SHSU vs. Wayland Baptist University

Comparable Facts

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

Sam Houston State University is larger than Wayland Baptist University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 2,809 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting); Wayland Baptist University is in Plainview, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayland Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sam Houston State University 19:1; Wayland Baptist University 10:1.

SHSU vs. Wayland Baptist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SHSU or Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University ($14,737 vs. $20,446).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayland Baptist University are 17.6% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($9,654 vs. $11,720).
• Wayland Baptist University is 157.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $14,554 more per year; $23,782.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.7% higher at Wayland Baptist University than at Sam Houston State University (about $4,714 more per year; $23,782.00 vs. $19,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayland Baptist University than at Sam Houston State University (94% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayland Baptist University students is 48.1% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($15,801 vs. $10,669).

SHSU vs. Wayland Baptist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SHSU or Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University and SHSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sam Houston State University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Wayland Baptist University (1000).
• Incoming SHSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Wayland Baptist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 930/1120; Wayland Baptist University 900/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 17/24; Wayland Baptist University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SHSU - Test optional; Wayland Baptist University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027; Wayland Baptist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Wayland Baptist University (3.14).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Wayland Baptist University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at SHSU vs. 32% at Wayland Baptist University.

SHSU vs. Wayland Baptist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SHSU and Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University's (37%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Wayland Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayland Baptist University graduates have a $1,625 lower median loan debt than SHSU graduates ($19,875 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Wayland Baptist University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SHSU graduates ($205 vs. $222).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wayland Baptist University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 47%)

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.