SHSU vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Sam Houston State University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sam Houston State University 19:1; Nelson University 15:1.

SHSU vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SHSU or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University ($14,737 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 18.1% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($9,598 vs. $11,720).
• Nelson University is 171.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $15,836 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.4% higher at Nelson University than at Sam Houston State University (about $5,996 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $19,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Sam Houston State University (96% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 13.2% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($12,075 vs. $10,669).

SHSU vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SHSU or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University and SHSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sam Houston State University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 930/1120; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SHSU - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at SHSU vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

SHSU vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SHSU and Nelson University? 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($222 vs. $271).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 50%)

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.