberal & Applied Arts, College of Sciences & Mathematics, and Arthur Temple College of Forestry & Agriculture.
Stephen F. Austin State University Costs & Tuition
Like Texas Tech University, SFA offers lower tuition rates for in-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students were $8,316, while out-of-state students paid around $18,276. When factoring in housing, meal plans, and books and supplies, the total cost of attendance ranges from approximately $20,000–$35,000 per year.
Stephen F. Austin State University Admissions
Admissions at Stephen F. Austin State University are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 68% in 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students had SAT scores between 990 and 1170 and ACT scores between 19 and 24. In addition to test scores, SFA considers factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities when evaluating applications.
Stephen F. Austin State University Degrees Offered
SFA offers a wide range of degree programs across its six colleges. Popular majors include business, education, health professions, and visual and performing arts. The university also offers several graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
Stephen F. Austin State University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, SFA provides a more intimate learning environment compared to larger schools. The university is classified as a Master’s College and University (larger programs) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Stephen F. Austin State University Diversity
Stephen F. Austin State University strives to create a diverse and inclusive campus community. According to the U.S. News & World Report, SFA has a racial and ethnic diversity index of 0.57 out of 1.0. The university also offers numerous programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and the Women’s Resource Center.
Stephen F. Austin State University Students
SFA has a total enrollment of approximately 13,000 students, with around 11,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and living-learning communities. Students can participate in more than 200 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional societies to recreational sports clubs and Greek life.
Stephen F. Austin State University Campus
The SFA campus covers 430 acres in the picturesque East Texas Piney Woods and features beautiful landscaping and modern facilities. Some notable campus landmarks include the Stone Fort Museum, the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, and the SFA Observatory. In addition, the university’s Recreation Center offers a variety of fitness and recreational opportunities for students.
Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni
SFA has produced many successful alumni across various fields, including business, government, entertainment, and sports. Notable SFA alumni include Don Henley (musician and founding member of the Eagles), Joe R. Lansdale (award-winning author), and Desmond Haymon (professional basketball player).
Stephen F. Austin State University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, Stephen F. Austin State University is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities and #154 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, SFA’s business program is ranked #377, and its education program is ranked #348.
Stephen F. Austin State University Outcomes
SFA has a six-year graduation rate of 48%, and the average starting salary for SFA graduates is around $39,000 per year. The university’s Career Services department offers resources and support for students and alumni, including career advising, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.
Texas Tech University vs Stephen F. Austin State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Texas Tech University and Stephen F. Austin State University, it’s important to consider the differences in tuition, fees, and overall cost of attendance. In-state students at TTU can expect to pay around $11,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay closer to $23,870. At SFA, in-state students pay approximately $8,316, and out-of-state students pay about $18,276.
When factoring in housing, meal plans, and books and supplies, the total cost of attendance at TTU ranges from $25,000–$40,000 per year, depending on the student’s residency status and lifestyle choices. At SFA, the total cost of attendance ranges from around $20,000–$35,000 per year.
In summary, both Texas Tech University and Stephen F. Austin State University offer relatively affordable education options for in-state students, with SFA generally being the more affordable of the two for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Texas Tech University vs Stephen F. Austin State University Admissions Difficulty
Texas Tech University has a slightly higher acceptance rate at 71% compared to Stephen F. Austin State University’s 68% rate. The middle 50% of admitted students at TTU had SAT scores between 1080 and 1260 and ACT scores between 22 and 28, while the middle 50% of admitted students at SFA had SAT scores between 990 and 1170 and ACT scores between 19 and 24.
Both universities consider additional factors, such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular involvement, when reviewing applications. Overall, the admissions process at both schools can be considered moderately selective, with TTU having slightly more rigorous admission standards.
Texas Tech University vs Stephen F. Austin State University Academic Difficulty
Texas Tech University and Stephen F. Austin State University both offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple disciplines. TTU is classified as a research university with very high research activity and is known for its strong business, engineering, and human sciences programs. SFA, on the other hand, is classified as a Master’s College and University (larger programs) and is known for its business, education, health professions, and visual and performing arts programs.
With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1 at TTU and 18:1 at SFA, both schools provide a supportive academic environment for their students. However, given its research university classification and higher-ranked degree programs, Texas Tech University may offer a more challenging and rigorous academic experience compared to Stephen F. Austin State University.
Texas Tech University vs Stephen F. Austin State University Outcome Comparison
Texas Tech University has a six-year graduation rate of 60%, and its graduates earn an average starting salary of around $49,000 per year. Stephen F. Austin State University has a six-year graduation rate of 48%, and its graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $39,000 per year.
Both universities provide resources and support for students and alumni through their respective career centers, including career advising, job search assistance, and networking events. Nevertheless, Texas Tech University appears to have better overall outcomes in terms of graduation rates and average starting salaries for its graduates.
