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NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) — For the first time in its history, Stephen F. Austin State University has received a record-breaking number of undergraduate applications for the 2025 fall semester.

SFA has received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for the fall, “marking a 17% increase over fall 2024 applications and a 67% rise since 2019.” The increase is after the University of Texas System’s investment to expand SFA’s Purple Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for families earning a $100,000 gross income or less. Also, initiatives like the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch aim to improve access, support and college readiness for students.

“We’re incredibly energized by the excitement surrounding SFA right now,” SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver said. “This explosive growth speaks volumes about the momentum behind the SFA brand. Crossing the 20,000 threshold is a milestone achievement and a reflection of the academic strength, value and sense of belonging that define the SFA experience. Students and families across the state and beyond are taking notice.”

Due to the increase in interest, this summer, the university added an extra in-person orientation to accommodate students and families who attend. In total, SFA served more than 3,000 students, marking the largest summer orientation attendance in the school’s history.

“This surge in applications and positive early enrollment data signals the strength of our strategic outreach, recruiting and marketing, as well as the appeal of our academic and student life offerings,” SFA Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement Dr. Kent Willis said. “From prospective first-year students to transfer and graduate students, more individuals are choosing SFA and committing to becoming Lumberjacks.”

College officials said these numbers show not only more applications but also a “stronger yield, retention and growth across first-time undergraduates, transfer students and graduate programs.” The Fall 2025 first-time undergraduate class is currently on the right path to be the largest in the university’s history.

“These numbers represent expanded opportunity for students and families across our region and beyond,” Willis said. “Through programs like Purple Promise, Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch, we’re breaking down barriers and making it easier for students to achieve a four-year degree. Our recent integration into the UT System has only accelerated this progress, providing our students with even greater resources, support and connections within one of the world’s most respected public university systems.”

To learn more and apply to be an SFA Lumberjack, people can visit the university’s website.

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