SHSU vs. West Texas A & M University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX with West Texas A & M University in Canyon, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than West Texas A & M University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 9,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting); West Texas A & M University is in Canyon, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Texas A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sam Houston State University 19:1; West Texas A & M University 14:1.

SHSU vs. West Texas A & M University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SHSU or West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University ($14,737 vs. $15,572).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Texas A & M University are 20.8% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($9,278 vs. $11,720).
• Sam Houston State University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Texas A & M University (about $127 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $9,101.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.4% higher at SHSU than at West Texas A & M University (about $8,072 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $10,996.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Texas A & M University than at Sam Houston State University (92% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sam Houston State University students is 40.9% larger than aid received by West Texas A & M University students ($10,669 vs. $7,573).

SHSU vs. West Texas A & M University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SHSU or West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University and SHSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Texas A & M University (1060) is 30 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming SHSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at West Texas A & M University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 930/1120; West Texas A & M University 950/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sam Houston State University 17/24; West Texas A & M University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SHSU - Test optional; West Texas A & M University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027; West Texas A & M University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Texas A & M University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• West Texas A & M University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than SHSU (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at SHSU vs. 32.6% at West Texas A & M University.

SHSU vs. West Texas A & M University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SHSU and West Texas A & M 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 West Texas A & M University's (42%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than West Texas A & M University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Texas A & M University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than SHSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, West Texas A & M University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SHSU graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Texas A & M University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 55%)

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.