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Sam Houston State University

SHSU

Huntsville, Texas 77340

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College townGreek lifeSports culture

Known for business — excellent value

Sam Houston State University is a public institution in Huntsville with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1055, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 18.1K undergraduates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,211 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,025.

Established
1879
Motto
"The measure of a Life is its Service"
Mascot
Sammy Bearkat
Type
Public research university
Conference
Conference USA
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
85%Acceptance
1055SAT Avg
18,138Students
20:1Student:Faculty
55%Grad Rate
$54,211Earnings 10yr
$16,025Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Sam Houston State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate85.4%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1055

Reading & WritingMid: 525
480580
MathMid: 510
460560

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 21
1925

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

85.4%

Trend

SAT Avg

1055

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,228
Tuition (out-of-state)$19,020
Room & Board$11,720
Books & Supplies$1,380
Total Cost of Attendance$24,517
Average Net Price$16,025
Median Debt at Graduation$21,983
Monthly Payment (10yr)$233

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,736
$30–48K$12,541
$48–75K$15,419
$75–110K$21,551
$110K+$23,198

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$16,025

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5400.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

119

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (137)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
18,138
Gender Split
63% / 37%
Women / Men
First Generation
41%
Pell Grant Recipients
40%

Race & Ethnicity

White 46%
Black 17%
Hispanic 28%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate55.1%
Freshman Retention75.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$45,337
8 Years$49,729
10 Years$54,211

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$41,600
Men
$60,100

Rankings

U.S. News
#231
Forbes
#421
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#89

More About This School

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

92Average

Estimated from TX state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

Houstonpop. 2.3M
67 mi(116 min)
Austinpop. 960K
134 mi(232 min)
Dallaspop. 1.3M
160 mi(277 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Sam Houston State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications