Overview of Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public institution situated on a 272-acre campus in Huntsville. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. Students are supported by a robust 21 to 1 student/faculty ratio, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s 200 clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Sam Houston State Bearkats play in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 21,025 (18,473 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 38% Male/62% Female
• 81% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $10,483 (in-state); $22,933 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,000
• Room and Board: $9,670
• Other Expenses: $3,796
• Total Cost: $24,949 (in-state); $37,399 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of Students Receiving Aid: 89%
• Percentage of Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 76%
  • Loans: 62%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,649
  • Loans: $10,782

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Health Professions and Related Programs; and Psychology

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 76%
• Transfer Out Rate: 27%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 30%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 52%

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of Sam Houston State University Admissions

With an acceptance rate of 79%, Sam Houston State is largely accessible to applicants. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

• Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Test Scores — 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 500/580
  • SAT Math: 500/560
  • SAT Writing: -/-
  • ACT Cumulative: 19/23
  • ACT English: 19/26
  • ACT Math: 17/23

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Sam Houston State University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Sam Houston State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University Fresno, California State University Stanislaus, California State University Bakersfield, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Sam Houston State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of California, Merced, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, California State University Monterey Bay, La Salle University, Liberty University, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Sam Houston State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Washington State University

Applying to Sam Houston State University

Application Deadline: August 1

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.shsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.shsu.edu/admissions/apply-texas.html

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.shsu.edu/dept/graduate-admissions/prospective-students.html

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.shsu.edu/admissions/apply-texas.html