Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University admits 85.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, providing broad educational opportunity for students across academic backgrounds.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Sam Houston State University is slightly more accessible than similar public institutions, though the difference is modest. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including significant shares of first-generation and Pell-eligible students.

For prospective students, this admission rate means acceptance is likely for students who meet basic academic requirements, though students should still demonstrate genuine interest in their academic programs. The accessibility creates opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions, while maintaining academic standards through comprehensive review processes.

Students should focus on presenting strong applications that demonstrate readiness for college-level work and alignment with their chosen programs. This admission profile supports the institution's role as a Mobility Engine, providing pathways to economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds who might otherwise lack access to higher education.

Sam Houston State University's published cost of attendance totals $24,517 annually, including $19,020 in out-of-state tuition, $11,720 for room and board, and $1,380 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less at $9,228 for tuition.

However, the average student pays just $16,025 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,492 from the sticker price. This net price falls $435 below the peer median of $15,590, making Sam Houston State University slightly more affordable than similar public institutions.

The substantial gap between published costs and actual payments reflects the institution's financial aid effectiveness, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $11,736 for the lowest-income students to $23,198 for the highest-income families.

This progressive pricing structure supports the university's mission of serving diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining accessibility for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise significant portions of enrollment. The cost structure aligns with Sam Houston State University's role as a Mobility Engine institution, providing pathways to economic advancement without creating prohibitive debt burdens for students from lower-income families.

Sam Houston State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression throughout their careers. Median earnings increase from $45,337 six years after enrollment to $49,729 at eight years and $54,211 at ten years, representing 19.6% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 5,530 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures across diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $2,188 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Sam Houston State University in the 64.6th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $46,400, indicating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds and supporting the institution's Mobility Engine designation. The earnings distribution spans from $36,263 at the 25th percentile to $73,178 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and varied post-graduation career paths.

Approximately 23.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, balancing workforce entry with advanced education preparation. Sam Houston State University's earnings performance falls within the typical tier nationally while delivering above-average value relative to student backgrounds.

Sam Houston State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Corrections Administration leads enrollment with 852 graduates annually, earning median salaries of $46,083 and ranking #1 statewide in the field.

Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies Other graduates 424 students with median earnings of $50,048 and ranks #25 nationally. Business Commerce General produces 282 graduates earning $51,512 and ranks #31 nationally, #6 in Texas.

Construction Engineering Technology stands out for earnings performance, graduating 68 students who earn $83,120 and ranking #9 nationally, #3 in Texas. American History graduates earn $51,573 with exceptionally low debt levels of $10,951, resulting in a value score of 89.8 and ranking #28 nationally.

Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates command median earnings of $76,500, ranking among the institution's strongest programs for post-graduation income potential.