Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Huntsville, Texas |
| Online | shsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Sam Houston State University (SHSU), located in Huntsville, Texas, approximately 70 miles north of Houston, offers students a blend of rural setting and proximity to urban amenities. Founded in 1879, SHSU has a rich history and has evolved into a public institution that provides diverse academic offerings, including well-regarded programs in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Education. With a campus characterized by its red-brick buildings and a blend of historic and modern architecture, the university creates an environment conducive to learning and research. Sam Houston State University maintains a moderately selective admission process and offers on-campus living options through its residence halls. While SHSU fields competitive athletic teams known as the Bearkats, the university's recognition in sports is primarily regional. The school's emphasis on practical, career-focused education is evident in its range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs designed to integrate real-world experiences.
In the most recent statistical year 16,316 prospective students applied, and 13,809 were granted admission. Of those admitted 3,394 enrolled in the school. 15,528 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 5,952 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,856 plus fees of $3,104. SHSU is ranked 778 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SHSU is rated within the lower 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Sam Houston State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#778 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#279 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#33 in Best Colleges in Texas
#12 in Best Public Colleges in Texas
#108 in Best Value Colleges in Texas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 960/1140 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.25 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Texas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,380 |
| Other Fees | $3,104 |
| Room and Board | $10,908 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,866 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,114 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,380 |
| Other Fees | $3,104 |
| Room and Board | $10,908 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,866 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,906 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 27% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 16% |
| General Studies | 12% |
| Psychology | 6% |
| Communication | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SHSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Sam Houston State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=227881 IPEDS survey data for Sam Houston State University.
Current students may use the Sam Houston State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024