About

About Sam Houston State University

public doctoral universityhigh acceptance ratehealth sciences focuseducation programs

Sam Houston State University is a public research university in Huntsville, TX, known for its high acceptance rate, health sciences focus, and education programs. With an acceptance rate of 85%, Sam Houston State is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 3,394 students each year. Sam Houston State is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 940–1120, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Sam Houston State offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,828 per year; the sticker price of $34,404 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Sam Houston State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

85%
Overall Accept Rate
1030
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 940 – 1120 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Sam Houston State University

Essay Strategy
SHSU weighs essays at a moderate level, so write directly about a specific program, department, or campus resource in Huntsville that connects to your goals rather than writing a general personal statement that could apply to any school.
Demonstrated Interest
Sam Houston State tracks demonstrated interest at a moderate level, so attend a virtual info session or visit the Huntsville campus and follow up with your admissions counselor by name to make sure your engagement is on record.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Sam Houston State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$34k/yr$12.5k
30k-48k~$34k/yr$13.4k
48k-75k~$34k/yr$15.5k
75k-110k~$34k/yr$21.4k
110k+~$34k/yr$24.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

55%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$45k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
16,166
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

44%White
29%Hispanic
18%Black / African American
4%Two or More Races
2%Asian
1%Unknown / Unreported
1%International
1%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender37% Men · 63% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
Sam Houston State, Huntsville Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch