Alcorn State University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, MS with Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than Alcorn State University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 2,995 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alcorn State University 16:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Alcorn State University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State University or SHSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alcorn State University than SHSU ($12,376 vs. $14,737).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sam Houston State University are 4% lower than at Alcorn State University ($11,720 vs. $12,204).
• Sam Houston State University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $443 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.1% higher at SHSU than at Alcorn State University (about $10,283 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alcorn State University than at Sam Houston State University (94% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alcorn State University students is 6.6% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($11,375 vs. $10,669).

Alcorn State University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State University or SHSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SHSU and Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sam Houston State University (1030) is 200 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming SHSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Alcorn State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Alcorn State University (3.2).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Alcorn State University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State University and SHSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Sam Houston State University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Alcorn State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Alcorn State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alcorn State University graduates ($222 vs. $292).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alcorn State University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 34%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.