Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas · Public · 90.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 58/100 · Below Average Value
Sam Houston State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,228/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $19,068/yr |
| Average net price | $16,404/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $65,616 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,211 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,983 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $233 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 54.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,743 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,474 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,389 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,540 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,366 |
| $110,001+ | $24,101 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Sam Houston State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,748 | C |
| Psychology | $47,659 | D |
| Business Administration and Management | $63,837 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,125 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $91,697 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,341 | D |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $49,134 | D |
| Biology | $53,165 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $72,388 | C+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $55,155 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Sam Houston State University is $9,228/year ($19,068/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,404/year, or roughly $65,616 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,474/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,101/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,983 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $233 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,211 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 64.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 90.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 450-550 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-570 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-24 |
| Enrollment | 17,743 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 41.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,196 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University (this school) | 58 | $16,404 | $54,211 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 59 | $15,014 | $54,990 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Old Dominion University | 53 | $14,638 | $54,914 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | 48 | $15,225 | $51,865 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Sam Houston State University is mixed. At $16,404 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10.7 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Median debt of $21,983 against $54,211 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.