SFA responds to record demand with intentional enrollment strategy for fall 2026

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University announced today an intentional enrollment strategy for fall 2026 amid unprecedented demand from prospective students.

As of January, first-time undergraduate applications are up more than 50% compared to this time last year, and SFA has already surpassed last year’s total application count, which set a record.

In response, the university plans to limit growth in the incoming first-time, first-year student class to 10%, representing nearly a 40% increase in that population since 2024. This enrollment strategy allows SFA to continue growing while preserving academic quality and student experience.

“Everyone wants to be a Lumberjack right now,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every student who chooses SFA receives the personal attention, academic excellence and campus experience that define this university.”

In addition to the first-time, first-year student class limitation, SFA will implement updated housing policies that better align with student needs beginning in fall 2026. Key changes include:

• Revised on-campus living requirement: The requirement to live on campus will apply only to first-time, first-year students. Previously, this policy extended to students with fewer than 60 credit hours.
   
• Streamlined off-campus exemptions: SFA will expand and simplify off-campus permit criteria, making it easier for students to request and secure alternative housing options. Returning students will no longer be required to submit an off-campus waiver.

In February, the university will present a new residence hall project and a comprehensive campus master plan to The University of Texas System Board of Regents, outlining future investments in campus housing, parking garages, academic facilities and other critical infrastructure needed to support long-term growth and enhance the student experience. As enrollment grows, the university will continue developing a plan to ensure additional faculty and staff lines are available to support students and maintain strong academic quality.

To secure their place in the fall 2026 class, prospective students are encouraged to act now by completing required enrollment steps, including submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA; providing meningitis vaccination records; and meeting Texas Success Initiative, or TSI, requirements. Incoming students who complete these steps will be eligible to apply for housing and orientation later this spring.

Transfer and graduate students will not be subject to any enrollment limits.

For more information, contact SFA’s Office of Admissions at (936) 468-4732 or admissions@sfasu.edu.