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Huntsville, TX
Sam Houston State University, established in 1879, is a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. With a proud history spanning over 140 years, SHSU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight colleges. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education and encourages its students to explore their passions, engage in critical thinking, and develop skills necessary for success in their chosen fields.
One of the key highlights of Sam Houston State University is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university understands the importance of practical application and offers numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their respective fields of study. From internships and co-op programs to research projects and community service initiatives, SHSU ensures that students have access to real-world learning experiences that enhance their academic knowledge and foster personal growth.
In addition to its academic offerings, Sam Houston State University boasts a vibrant campus life. With over 250 registered student organizations and 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams, there are ample opportunities for students to get involved and foster a sense of community. The university also ensures student well-being by providing various support services, including counseling, health services, and career development resources. Whether through academic pursuits or extracurricular activities, SHSU strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public university. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 85%. The freshman retention rate at Sam Houston State University is 75% and the six-year graduation rate is 56%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is August 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.
Here are some fresh information on important things to consider about Sam Houston State University.
Quick Facts
18,179
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
56%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to improve your chances of being accepted. Here are the most vital information you need to know about admission at Sam Houston State University.
According to the newest data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 15,014 in 2024. Sam Houston State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant chooses to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 91% and ACT scores 12%. 12% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between between 1,200 and 1,399, 52% between 1,000 and 1,199, 32% of the students between 800 and 999, and 4% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of first-year students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 6, 26 between 24-29, 50 in the range between 18-23, 18 between 12-17, and 1 between 6-11.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 540 for the enrolled first-year students, while the average SAT Math score was 525.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by August 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university freshmen who return for their sophomore year. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Sam Houston State University was 75% in 2024, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 56%.
Student Body
Deciding if a school is the best fit for you is not an easy task. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Sam Houston State University in 2024 was 21,403.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 1% for that year. There was a total of 18,179 students pursuing undergraduate degrees, including 137 international students. The number of transfer students at this school was 1,688.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 5,737 male and 9,828 female full-time students in 2024. 281 full-time graduate men and 609 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. A diverse student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 386, while the number of African American students was 3,163. 5,113 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 621 as multirace. The school also had 18 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 139 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 202 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to consider before applying to any college or university. Here are some data on the expenses that most students at this institution have.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition fees for this university.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $7,320, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $19,620 in 2024. For international students, tuition fees at this school stood at $19,620, as well. Full-time students in 2024 were obliged to pay additional fees in the amount of $4,050.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $19,620 | $4,050 | $23,670 |
| In-State | $7,320 | $4,050 | $11,370 |
Books and Supplies
The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another significant financial element. Most students have to pay about $1,380 for books and supplies during their time at Sam Houston State University.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for lodging and meals?
In 2024, room and board cost at Sam Houston State University amounted to $11,720 a year. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 added up to $6,384 for one academic year.
| Tuition | $ 7,320 |
| Room and Board | $ 11,720 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,380 |
| Total Expense | $ 20,420 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all types of financial help for students. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid at Sam Houston State University.
According to the most recent data, 1,835 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $13,610.09.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 7,536 students who got need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Sam Houston State University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 8,860. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution stood at $38,862,216, and state $35,605,760. The students of Sam Houston State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $4,846,780, and external in the amount of $3,674,204.
$3,456
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 505 students overall (including freshmen) at Sam Houston State University in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 116 full-time freshmen. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $38,862,216 while the state aid is $18,364. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $3,478,569. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $2,610,202 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
21:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2024, this ratio at Sam Houston State University was 21:1. That means that there were 21 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 1,034 members, according to the most recent data reported. This number included 476 male and 558 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Sam Houston State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some details about campus life at Sam Houston State University.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists only of current students and/or alumni.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 180. That includes sororities and fraternities. Those who have a talent for music can join the Sam Houston State University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. Interested in media and communication? Sam Houston State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Sam Houston State University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. Dormitory entrances at the school are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Sam Houston State University.
All in all, campus life at Sam Houston State University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Sam Houston State University.
Career Counselling
At Sam Houston State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, TX.
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Sam Houston State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Sam Houston State University is 85%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Sam Houston State University is 75%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.