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Colleges / TX / Huntsville
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Sam Houston State University

Public Huntsville, TX · Town · Southwest · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
55%
Graduation Rate
$54,211
Earnings (10yr)
$16,404
Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of about 17,743 students and a 90% acceptance rate, Sam Houston State University is a welcoming choice for those seeking a supportive environment to pursue their education. It particularly appeals to students interested in fields like Criminal Justice, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, and Education. These programs stand out for their practical approach, preparing graduates for real-world challenges in a variety of sectors.

When it comes to life after graduation, the average earnings for SHSU alumni after ten years is $54,211. This figure reflects the potential for solid financial stability, especially considering the affordability factor—students here often find their pathways to success enhanced by the reasonable net price of $16,404, which is manageable for many. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, there's a commitment to making higher education accessible, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds.

Looking at the practical aspects, the median debt for graduates stands at $21,983, which is relatively low compared to potential earnings. This balance helps many thrive post-graduation, especially those who are proactive in leveraging the university's resources and connections. Students who engage actively with their studies and take advantage of internships or student organizations often find they can navigate their early careers with confidence.

Rankings

How Sam Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation55%Earnings 10yr$54KNet Price$16KRetention73%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate41%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$24K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%908.7%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2262.0%MOBILITY205.55%

Cost & Financial Aid

$9,228
In-State Tuition
$19,068
Out-of-State
$16,404
Avg Net Price
$21,983
Median Debt
41%
Pell Grant Rate
46%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,474
Family Income $0–$30K
$13,389
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,540
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,101
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$45,337
6 Years After Entry
$49,729
8 Years
$54,211
10 Years
0.41x
Debt-to-Earnings
74%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$45,337 6yr $49,729 8yr $54,211 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

205.55%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2262.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
908.7%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$84,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.58
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.115%
Inventor Rate
7
Total Patents
108
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 90%
Retention Rate 73%
SAT Average 1041
ACT Midpoint 21
SAT Range 930–1120
ACT Range 17–24
Full-Time Faculty 79%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,196
Diversity Index 0.69
First-Gen Students 41%

Top Programs

Criminal Justice 20%
Business & Marketing 17%
Health Professions 10%
Psychology 8%
Education 8%
Communications 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Biology & Biomedical 4%