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Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas — 1806 Ave J, 77340

Annual Tuition $9,228
Enrollment 18,138
Acceptance Rate 85.4%
Median Salary $54,211

Sam Houston State University is a leading Public institution located in Huntsville, Texas. Established to provide high-quality education, Sam Houston State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Sam Houston State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Huntsville, Texas
Type Public
Total Enrollment 18,138 students
Median Salary $54,211

Sam Houston State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Sam Houston State University
Location Huntsville, Texas
Official Website https://www.shsu.edu/
Address 1806 Ave J
Huntsville, TX 77340
Institution Type Public
Total Students 18,138

Sam Houston State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 85.4% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,055 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 21 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math — 460 560
Evidence-Based Reading — 480 580
ACT Math 20 midpoint
ACT English 22 midpoint

Sam Houston State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $9,228
Out-of-State Tuition $19,020
Pell Grant Rate 39.9%
Median Debt (Completers) $21,983

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Sam Houston State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $11,736/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $12,541/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $15,419/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $21,551/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $11,736 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

85.4% acceptance rate

Is Sam Houston State University hard to get into?

SAT score range

940 - 1,140

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math460 - 560
Reading480 - 580

ACT score range

19 - 25

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Sam Houston State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. salary after Sam Houston State University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $91,744 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $97,900
2

Educational Administration and Supervision. salary after Sam Houston State University

Doctoral Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $74,953 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $82,591
3

Student Counseling and Personnel Services. salary after Sam Houston State University

Doctoral Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $70,456 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

85.4% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 18,138
Undergrad 14,914
Retention Rate 75.4% full-time
Full-Time Students 80.1%

Courses and Academic Programs at Sam Houston State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,751
Business/Commerce, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 525
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Bachelor's
Graduates 514
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 453
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 346
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 317
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 284
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 267
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 263
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 244
Showing top 10 of 126 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Sam Houston State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $54,211 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $45,337
Graduation Rate 55.1% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Sam Houston State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $45,337
10 Years After Entry $54,211
Is Sam Houston State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $16,025
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $54,211
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 669900%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Sam Houston State University

Total Students 18,138
Undergrad 14,914
Graduate 3,224
Retention Rate 75.4% full-time

Gender Breakdown

62.9%
37.1%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 80.1%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
46.2%
Hispanic
28.1%
Black
17.4%
Two or More Races
3.4%
Asian
2.1%
Unknown / Unreported
1.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.8%
International
0.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 41.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 66.3%
🎖️
Veterans 0.7%
💍
Married Students 6.9%
📅
Students Age 25+ 14.3%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 64.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $63,900
Average Family Income $54,799
Median Family Income $37,602

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.7%
51.4%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 39.9% of students
Federal Loan Rate 46.3% of students
Avg Net Price $16,025 after aid
Median Debt $21,983 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $21,983
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $6,693
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $26,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Sam Houston State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Sam Houston State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 55.1%
Median Graduate Salary $54,211
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Sam Houston State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Sam Houston State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Houston State University

What is the acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 85.4%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Sam Houston State University?

Tuition at Sam Houston State University is $9,228 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Sam Houston State University?

Graduates of Sam Houston State University earn a median salary of $54,211 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Sam Houston State University located?

Sam Houston State University is located at 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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