When deciding on a college or university, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various institutions. In this article, we will compare two renowned universities in Texas: Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and Texas State University (TXST). We will examine factors such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes for each school, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Let’s dive in!
Sam Houston State University Overview
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. It was founded in 1879 and is the third-oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. SHSU offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including business, education, and criminal justice. With a student population of around 21,000, the university has a reputation for being a tight-knit community with a strong commitment to excellence in education and research.
Sam Houston State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at SHSU is relatively affordable compared to other universities in Texas. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students can expect to pay approximately $8,296 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $18,256. Room and board expenses are estimated at $9,660 for both in-state and out-of-state students. It’s essential to consider additional expenses such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, which can add another $4,000 to $5,000 to the total cost of attendance.
Sam Houston State University Admissions
Admissions at SHSU are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 79%. The university requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 950 and 1160, while the typical ACT score is between 20 and 25. SHSU also considers other factors, such as extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service, when evaluating applicants.
Sam Houston State University Degrees Offered
SHSU offers a wide range of degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Criminal Justice, Business, Education, Psychology, and Health Sciences. The university is particularly well-regarded for its programs in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, as well as its College of Education.
Sam Houston State University Academics
Academic life at SHSU is characterized by small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. The university has an excellent reputation for providing a high-quality education, with many of its degree programs earning national recognition and accreditation. SHSU also offers resources and support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed in their academic endeavors.
Sam Houston State University Diversity
SHSU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is made up of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Approximately 40% of SHSU students identify as Hispanic, 31% as White, 16% as Black or African American, and 5% as Asian. The university also offers various support services and programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Sam Houston State University Students
Students at SHSU are known for their involvement in campus life, with over 250 student organizations and clubs available for students to join. These organizations range from academic and professional associations to cultural and social groups, providing ample opportunities for students to connect with their peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in community service. The university also offers a vibrant Greek life community, with numerous fraternities and sororities available for students to join.
Sam Houston State University Campus
SHSU’s campus is located in the picturesque town of Huntsville, Texas, just an hour north of Houston. The university’s 316-acre campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. SHSU also offers on-campus housing options, such as residence halls and apartment-style living, for students who wish to live on campus.
Sam Houston State University Alumni
SHSU boasts a strong alumni network, with over 110,000 alumni worldwide. The university’s alumni have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, education, law, and public service. Some notable SHSU alumni include Dan Rather, journalist and former CBS News anchor; Richard Linklater, award-winning filmmaker; and General Sam Houston, the university’s namesake and a significant figure in Texas history.
Sam Houston State University Rankings
SHSU consistently ranks among the top public universities in Texas and the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, SHSU ranks #54 in “Top Performers on Social Mobility” and #78 in “Best Online Graduate Education Programs.” Additionally, the university’s Criminal Justice program is regularly ranked among the top programs in the country.
Sam Houston State University Outcomes
SHSU is committed to providing its students with the skills and education necessary for success in their chosen careers. The university has a strong focus on career preparation and offers resources such as career counseling, internships, and job placement services to assist students in their job search. According to the university, 93% of SHSU graduates find employment or pursue further education within six months of graduation.
Texas State University Overview
Texas State University (TXST) is a public research university located in San Marcos, Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. Founded in 1899, TXST has grown to become the fifth-largest university in Texas, with over 38,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The university offers more than 200 degree programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, business, and health professions.
Texas State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students attending TXST can expect to pay approximately $11,280 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $23,680. Similarly to SHSU, room and board expenses at TXST are estimated at $9,660 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additional expenses, such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, can add another $4,000 to $5,000 to the total cost of attendance.
Texas State University Admissions
Admissions at TXST are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 81%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1010 and 1180 and ACT scores between 20 and 26. Like SHSU, TXST also considers other factors, such as extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service, when evaluating applicants.
Texas State University Degrees Offered
TXST offers a wide array of degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Business, Communications, Health Sciences, Education, and Psychology. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in Geography, Music, and Healthcare Administration.
Texas State University Academics
With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, TXST offers students personalized attention and support from their professors. The university is committed to offering a high-quality education, with many of its degree programs earning national recognition and accreditation. TXST also provides resources and support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed academically.
Texas State University Diversity
TXST is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 42% of the university’s student population identifies as Hispanic, 36% as White, 8% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. The university offers various support services and programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Student Affairs Office.
Texas State University Students
Students at TXST have the opportunity to get involved in over 400 student organizations and clubs, ranging from academic and professional associations to cultural and social groups. The university also offers a vibrant Greek life community, with numerous fraternities and sororities available for students to join. The beautiful San Marcos River runs through the heart of campus, making TXST a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Texas State University Campus
TXST’s campus is located in the charming city of San Marcos, Texas, just half an hour south of Austin and an hour north of San Antonio. The university’s 507-acre campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. TXST also offers a variety of on-campus housing options, such as residence halls and apartment-style living.
Texas State University Alumni
TXST boasts a strong alumni network, with over 190,000 alumni worldwide. The university’s alumni have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, education, politics, and entertainment. Some notable TXST alumni include President Lyndon B. Johnson; George Strait, country music icon; and Powers Boothe, Emmy-winning actor.
Texas State University Rankings
TXST is regularly ranked among the top public universities in Texas and the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, TXST ranks #47 in “Top Performers on Social Mobility” and #33 in “Most Innovative Schools.” Additionally, the university’s Geography program is regularly ranked among the top programs in the country.
Texas State University Outcomes
TXST is committed to preparing its students for success in their chosen careers. The university offers various resources, such as career counseling, internships, and job placement services, to assist students in their job search. According to the university, 92% of TXST graduates find employment or pursue further education within one year of graduation.
Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending SHSU and TXST, it’s essential to consider factors such as tuition, fees, room and board, and additional expenses. SHSU has a lower tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to TXST, with in-state students paying approximately $8,296 at SHSU and $11,280 at TXST. Out-of-state students will pay around $18,256 at SHSU and $23,680 at TXST. Room and board expenses are the same for both universities, at an estimated $9,660. Additional expenses, such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, can add another $4,000 to $5,000 to the total cost of attendance for both schools.
Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University Admissions Difficulty
Both SHSU and TXST have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 79% and 81%, respectively. Both universities require applicants to submit their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, and both consider factors such as extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service when evaluating applicants. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are slightly higher at TXST compared to SHSU, indicating that TXST may be somewhat more selective in terms of academic qualifications.
Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University Academic Difficulty
When comparing the academic rigor of SHSU and TXST, both universities offer challenging and engaging degree programs that prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Both schools have low student-to-faculty ratios of 21:1, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, both universities offer resources and support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed academically. The choice between SHSU and TXST in terms of academic difficulty will largely depend on the individual student’s interests and the specific degree programs they wish to pursue.
Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both SHSU and TXST have high rates of graduate success, with 93% of SHSU graduates and 92% of TXST graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months to one year of graduation. Both universities offer resources such as career counseling, internships, and job placement services to assist students in their job search. Your choice between SHSU and TXST will largely depend on which university offers the degree program and campus environment that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
