Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Huntsville, Texas
85.4% Acceptance Rate
Sam Houston State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
85.4%Acceptance Rate
3.25Avg GPA
1055Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,517Annual Cost
$54,211Grad Salary
39.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
85.4%
Avg GPA
3.25
Avg SAT
1055
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
940–1140
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$16,025
Need-Based Aid
39.9% receive Pell
Sam Houston State University is a public university in Texas dedicated to academic excellence and student success. Offering a wide range of programs, the university is known for its commitment to professional preparation and its highly regarded criminal justice, business, and education departments, providing students with the skills for impactful careers.
Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 85.4%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 85.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.25 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.05 – 3.24
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.80
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Sam Houston State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Sam Houston State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 196 days left — Priority (Fall)
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
SHSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority (Fall)
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/02/01 (Scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
SHSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at SHSU is 3.25. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.45-3.65 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.95 and 3.25, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
SHSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at SHSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.25, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.25 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.05 – 3.24
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.85 – 3.04
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.84
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 90% (2024-25: BigFuture reports 90.26%); test-optional, with test scores recommended for students with GPAs between 2.5?2.99 (minimum 1110 SAT suggested at that range); middle 50% admitted SAT 940?1120; average admitted ACT 17?24. General freshman deadline: August 1 (fall). Application fee $90 (non-refundable). Admits through ApplyTexas portal. Top 10% Texas high school graduates receive automatic admission by state law.
- College of Criminal Justice: one of the oldest dedicated CJ colleges in the U.S.; graduate online CJ programs ranked #4 nationally by U.S. News (2025); mandatory internship placement component for undergraduates; on-campus agency recruiting. CJ scholarship deadline: January 31 (separate from Scholarships4Kats general November 1 priority). SHSU UNITID 227881 (Huntsville, TX) - confirm not confused with Sam Houston State name collisions.
- College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM): COCA-accredited DO program; apply via TMDSAS primary application by October 1 CST + SHSU-COM supplemental by December 1 after invitation email. 2026-27 tuition: $9,975/semester program fee (TX residents) + $3,275/semester statutory tuition. Median admitted MCAT approximately 503. DO program emphasizes primary care and Eastern Texas workforce needs; clerkship sites include Christus St. Elizabeth and regional partners.
- Scholarships4Kats: single unified scholarship application, priority deadline November 1; automatically imports student record data; considers students for all university-level awards simultaneously. Smith-Hutson Scholarship: $20,000/year, two-round process with in-person interviews, essay + 2 letters of recommendation + prior year tax forms required, heavily need-weighted. In-state tuition: approximately $50/credit hour statutory tuition (2026-27); online undergraduate: $524/credit hour; graduate online: $603/credit hour.
- The Rigor Metric: At SHSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SHSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Sam Houston State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SHSU Without SAT or ACT?
Sam Houston State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Sam Houston State University Average SAT Score: 1055
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Sam Houston State University is 1055 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1055 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1055 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1140 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Sam Houston State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 940, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SHSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 510 | 460 | 560 |
| SAT Reading | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 1055 | 940 | 1140 |
It means that if you have scored less than 940 then you are below most of the admitted students at SHSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1140 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Sam Houston State University (SHSU) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) are good but the admission staff at SHSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SHSU is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Sam Houston State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT English | 24 | 20 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Sam Houston State University with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Sam Houston State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Sam Houston State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Sam Houston State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Sam Houston State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SHSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
SHSU is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Automatic Admission Requires Top 10% Class Rank - Everyone Else Goes Through Individual Review With GPA and Optional Test Scores
Texas law requires public universities to automatically admit applicants who graduated in the top 10% of an accredited Texas high school class in one of the two school years preceding the academic year of enrollment, provided they hold a Distinguished Achievement Program or recommended diploma type. For SHSU applicants who do not meet this threshold, individual holistic review applies, with GPA and academic record as the primary factors and optional test scores (ACT/SAT) as supplemental - SHSU is test-optional. Students with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 are expected to submit a minimum SAT score of 1110 to support their application. The general freshman admissions deadline is August 1 for fall enrollment, which is later than most Texas public universities, making SHSU a viable late-application option - but earlier deadlines apply for program-specific admission (College of Osteopathic Medicine: TMDSAS primary application by October 1), and scholarship priority closes November 1 through the Scholarships4Kats system.
The College of Criminal Justice Is SHSU's Flagship Academic Identity - and Its Internship Program Is One of the Nation's Best
Sam Houston State University houses the College of Criminal Justice, one of the oldest and most productive criminal justice programs in the United States - the online graduate criminal justice programs were ranked #4 nationally by U.S. News and World Report in 2025. This is not a generic "pre-law" or "sociology with CJ courses" program; it is a standalone college with dedicated faculty producing active peer-reviewed research, a structured undergraduate internship program placing students with criminal justice agencies and organizations including regular on-campus recruiting visits from law enforcement, corrections, courts, and legal organizations, and a fieldwork placement model that provides career networking before graduation. Students who enroll in Criminal Justice at SHSU should complete the Scholarships4Kats application by November 1 for university-wide scholarship priority and also submit the separate College of Criminal Justice scholarship application by January 31 each year - these are two distinct processes with different deadlines.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) Has a Completely Separate Application Process With a Hard October 1 TMDSAS Deadline
SHSU operates a College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) offering a COCA-accredited Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree - a full medical degree that licenses graduates to practice as physicians. The DO program is entirely distinct from undergraduate admission; applicants apply through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) primary application by 5:00 p.m. CST on October 1, then complete a separate SHSU-COM supplemental application by December 1 after receiving an email invitation from the college. The DO program charges flat-rate tuition ($9,975/semester for Texas residents in 2026-27, plus statutory tuition and fees) distinct from undergraduate tuition, and requires MCAT scores (median admitted score approximately 503), completion of specific prerequisite science courses with no grade below C, and letters of evaluation. The DO program emphasizes primary care and underserved Eastern Texas communities. Students interested in DO medicine at SHSU must understand this as a separate professional school process, not a continuation of undergraduate admission.
Scholarships4Kats Is a Single Application That Considers Students for All University Scholarships - Submit It Immediately After Admission
SHSU uses a unified scholarship application system called Scholarships4Kats, which automatically imports key student data and considers students for all relevant university-level scholarship opportunities in one submission. The priority deadline for all general scholarship applications is November 1. However, College of Criminal Justice scholarships have a separate deadline of January 31, and students who are not enrolled at SHSU for at least one long semester before applying are ineligible for most departmental CJ scholarships (with the exception of incoming freshman scholarships). The notable Smith-Hutson Scholarship - valued at $20,000/year with a two-round selection process including in-person interviews - requires an essay, two letters of recommendation, and previous year tax forms, as it is heavily weighted toward financial need alongside academic achievement. Students should flag this scholarship specifically when completing Scholarships4Kats, as it is among the most generous awards available to SHSU undergraduates.
Expert Insight:
The most consistent failure at SHSU involves students who apply to the university on a late timeline - taking advantage of the August 1 general deadline - and then discover that both the November 1 Scholarships4Kats priority window and the FAFSA-based need aid priority window closed months earlier. SHSU is generous with financial aid (89% of new full-time students receive assistance averaging $7,776), but the award pool is distributed from the earliest complete applicants outward. A student who submits a complete application and FAFSA in October of their senior year is in a substantially stronger scholarship position than one who applies in June - even though the university technically accepts applications through August 1. The second pattern specific to Criminal Justice students: missing the January 31 College of Criminal Justice scholarship deadline because they assumed the November 1 Scholarships4Kats general submission covered everything. The CJ college scholarships require a separate departmental application and are distinct from the university-level system.
SHSU Profile
Full Name
Sam Houston State University (SHSU)
City
Huntsville
State
Texas
ZIP Code
77340
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a SHSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into SHSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SHSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SHSU is $63,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.5%.
How much does a degree from SHSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Sam Houston State University is $24,517. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Sam Houston State University is $16,025.
39.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SHSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Sam Houston State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SHSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a SHSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,211. An average SHSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Sam Houston State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Sam Houston State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Sam Houston State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
Degree Programs at SHSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About SHSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,211 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,517 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
39.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Sam Houston State University is 85.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.25. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.95, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.95, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.85 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.25, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Sam Houston State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1055 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 940–1140.
The application deadline for Sam Houston State University is February 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is 2026/02/01 (Scholarship priority). Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.