Sam Houston State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 17,743 students.
About This School
Sam Houston State University is a public institution located in Huntsville, Texas with approximately 17,743 undergraduate students enrolled. Sam Houston State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 90%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,404 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $49,700 within 10 years of enrollment.
Sam Houston State University is a public research university in Huntsville, Texas, United States. Founded in 1879, it is the third-oldest public college or university in Texas. It is one of the first normal schools west of the Mississippi River and the first in Texas. The school is named for statesman Sam Houston, who made his home in the city and is buried there.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $16,025/year net price and a manageable $16,500 median debt at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable, and its long history and criminal justice programs give it real regional credibility. However, the 55% graduation rate is a legitimate concern — only about half of students who start here finish, which means the environment doesn't work for everyone, and that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, have a clear major in mind, and are confident you'll stay on track academically.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2023-24). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (17,743 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Class size distribution
Source: Sam Houston State University Common Data Set (2023-24).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Texas
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX · Public
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX · Public
Dallas College
Dallas, TX · Public
Houston Community College
Houston, TX · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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