Sam Houston State University vs Tarleton State University
Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, TX, and Tarleton State University is a public university in Stephenville, TX. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Sam Houston State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,404 a year against $20,783 at Tarleton State University. About 55% of students graduate at Sam Houston State University, compared with 50% at Tarleton State University. Ten years after enrolling, Sam Houston State University alumni earn a median of about $54,211, against $53,040 for Tarleton State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Huntsville, TX
Stephenville, TX
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,743
12,673
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1120
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
19–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,404
$20,783
Full cost / yr
$25,505
$24,100
In-state tuition
$9,228
$8,302
Out-of-state tuition
$19,068
$18,142
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,474
$15,574
$30k - $48k
$13,389
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$15,540
$20,396
$75k - $110k
$21,366
$23,466
Over $110k
$24,101
$24,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
50%
Freshman retention
73%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,337
$46,729
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,211
$53,040
Median debt at graduation
$21,983
$19,606
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
34%
First-generation students
41%
42%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 90% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University?
- Sam Houston State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,404 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,783 at Tarleton State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Sam Houston State University and Tarleton State University?
- Before aid, Tarleton State University costs about $24,100 a year and Sam Houston State University about $25,505. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University?
- Sam Houston State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,474 there, against about $15,574 at Tarleton State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University?
- Sam Houston State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,743 undergraduates against 12,673 at Tarleton State University.
- Does Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University have a better graduation rate?
- Sam Houston State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 50% at Tarleton State University.
- Do graduates of Sam Houston State University or Tarleton State University earn more?
- Sam Houston State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,211 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,040 for Tarleton State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Sam Houston State University and Tarleton State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Sam Houston State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tarleton State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Sam Houston State University and Tarleton State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1120 at Sam Houston State University and 980–1160 at Tarleton State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Sam Houston State University vs The University of Texas at AustinSam Houston State University vs Texas A&M University-College StationSam Houston State University vs The University of Texas at DallasTarleton State University vs Texas A & M International UniversityTarleton State University vs Texas Christian UniversityTarleton State University vs Baylor University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school