Stephen F Austin State University vs West Texas A & M University: which has better ROI?
West Texas A & M University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,948 in 32.7 years versus 44.8 years at Stephen F Austin State University, on median earnings of $50,741 vs $49,634 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stephen F Austin State University | West Texas A & M University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,260 | $19,487 |
| Total net cost | $57,040 | $77,948 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,634 | $50,741 |
| Median debt | $23,409 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 44.8 yrs | 32.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$31,560 | -$30,328 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stephen F Austin State University or West Texas A & M University?
Stephen F Austin State University, at $14,260 a year after aid versus $19,487 — a gap of $5,227 a year, or $20,908 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 West Texas A & M University graduates earn more?
West Texas A & M University graduates report a median $50,741 ten years after entry, $1,107 more than the $49,634 at Stephen F Austin State 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 West Texas A & M University?
West Texas A & M University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $23,409 at Stephen F Austin State University, a difference of $3,909. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at West Texas A & M University, against 53% at Stephen F Austin State 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.