Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · Public · 4-year

Sam Houston State University has a 85.4% acceptance rate. Sam Houston State University is a public 4-year institution in Huntsville, TX, with a median SAT of 1040 and a median ACT of 20. The average net price is $16,404 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

85.4%

17,582 applicants

SAT Median

1040

Combined score

ACT Median

20

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$16,404

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Sam Houston State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Sam Houston State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)94010401120
ACT (composite, 1–36)192025

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

54.9%

Retention Rate

73.2%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$54,211

Student Body

17,743

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Sam Houston State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$12,474
$30,001 – $48,000$13,389
$48,001 – $75,000$15,540
$75,001 – $110,000$21,366
$110,000+$24,101

Top Majors at Sam Houston State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice824
Business, Management & Marketing673
Health Professions410
Psychology329
Education320
Communication & Journalism208
Visual & Performing Arts187
Agriculture & Natural Resources185
Biological & Biomedical Sciences142
Parks, Recreation & Fitness141

Financial Aid at Sam Houston State University

About Sam Houston State University

Official website: https://www.shsu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.shsu.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Houston State University

What is the acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. it received about 17,582 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1040; the average net price is $16,404 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Sam Houston State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Sam Houston State University?

Getting into Sam Houston State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 85% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1040. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Sam Houston State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Sam Houston State University?

Admitted students at Sam Houston State University typically have a median SAT around 1040 and a median ACT around 20. With a 85% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Sam Houston State University?

The average net price at Sam Houston State University is $16,404 per year after grants and scholarships. about 84% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $9,941 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University has a graduation rate of 55%. its first-year retention rate is 73%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $54,211. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Sam Houston State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Sam Houston State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Sam Houston State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1040. With a 85% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Sam Houston State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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