Sam Houston State University Overview

Sam Houston State University is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Huntsville, TX. It has an enrollment of 18,288 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 96.58%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $15,446. Tuition is $8,960.00 without financial aid.

Sam Houston State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Sam Houston State University, 72.54% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Sam Houston State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1.

Sam Houston State University Website

Sam Houston State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 96.58%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1041.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 21.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Sam Houston State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $15,446. The in-state tuition is $8,960.00. Out-of-state tuition is $18,752.00

The average tuition is:

• $11,499, when family income is less than $30,000

• $12,258, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $15,116, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $20,803, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $22,296, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 48.98% of students received a federal student loan and 39.41% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $18,752.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Sam Houston State University Net Price Calculator

Sam Houston State University Majors/Salaries

Sam Houston State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Sam Houston State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agriculture, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,091
• Agriculture, General. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682
• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,087
• Agricultural Mechanization. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,436
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,498
• Interior Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,332
• Graphic Communications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,227
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,415
• Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (Master’s Degree) – $91,744
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $48,823
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $51,482
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Doctoral Degree) – $74,953
• Educational/Instructional Media Design. (Master’s Degree) – $53,984
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $56,579
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $70,456
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $49,370
• Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. (Master’s Degree) – $50,439
• Education, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $44,170
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,417
• Construction Engineering Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,128
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,424
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,019
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Library Science and Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $51,054
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,321
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,520
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,594
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $40,281
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,969
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $43,351
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,964
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Master’s Degree) – $68,666
• Homeland Security. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682
• Security Science and Technology. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,721
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565
• Sociology. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Dance. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,456
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,459
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,947
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $57,705
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. (Master’s Degree) – $46,087
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,740
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,647
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $68,858
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,584
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $66,049
• Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,383
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,240
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,342
• Management Information Systems and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,464
• Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,305
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• History. (Master’s Degree) – $33,993

Sam Houston State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Sam Houston State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.68%
• Asian: 2.03%
• Black: 17.04%
• Hispanic: 26.38%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.14%
• Non-resident alien: 0.91%
• Two or more races: 3.35%
• Unknown: 1.84%
• White: 47.64%

At Sam Houston State University, 16.23% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Sam Houston State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Sam Houston State University?

School spirit is a big part of the culture at Sam Houston State University. The university has a long-standing tradition of “Bearkat pride,” and students, faculty, and alumni are known for their enthusiastic support of the university’s athletics teams, particularly football. The university’s orange-and-white colors, bear mascot, and “Eat ’em up, Kats!” chant are familiar symbols across campus and among the university’s strong alumni network. Additionally, the university hosts a range of spirit events throughout the year, including pep rallies, tailgates, and homecoming festivities, to engage the campus community in building and maintaining strong school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Sam Houston State University?

At Sam Houston State University, there are a variety of extracurricular activities available for students. Some popular extracurricular activities include participating in fraternities or sororities, joining a club or organization such as the Student Government Association, playing on intramural sports teams, participating in the marching band, or taking part in community service projects through organizations like the Bearkat Council. Students can also get involved in academic organizations, such as the Honors College or Departmental Student Organizations, or attend events put on by the campus programming board. There are many opportunities for students to get involved and find a community at Sam Houston State University.

How are the food choices at Sam Houston State University?

At Sam Houston State University, there are various food options available for the students. The on-campus dining services feature a wide range of cuisines and dining solutions that cater to diverse palates and dietary requirements. The university’s dining facilities include several restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and food trucks that offer American, Mexican, Italian, Asian, and other international cuisines. The main dining facility on campus is the Kat Club, which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has a variety of stations that serve hot and cold dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, grilled items, and desserts. The Kat Club also has vegan and vegetarian options, and it accommodates students with food allergies or intolerances. Other dining options on campus include Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Jamba Juice, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, among others. Additionally, there are several vending machines scattered throughout the campus that offer snacks and beverages.

Is there Greek life at Sam Houston State University?

Yes, Sam Houston State University has a Greek life community with 28 chapters. These chapters are divided into five governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), Panhellenic Council (PHC), and Order of Omega (a Greek life honor society). The Greek life community at Sam Houston State University offers various opportunities for involvement, leadership, and philanthropic efforts.

What is Sam Houston State University known for?

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is mainly known for its criminal justice program, which is ranked as one of the best in the country. The university is located in Huntsville, Texas, and offers more than 80 bachelor’s, 50 master’s, and 6 doctoral degree programs. In addition to criminal justice, SHSU is also known for its programs in education, business, psychology, and forensic science, among others. The university has a diverse student population and is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares graduates for successful careers in a variety of fields.

What are the most popular school clubs at Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University offers a variety of student clubs and organizations, catering to diverse interests. Some of the most popular clubs at SHSU include the Student Government Association (SGA), National Society of Leadership and Success, Campus Activities Board (CAB), Diversity Council, and Greek Life organizations such as fraternities and sororities. These clubs offer opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, make new friends, and get involved in the campus community. There are also clubs that cater to specific interests such as music, sports, politics, and community service.

Is the campus at Sam Houston State University safe?

Yes, Sam Houston State University takes campus safety very seriously. The university has a campus police department that provides round-the-clock services and has a strong presence on campus. Furthermore, the campus is well-lit, and emergency call boxes are strategically placed throughout the campus to provide immediate assistance if needed. Lastly, the university has a safety app, called the “Bearkat Guardian,” which offers various safety resources and tools to students, staff, and faculty.