University of Houston-Downtown vs Sam Houston State University
University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, TX. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $10,542 a year at University of Houston-Downtown after aid, and about $16,404 at Sam Houston State University. About 55% of students graduate at Sam Houston State University, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, Sam Houston State University alumni earn a median of about $54,211, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Huntsville, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
12,555
17,743
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1110
930–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,542
$16,404
Full cost / yr
$20,749
$25,505
In-state tuition
$7,708
$9,228
Out-of-state tuition
$17,548
$19,068
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,439
$12,474
$30k - $48k
$10,048
$13,389
$48k - $75k
$11,247
$15,540
$75k - $110k
$15,488
$21,366
Over $110k
$19,380
$24,101
Outcomes
Graduation rate
33%
55%
Freshman retention
67%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,120
$45,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,551
$54,211
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
$21,983
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
41%
First-generation students
53%
41%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 31
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 University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston 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, University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston State University?
- University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,404 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of Houston-Downtown and Sam Houston State University?
- Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 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, University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston State University?
- University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 there, against about $12,474 at Sam Houston State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,743 undergraduates against 12,555 at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Does University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston State University have a better graduation rate?
- Sam Houston State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Do graduates of University of Houston-Downtown or Sam Houston 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 $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Houston-Downtown and Sam Houston State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sam Houston State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Houston-Downtown and Sam Houston State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown and 930–1120 at Sam Houston State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Houston-Downtown vs Texas A & M International UniversityUniversity of Houston-Downtown vs Texas Christian UniversityUniversity of Houston-Downtown vs Baylor UniversitySam 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 Dallas
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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