University of St Thomas vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Houston, 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 University of St Thomas based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 4,301 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of St Thomas vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas ($14,737 vs. $20,599).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 7.5% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($10,840 vs. $11,720).
• University of St Thomas is 275.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $25,406 more per year; $34,634.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.6% higher at University of St Thomas than at Sam Houston State University (about $15,566 more per year; $34,634.00 vs. $19,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Thomas than at Sam Houston State University (93% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 133.4% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($24,902 vs. $10,669).

University of St Thomas vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1100) is 70 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming University of St Thomas 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: University of St Thomas 980/1210; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 18/25; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Aug 15, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than University of St Thomas (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at University of St Thomas vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

University of St Thomas vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas's (44%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than SHSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,200 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SHSU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 57%)

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.