About Sam Houston State University

Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University. is a Public college. Located in Texas, which is a city setting in Texas, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 17,902 full time undergraduate students, and 2,575 full time graduate students.

The Sam Houston State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 21:1. There are 735 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Sam Houston State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate71%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range870-1070
ACT Range19-24

Admissions at SHSU are considered Selective, with ,109% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 22 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

84% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 45% were in the top quarter, and 15% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Sam Houston State University.

1%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
66%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
34%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
15%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
71%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
20%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
9%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
33%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
25%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
15%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
66%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
34%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
15%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
71%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
20%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
59%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
9%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
33%
“We only party on weekends”
13%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
25%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
15%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    253 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    194 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    283 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    290 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    290 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    289 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    290 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    291 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

Sam Houston State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Sam Houston State University?

186 Students rated Sam Houston State University

Dulce - 11/24/2024

I think Sam Houston is great. Its the perfect size, and I love how the school has historical sites as well. All the buildings are super nice and its very inviting.

Caitlin - 11/13/2024

Overall, I'd say Sam Houston State University isn't a terrible university. It's actually really nice, there are plenty of student organizations to choose from and join. These organizations offer a lot of opportunities to make friends, learn about potential career opportunities, or just to have fun. My personal favorite organization is the Society for Forensic Science, they often have guest speakers once a month, who are of course in a forensic-related job. They also have general meetings where students can play trivia games or even watch movies, all related to forensics. Another great organization that I can mention is MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students), they are very active and try to have meetings once a week. They sometimes have guest speakers, and they really help with looking for shadowing or clinical experience. We also have great professors. Yes, there are some bad eggs, but I'd say the good outweigh the bad by far. Another thing to mention is our Student Involvement office, I love their social media presence. They aren't afraid to hop onto a social media trend and join the masses to reach their target audience, which is us, the students. Also, SHSU offers a variety of academic resources to choose from, including the Academic Success Center, the First-Generation Center, and TRIO SSS to name a few.

Joana - 09/23/2024

Sam Houston is a great campus, not only in academics but in the atmosphere as well. Everyone here is willing to help you succeed, your professors and the school president are here to support you. They are very involved with their students so that you feel safe and at home, they always hear students' concerns and apply them to future use too. There are many activities around campus so you're never stuck in your dorm and they are always welcoming to everyone. The dorms and buildings are up to date and you rarely see anything suspicious happen but in case of an emergency, the school is always on top of things. Raising your voice about concerns or opinions will never go unheard, especially if you need help. This campus is a great choice for anyone, see you here if you get in!

Arnulfo - 05/30/2024

Amazing Campus! Overall great opportunities and incredible resources.

Sam Houston State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Sam Houston State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Sam Houston State University is 71%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to never get overwhelmed and to just breathe whenever things are getting tough. My first semester of college had many moments of worrying and sometimes just pure panic. Moving to a new town was definitely scary, but when I finally relaxed and adapted to the change I discovered many new friends that were there for me. Starting college classes was intimidating, but when I took deep breaths through all the exams and the essays I found out that I was capable of a 4.00 GPA. So, if I could go back to my high school self I would say to just "Pause, relax, and breathe" and things will work out.

    Read all 207 answers

  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Well its pretty simple, they don't have a men's varsity soccer team. They just have club soccer which isn't that big. But it would be much better if they had a real big soccer program at this university.

    Read all 52 answers

  4. Describe the students at your school.

    A couple of my classmates and I really enjoy this great experience were having at Sam Houston State University. It's fun attending here because you get to meet alot of new people from all over the world. I'm glad that im a proud Bearkat.

    Read all 42 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about my school is the openness, yet compactness, of the campus and the safe feeling you get when you walk around, regardless of the time. Also, the friendliness and availablity that the professors make themselves available to their students is very efficient and helpful if you fall behind in class, have questions about grades, or even need their personal opinions.

    Read all 38 answers

  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Friendly, fun, inexpensive and educational.

    Read all 37 answers

  7. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    On campus, Friendly/ Responsive Faculty and students. It is very easy to make friends in almost all classes. It is nice that it is a small town and everything is close by. The prices are amazing and very college friendly: movies are $3 before 6pm and bowling is $6. The campus is a beautiful and classes are never too far to walk.

    Read all 35 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had enrolled in this school before attending a private math and science college up north. This school has the quality of a private university with the state college cost, and the professors here have more background and experience than that joke of a forty thousand dollar a year institution I transfered out of. Given the experience of a typical state university, students have more leeway to explore what they want to study from chemistry to literature.

    Read all 34 answers

  9. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My university is best known for its amazing criminal justice degree program and its fantastic teaching certification program. Underneath the surface though, Sam Houston State University has a strength in almost all of the majors that they offer. Its English Department ranks in the top markings in the state and provides great professors, many with backgrounds in writing and literature from personal experience. The Art Department is very well rounded as well, providing students with a strong background in many unique forms of artwork.

    Read all 34 answers

  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person that is not willing to get involved should not attend this school. We are very involveled with our community and with so many organizations it is hard to not be involved. Also most students that go to sam houston are known for having southern manners and being respectful and do not take kidly to rude, dishonest people.

    Read all 32 answers

  11. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone who wants to learn and experience new things should come to this school. Every professor and faculty member genuinely wants each student to succeed and walk away with a great deal of knowledge. The campus is located in a slightly small town, so any person who is used to the big city should prepare themselves for a culture shock. This is nothing to be scared of though. The town is still fun and the people are very friendly and welcoming. Overall, I have enjoyed my time here and I am looking forward for the next couple years.

    Read all 28 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    One of the most frustrating things, but also most beneficial for keeping in shape, at my school are its hills.

    Read all 25 answers

  13. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is one of the best Educator Preparation Programs that are available. I have talked to numerous potential employers and all of them said Sam Houston has sent them wonderful teachers and they would consider Sam Houston State University graduate applicants above all else.

    Read all 24 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    School is is just right in size. Many classes have 48 students or less in them. Some larger.

    Read all 2 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The students at Sam Houston State University are of all types. Like all colleges, there are the frat guys and sorority girls, the hard-core athletes, the study-buddies, and of course the country folk. Despite the many differences between the students in these various stereotypes, we all manage to come together and bond over our Bearkat pride! At any student event, it is not uncommon to see a preppy cheerleader sitting next to a scrawny guy with glasses, right beside a hipster in skinny jeans and a beanie. Everyone here at Sam Houston State is so accepting of each other that it is impossible not to find a group or two that are tailored to fit you.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    It is easy to get to know your professor or teacher at sam.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. What's the hardest thing about freshman year?

    Being away from home and getting used to the increased workload of the classes.

    Read all 1 answers

  18. I don't drink. Will it be hard for me to go to parties?

    No. Although there will be people drinking. It is not necessary to drink to enjoy the party.

    Read all 1 answers

  19. How often should I phone home? Is once a day too much?

    No. If you need to phone home olnce a day that is fine. Over time you will find some days you will not phone home and over time you will probably end up phoning home only a 3 or 4 times a week. But once a day is not too much especailly when you are away from home for the first time.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

62%

female

38%

male

17,902

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,575

Total Grad Students

2%

Out-Of-State

97%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

230

Student Organizations

15

Fraternities

8

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

19%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
18%
% Hispanic/Latino
22%
% White or Caucasian
51%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

92% of students attending Sam Houston State University receive some sort of financial aid. 48% were awarded federal grants. While 60% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$17,554

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$8,986

Room and Board

27,540

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$9,997
$30 - $48K
$11,568
$48 - $75K
$14,726
$75 - $110K
$18,391
$110K & UP
$19,877

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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