University of St Thomas vs Sam Houston State University
University of St Thomas is a private university in Houston, TX, and Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, 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 $19,359 at University of St Thomas. About 69% of students graduate at University of St Thomas, compared with 55% at Sam Houston State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Thomas alumni earn a median of about $59,224, against $54,211 for Sam Houston State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Huntsville, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,220
17,743
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1210
930–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,359
$16,404
Full cost / yr
$45,672
$25,505
In-state tuition
$34,634
$9,228
Out-of-state tuition
$34,634
$19,068
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,441
$12,474
$30k - $48k
$17,453
$13,389
$48k - $75k
$17,972
$15,540
$75k - $110k
$21,543
$21,366
Over $110k
$26,086
$24,101
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
55%
Freshman retention
78%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,971
$45,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,224
$54,211
Median debt at graduation
$19,928
$21,983
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
41%
First-generation students
38%
41%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 St Thomas 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 St Thomas or Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,404 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,359 at University of St Thomas. 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 St Thomas and Sam Houston State University?
- Before aid, Sam Houston State University costs about $25,505 a year and University of St Thomas about $45,672. 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 St Thomas or Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,474 there, against about $18,441 at University of St Thomas. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of St Thomas or Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,743 undergraduates against 3,220 at University of St Thomas.
- Does University of St Thomas or Sam Houston State University have a better graduation rate?
- University of St Thomas has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 55% at Sam Houston State University.
- Do graduates of University of St Thomas or Sam Houston State University earn more?
- University of St Thomas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,224 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,211 for Sam Houston State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of St Thomas and Sam Houston State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of St Thomas 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 St Thomas and Sam Houston State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1210 at University of St Thomas and 930–1120 at Sam Houston State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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