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Fast Facts

#1 Regional Texas
Public School

in the U.S. News &
World Report
Best Colleges
rankings.
July 2025

$2.73 million
portfolio

managed by
Mast Student
Investment
Roundtable
Lumberjacks

September 2025

Approximately
200,000 sq. ft. of
new construction

upgraded dining and
academic facilities
over the next two years
May 2025

Study Abroad
with scholarships

10 faculty-led programs
13 destinations
162 students
July 2025

EXPLORE ACADEMICS

Have a dream career or a major in mind? Still undecided? With more than 120 areas of interest at SFA,
you can find the path that’s best for you.

 

VISIT ACADEMICS

Explore your passions, meet our faculty

Select an area of interest and discover how we inspire success – one Lumberjack at a time.

SFA Traditions

The Axe Handle

SFA freshmen receive an axe handle to personalize with their own Lumberjack spirit. Students can be seen (and heard) banging axe handles on the bleachers at SFA football games.

 

Ole Cotton

Ole Cotton is an imposing 75mm cannon that fires a celebratory shot every time the SFA Lumberjack football team scores. The SFA ROTC cadets man Ole Cotton just beyond the south end zone at Homer Bryce Stadium. The powerful blast can be heard – and often felt – all over town.

 

The Homecoming Bonfire

SFA's traditional bonfire and pep rally are the centerpieces of homecoming. Usually held in October, homecoming is a series of traditions that bring Lumberjacks together to celebrate SFA. Other events include homecoming elections, downtown parade, football games and much more.

 

Purple Haze

Press play to hear our rowdy Purple Haze student section in action. At SFA’s home football games, fans in the student section loudly bang their axe handles on a metal “Purple Haze” sign to show support for our beloved Lumberjacks (and to rattle the opposing team). Now that’s a home-field advantage!

  • Dennis Quaid

    Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid will bring star power and policy insight to Stephen F. Austin State University this spring as the speaker for the fifth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. Best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” 1998 remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” Quaid will speak at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

  • students on SFA Giving Day

    Stephen F. Austin State University students collected donations on campus during the university’s fifth annual Giving Day Sept. 18. SFA raised a record-breaking $273,318 from 4,808 donors. The funds will benefit all areas, from student success initiatives and scholarships to resource assistance for faculty and athletic programs.

  • Stephen F. Austin State University’s Stone Fort Museum

    Stephen F. Austin State University’s Stone Fort Museum will host the Old Stone Harvest Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the museum on SFA’s campus.