McMurry University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare McMurry University in Abilene, TX 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 McMurry University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 3,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McMurry University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McMurry University 16:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

McMurry University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McMurry 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 McMurry University ($14,737 vs. $20,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 16.1% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($9,836 vs. $11,720).
• McMurry University is 250.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $23,112 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.6% higher at McMurry University than at Sam Houston State University (about $13,272 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $19,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at Sam Houston State University (99% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 116.4% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($23,083 vs. $10,669).

McMurry University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McMurry 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 McMurry University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McMurry University (1060) is 30 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming McMurry University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at SHSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McMurry University 950/1160; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McMurry University 18/24; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McMurry University - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McMurry University Aug 15, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at McMurry University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

McMurry University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McMurry 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 McMurry University's (36%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than McMurry University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $5,324 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($222 vs. $277).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McMurry University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 53%)

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.