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 public doctoral university, high acceptance rate, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 85%, Sam Houston State University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 3,394 students each year. Sam Houston State University 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 University 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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ACTScore range: 17 – 24

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Sam Houston State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Sam Houston State does not require test scores, hold off on submitting a score that falls below their middle range and let your GPA, activities, and essay carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Sam Houston State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. 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
Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch