Southern University and A & M College vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA 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 Southern University and A & M College based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 7,452 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern University and A & M College is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern University and A & M College 21:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Southern University and A & M College vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern University and A & M College 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 Southern University and A & M College ($14,737 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 31.6% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($8,018 vs. $11,720).
• Southern University and A & M College is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $694 more per year; $9,922.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at SHSU than at Southern University and A & M College (about $1,796 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Sam Houston State University (90% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sam Houston State University students is 34.3% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($10,669 vs. $7,945).

Southern University and A & M College vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern University and A & M College 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 Southern University and A & M College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sam Houston State University (1030) is 120 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming SHSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 790/1020; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 15/19; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern University and A & M College - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Southern University and A & M College vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern University and A & M College 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Southern University and A & M College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($21,500 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($222 vs. $317).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 25%)

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.