Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University
Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, TX, and Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX. Texas State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at Sam Houston State University. Sam Houston State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,404 a year against $16,805 at Texas State University. About 56% of students graduate at Texas State University, compared with 55% at Sam Houston State University. Ten years after enrolling, Texas State University alumni earn a median of about $56,906, against $54,211 for Sam Houston State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Huntsville, TX
San Marcos, TX
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,743
36,177
Acceptance rate
90%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1120
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,404
$16,805
Full cost / yr
$25,505
$28,073
In-state tuition
$9,228
$11,450
Out-of-state tuition
$19,068
$22,930
Application fee
$50
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,474
$12,715
$30k - $48k
$13,389
$13,557
$48k - $75k
$15,540
$13,804
$75k - $110k
$21,366
$20,028
Over $110k
$24,101
$24,713
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
56%
Freshman retention
73%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,337
$46,716
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,211
$56,906
Median debt at graduation
$21,983
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
37%
First-generation students
41%
36%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
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 Texas State University harder to get into?
- Texas State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 90% at Sam Houston State University. 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 Texas State University?
- Sam Houston State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,404 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,805 at Texas 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 Texas State University?
- Before aid, Sam Houston State University costs about $25,505 a year and Texas State University about $28,073. 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 Texas State University?
- Sam Houston State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,474 there, against about $12,715 at Texas 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 Texas State University?
- Texas State University is the larger of the two, with about 36,177 undergraduates against 17,743 at Sam Houston State University.
- Does Sam Houston State University or Texas State University have a better graduation rate?
- Texas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 55% at Sam Houston State University.
- Do graduates of Sam Houston State University or Texas State University earn more?
- Texas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,906 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,211 for Sam Houston State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Sam Houston State University and Texas 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. Texas 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 Texas State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1120 at Sam Houston State University and 980–1200 at Texas 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 DallasTexas State University vs The University of Texas at AustinTexas State University vs Texas A&M University-College StationTexas State University vs The University of Texas at Dallas
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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