Jackson State University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Jackson State University in Jackson, 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 Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Jackson 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: Jackson State University 14:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Jackson State University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson 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 Sam Houston State University than Jackson State University ($14,737 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sam Houston State University are 18.3% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,720 vs. $14,341).
• Sam Houston State University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $263 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.4% higher at SHSU than at Jackson State University (about $7,103 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Sam Houston State University (89% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sam Houston State University students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($10,669 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jackson 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 Jackson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sam Houston State University (1030) is 80 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming SHSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than SHSU (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Jackson State University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson 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 Jackson State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($21,500 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($222 vs. $299).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 36%)

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.