Public Institution

Sam Houston State University — Huntsville, Texas

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Annual Tuition $9,228

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 85.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 18,138

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,211

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Huntsville, Texas
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Sam Houston State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Huntsville, providing a robust academic foundation for 18,138 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Sam Houston State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Sam Houston State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Security & Law Enforcement
21.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
15.8%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
12.5%

Enrollment Share

Education
7.3%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6%

Enrollment Share

Communications
5.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Sam Houston State University provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 85.4%
Difficulty Low

Sam Houston State University maintains an acceptance rate of 85.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 37.1%
Women Enrollment 62.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 480 - 580
SAT Mathematics 460 - 560
ACT English 20 - 28
ACT Mathematics 16 - 23
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Sam Houston State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,228
Out-of-State Tuition $19,020

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 39.9%
Median Student Debt $21,983

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,228, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,211, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Texas.

What salary can Sam Houston State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,211

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 55.1%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $16,025
Median Salary (6yr) $45,337
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville?

18,138 Students

Gender Comparison

37.1% Men
62.9% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

75.4%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.8%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
2.1%
Black
17.4%
White
46.2%
Unknown
1.1%
Hispanic
28.1%
Two or More Races
3.4%
International
0.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 41.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 66.3%
🎖️
Veterans 0.7%
💍
Married Students 6.9%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 64.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $63,900
Average Family Income $54,799
Median Family Income $37,602

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.7%
51.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Huntsville Campus Environment

Located at 1806 Ave J, Sam Houston State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Texas. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Sam Houston State University

Is Sam Houston State University a good college in Huntsville, Texas?
Sam Houston State University is a recognized institution in Huntsville with an enrollment of 18,138 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Texas based on Department of Education data.
Is Sam Houston State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Sam Houston State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,211. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Sam Houston State University cost for Texas residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Sam Houston State University is approximately $9,228. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $19,020. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Sam Houston State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Sam Houston State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 66.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Sam Houston State University good for Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing programs?
Sam Houston State University is highly regarded for its Security & Law Enforcement and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Sam Houston State University?
Graduates of Sam Houston State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Security & Law Enforcement. With a median salary of $54,211, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Sam Houston State University?
Sam Houston State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Sam Houston State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Sam Houston State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Sam Houston State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Sam Houston State University earn a median salary of $54,211 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Sam Houston State University a good investment compared to other TX colleges?
Sam Houston State University stands out as a high-value investment in Texas. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Sam Houston State University located and what is the campus like?
Sam Houston State University is located at 1806 Ave J in Huntsville, TX. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 18,138 learners.
Who typically attends Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX?
The student body at Sam Houston State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 41.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Texas

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Sam Houston State University with other leading institutions in Texas across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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