GS vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

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

Georgia Southern University is larger than SHSU based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 21,039 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Georgia Southern 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: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

GS vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS 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 Sam Houston State University than GS ($14,737 vs. $15,971).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 1.9% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($11,492 vs. $11,720).
• Sam Houston State University is 53.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $3,206 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at SHSU than at Georgia Southern University (about $1,334 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $17,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Georgia Southern University than at Sam Houston State University (90% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sam Houston State University students is 18.6% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($10,669 vs. $8,994).

GS vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GS 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 GS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Georgia Southern University (1060) is 30 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming GS students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at SHSU (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GS students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than GS (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

GS vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS 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 Georgia Southern University's (47%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than GS graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than GS graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GS graduates ($222 vs. $237).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GS students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 52%)

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.