Sam Houston State University vs University of Alabama Introduction
This article will provide an in-depth comparison between Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and the University of Alabama (UA), two well-known institutions in the American higher education landscape. We will analyze and compare various aspects of both schools, including an overview of the school itself, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, and rankings. We will also provide a comparison between the two schools in terms of cost, admissions difficulty, academic difficulty, and outcomes.
Sam Houston State University Overview
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. Founded in 1879, SHSU is the third oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. The university has a student body of over 21,000 students and offers more than 80 undergraduate, 59 master’s, and ten doctoral degree programs.
Sam Houston State University Costs & Tuition
The estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate students at Sam Houston State University for the 2021-2022 academic year were $8,536 for Texas residents and $18,664 for out-of-state students. The university provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities for eligible students to help them finance their education.
Sam Houston State University Admissions
Admissions at Sam Houston State University are classified as moderately selective. The university has an acceptance rate of 83%, with an average high school GPA requirement of 3.4 and an average SAT score of 1060-1200 or ACT score of 20-25. In addition to academic performance, SHSU considers factors like extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and personal essays for its admissions process.
Sam Houston State University Degrees Offered
Sam Houston State University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Some popular majors at SHSU include Business, Management, Marketing, Health Professions, Education, and Criminal Justice. The university also offers online degree programs for students who prefer distance learning.
Sam Houston State University Academics
Academic life at Sam Houston State University is characterized by its student-faculty ratio of 21:1, ensuring a more personalized learning experience for students. The university’s retention rate of 77% speaks to the satisfaction and success of its students.
Sam Houston State University Diversity
Sam Houston State University is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university’s student body is made up of 46% White, 27% Hispanic, 16% Black, and 3% Asian students, with students from all 50 states and more than 70 countries represented.
Sam Houston State University Students
The student population at Sam Houston State University is made up of over 21,000 students, with more than 18,000 undergraduates and over 2,500 graduate students. The university offers on-campus housing and various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities for students to engage in outside of their academic pursuits.
Sam Houston State University Campus
The Sam Houston State University campus spans over 316 acres in Huntsville, Texas. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces. Additionally, SHSU offers on-campus dining options and a vibrant campus life filled with events and activities throughout the year.
Sam Houston State University Alumni
Sam Houston State University boasts a strong network of over 130,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have found success in various industries, including business, education, government, and entertainment. Notable SHSU alumni include Dan Rather, Dana Andrews, and Richard Linklater.
Sam Houston State University Rankings
In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Sam Houston State University ranked #272-#355 in National Universities, #141 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and #63 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Sam Houston State University Outcomes
The graduation rate at Sam Houston State University is 53%, and the average starting salary of SHSU graduates is $39,500. The university’s Career Services department helps students with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies to ensure the best possible outcomes for its graduates.
University of Alabama Overview
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1831, UA is the oldest and largest public university in the state, with over 38,000 students enrolled in various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
University of Alabama Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate students at the University of Alabama were $11,620 for Alabama residents and $31,390 for out-of-state students. Like SHSU, UA offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help eligible students finance their education.
University of Alabama Admissions
The University of Alabama has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 59%. The average high school GPA requirement is 3.7, and the average SAT score range is 1060-1280 or ACT score range of 23-31. UA takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors like extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and personal essays.
University of Alabama Degrees Offered
UA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, with popular majors including Business, Health Professions, Engineering, Education, and Social Sciences. The university also offers online degree programs for those who prefer distance learning.
University of Alabama Academics
The University of Alabama has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, providing a personalized learning experience for students. The retention rate at UA is 87%, indicating high levels of student satisfaction and academic success.
University of Alabama Diversity
The University of Alabama is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body is made up of 76% White, 11% Black, 5% Hispanic, and 1% Asian students, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries represented.
University of Alabama Students
The University of Alabama has over 38,000 students enrolled, with more than 33,000 undergraduates and over 5,000 graduate students. UA offers on-campus housing and a wide array of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities for students to participate in outside of their academic pursuits.
University of Alabama Campus
UA’s campus covers 1,970 acres in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces. The university also offers on-campus dining options and a vibrant campus life filled with events and activities throughout the year.
University of Alabama Alumni
The University of Alabama has a robust network of over 235,000 alumni across the globe, with many finding success in fields such as business, education, government, and entertainment. Notable UA alumni include Harper Lee, Joe Namath, and Sela Ward.
University of Alabama Rankings
In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, the University of Alabama ranked #133 in National Universities, #136 in Best Value Schools, and #85 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
University of Alabama Outcomes
The graduation rate at the University of Alabama is 72%, and the average starting salary of UA graduates is $48,900. The university’s Career Center offers resources and support to help students prepare for their careers and successfully transition into the workforce after graduation.
Sam Houston State University vs University of Alabama Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Sam Houston State University and the University of Alabama, it’s important to consider both tuition and additional expenses. For in-state students, SHSU’s tuition is lower at $8,536, compared to UA’s $11,620. For out-of-state students, SHSU’s tuition is also lower at $18,664, compared to UA’s $31,390. However, additional expenses, such as housing, transportation, and personal expenses, should also be taken into account when comparing the overall costs of attendance.
Sam Houston State University vs University of Alabama Admissions Difficulty
In terms of admissions difficulty, the University of Alabama is more selective than Sam Houston State University, with an acceptance rate of 59% compared to SHSU’s 83%. UA also has higher average GPA and standardized test score requirements, making it a more competitive school to gain admission into.
Sam Houston State University vs University of Alabama Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer rigorous academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 21:1 at SHSU and 20:1 at UA, providing personalized learning experiences for students. However, UA has a higher retention rate (87% vs SHSU’s 77%), suggesting that its students may be more satisfied with their academic experience and find it more challenging.
Sam Houston State University vs University of Alabama Outcome Comparison
Comparing the outcomes for graduates of Sam Houston State University and the University of Alabama, it’s evident that UA has a higher graduation rate (72% vs SHSU’s 53%) and a higher average starting salary for its graduates ($48,900 vs SHSU’s $39,500). This suggests that attending the University of Alabama may lead to better overall outcomes for its graduates.
