FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/Texas/Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University campus photo 1
Sam Houston State University campus photo 2
Sam Houston State University campus photo 3
Sam Houston State University campus photo 4
Sam Houston State University campus photo 5
1 / 5
Sam Houston State University logo

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas · Public

$16k/yearCost after aid
Aug 1Application deadline

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
BAcademics
CAdmissions
B+Student Life
BOverall

About

Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, Texas. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 18,138 students.

shsu.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

True cost

$16kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$9,228
Out-of-state tuition$19,020
Room & board$11,720
Avg aid package$9,941
Students receiving aid40%
Pell grant recipients40%

Sam Houston State University offers a valuable education, with in-state tuition around $9,228 and out-of-state at $19,020. Eighty-four percent of students receive financial aid, averaging around $9,941. The university also provides opportunities for merit-based and need-based scholarships, including the Smith-Hutson Scholarship for eligible Texas residents.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for Sam Houston State University from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min

Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%940–1140
4001600
ACT · middle 50%19–25
136

Application info

Acceptance rate85%
Average GPA3.30
Student–faculty ratio20:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$50

Application dates

Regular DecisionAug 1

Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 85%, indicating a relatively accessible admissions process. The university looks for students driven to lead and achieve, emphasizing academic excellence and a commitment to service. The admissions team is available to assist prospective students with the application process.

Will you get into Sam Houston State University?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min

Academics

Graduation rate56%
Retention rate75%
Student–faculty ratio20:1
Full-time faculty80%

Sam Houston State University provides hands-on academics with personal connections and real-world skills. The university is known for its supportive and engaged professors, who are approachable and dedicated to student success. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, fostering a connected and community-oriented environment.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$54,211
Avg starting salary$84,000
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad74%
Economic mobility206%
Loan default (3 yr)6%
Loan repayment (3 yr)58%

SHSU excels in graduate placement, with 91% of graduates finding employment or continuing education within six months. The average starting salary for graduates is $49,000. The Career Services Center offers workshops, job fairs, and personalized career counseling, while a strong alumni network provides valuable connections and job opportunities.

Student life

Demographics

Large School
18,138Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 63%Male 37%
46% WhiteRacial diversity
White 46%Hispanic 28%Black 17%Asian 2%Other 6%
Campus housingYes

SHSU offers a lively campus life with numerous clubs and activities, fostering a friendly and safe atmosphere. Tailgating and athletic events contribute to school spirit, while spaces like the Kat Klub provide opportunities for recreation and socializing. While the party scene is limited, the university provides a welcoming environment for making friends.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Current Student

I was a very dedicated student who also liked to take time to go out with my friends and experience the college and the town. The town was boring but the clubs around were fun. The food places around are not good. The professor and the academics and the school life are always amazing! just get involved and ask questions, everyone on campus is nice!

Alumni

I graduated from SHSU in 2000. I had a great 4 years with some amazing professors who remembered me for a long time after I graduated. Overall it was a great experience. I am very impressed with the new buildings and the growth on campus. Lots of things for students to do and be involved in.

About Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University prioritizes campus safety with 24-hour security patrols, emergency phones, and escort safety rides. The university also provides a mobile campus emergency alert system. The campus is located in the small town of Huntsville, which is generally considered safe and welcoming.

The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College offers motivated and academically talented students financial support, special course offerings, and close contact with faculty. Honors students benefit from early registration, supervised undergraduate research, and access to honors-only facilities. The program emphasizes undergraduate research and encourages personal and professional growth.

Sam Houston State University welcomes international students and offers support through various programs. The university provides resources to foster community and caters to diverse interests, including cultural events and mentorship. International students can apply to a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Endowment$163,691,637
Avg faculty salary$99,708

Sam Houston State University FAQ

See if Sam Houston State University is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University admits about 85% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in Texas

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas

C+Overall$9k/yr net

Houston Community College

Houston, Texas

B-Overall$7k/yr net

Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, Texas

B-Overall87% admit

Collin County Community College District

McKinney, Texas

BOverall$9k/yr net

Midland College

Midland, Texas

B-Overall$6k/yr net

Parker University

Dallas, Texas

B+Overall
All colleges in Texas
Is Sam Houston State University your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter