Accreditations

Program accreditations

Institutional accreditation

Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions may also offer credentials, such as certificates and diplomas, at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Stephen F. Austin State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; by calling (404) 679-4500; or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website at www.sacscoc.org.

Maintenance of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation requires inclusion of an accurate description of the university and its accreditation status to specialized external programmatic accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The SFA Provost's Office and the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison are responsible for ensuring that the description of SFA's accreditation status is consistent with SACSCOC policy.

Correspondence with specialized programmatic accrediting agencies

All correspondence with specialized programmatic accrediting agencies, such as applications for candidacy, self-study reports, and/or accreditation renewals, shall consistently include the following description of Stephen F. Austin State University:

Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. SFA is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work and service. Throughout the university, faculty and staff provide personal attention, engaging students in a learner-centered environment and offering opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community. SFA benefits the East Texas community and the state of Texas by providing a high quality, affordable education.

Initial institutional accreditation was received in 1927 as Stephen Austin State Teachers College from the accrediting body now known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). From 1951-68, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State College was in place. Since 1968, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State University is active. The last SFA SACSCOC reaffirmation occurred in 2021, and the next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2031.