Sam Houston State University
About Sam Houston State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. It is known for its criminal justice program, one of the best in the country, alongside programs in education, business, and the sciences.
Founded
1879
Location
Huntsville, Texas
Students
20,995
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
54.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,228
Out-of-state: $19,068
Avg Net Price
$16,404
After financial aid
SAT Average
1041
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,211
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Sam Houston State University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1041/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
54.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.3%
4-Year Grad
36%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
79.1%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Large
The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 73.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,228
In-State
$19,068
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,720
Books & Supplies
$1,380
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,505
After Financial Aid
$16,404
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,474
Receive Grants
41.3%
Take Loans
45.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,505/yr for in-state students, including $11,720 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,404. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,068.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Sam Houston State University fund their education.
While in School
41.3%
Get Grants
Free money
45.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$37,602
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,983
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$233/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,983 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Sam Houston State University.
Gender
62.6%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,743
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,252
Graduates
41.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
14.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 41.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
17,743
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Sam Houston State University fields 11 varsity teams with 515 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Conference USA
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
515
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
292
Men
223
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Sam Houston State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,211
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
888 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
303 grads
Psychology, General
$31K
263 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$45K
240 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$28K
198 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$82K
195 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sam Houston State University
What is the acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University?▾
How much does Sam Houston State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Sam Houston State University?▾
How much do Sam Houston State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.