Stephen F Austin State University vs Our Lady of the Lake University: which has better ROI?
Stephen F Austin State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,040 in 44.8 years versus 208.8 years at Our Lady of the Lake University, on median earnings of $49,634 vs $48,675 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stephen F Austin State University | Our Lady of the Lake University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,260 | $16,442 |
| Total net cost | $57,040 | $65,768 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,634 | $48,675 |
| Median debt | $23,409 | $24,999 |
| Payback | 44.8 yrs | 208.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$31,560 | -$59,468 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stephen F Austin State University or Our Lady of the Lake University?
Stephen F Austin State University, at $14,260 a year after aid versus $16,442 — a gap of $2,182 a year, or $8,728 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Stephen F Austin State University or Our Lady of the Lake University graduates earn more?
Stephen F Austin State University graduates report a median $49,634 ten years after entry, $959 more than the $48,675 at Our Lady of the Lake University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Stephen F Austin State University or Our Lady of the Lake University?
Stephen F Austin State University: its completers carry a median $23,409 in federal loans versus $24,999 at Our Lady of the Lake University, a difference of $1,590. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Stephen F Austin State University, against 46% at Our Lady of the Lake University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.