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B
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B
  2. Value
    B+
  3. Diversity
    B+
  4. Campus
    B
  5. Athletics
    B+
  6. Party Scene
    B+
  7. Professors
    B+
  8. Location
    B-
  9. Dorms
    C+
  10. Campus Food
    B-
  11. Student Life
    B
  12. Safety
    B
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Sam Houston State University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FCS
Athletic Conference
Southland Conference
Address
1806 Ave J
Huntsville, TX 77340
Website
shsu.edu
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Sam Houston State University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
72%
Application Deadline
August 1
SAT Range
870-1070
ACT Range
19-24
Application Fee
$45
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Early Decision/Early Action
—
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Cost

Net Price
$12,365/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $9,997/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,568/ year
  • $49-75k
    $14,726/ year
  • $76-110k
    $18,391/ year
  • $110k+
    $19,877/ year

Academics

Professors
B+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
21:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
81%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.202 responses
60%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.228 responses
58%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.229 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
    691 Graduates
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    385 Graduates
  • Business
    277 Graduates
  • Psychology
    203 Graduates
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
    185 Graduates
  • Communications
    179 Graduates
  • Accounting
    141 Graduates
  • Marketing
    78 Graduates
  • Finance
    76 Graduates
  • Business Administration and Management
    74 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
14,497Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
10%
Pell Grant
48%
Varsity Athletes
3%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 142 responses
Report
  • Hard Working yet relaxed
    27%
  • Unique
    21%
  • Motivated to be successful while making friends
    18%
  • Successful
    9%
  • How you make it
    7%
  • Outgoing
    5%
  • Hard working and stressed
    4%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
58%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.257 responses
Poll
62%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.311 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 173 responses
Report
  • Comforting
    27%
  • Peacful
    21%
  • Amazing
    18%
  • Nice
    10%
  • Proud
    9%
  • Opportunity
    6%
  • Dedicated to teaching a new generation
    5%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$42,600/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
51%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
93%
National
83%
87%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.154 responses
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Sam Houston State University Reviews

3,157 reviews
All Categories
I am a first year transfer student from Lone Star College to Sam Houston State University. I was apprehensive and nervous about attending such a large, well-known university, but I now feel more comfortable here. I have been making good grades so far (3.5 GPA) and all of my teachers have been very open to student communication. I can tell that they genuinely want to help their students succeed. My only prominent complaint is all of the construction on campus. Maneuvering through the dirty sidewalks and the one-way streets outlined in cones can be annoying. However, I know that the finished structures will improve academics and student life in the long run, and I cannot wait to see what else Sam Houston State has in store for me in the coming semesters!
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This college is amazing! SHSU is a little smaller, making things less competitive, more personal, welcoming, and easy to get around. The class sizes range from 20 to 300, but the professors make it really easy to ask questions or make appointments with them. People are really nice! You can make a friend anywhere! There are constant events going on in dorms, on campus, sporting events, and around town. I am really glad I chose to come here!
I really love it at Sam! I feel like I am truly a Bearkat, and I have many so many friends, thanks to all the fun events and activities held on campus. Professors are easy to interact with, and will take the time to teach, unlike teachers I have had in the past. The campus is not too big and students are always willing to help others around. They Pawprint is an awesome place to grab a bite to eat, and spend time with friends, and right outside the pawprint is the mall area. In the mall area, booths are usually set up from eleven in the morning to two in the afternoon, and some kind of music is always playing. My favorite time to be in the mall area is on Thursdays at twelve, when Chi Alpha meets for "Worship at the Square." Sam is a great school for great students and being a Bearkat is my proof!