2025 admissions data

Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 90.3% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 90 actually get in. No guessing. Sam Houston State University is a UNIV institution located in Huntsville, TX — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Sam Houston State University caters well to students seeking a well-rounded education with various major options, particularly in Criminal Justice and Education. However, if you thrive in smaller, more intimate learning environments or require extensive personal support, you might find the larger class sizes here a challenge. The balance in academic offerings means you can diversify your skills, but expect to compete with a larger cohort in classes for attention and resources. This trade-off provides access to diverse programs against a backdrop of more generalized faculty engagement, which can dilute individual academic attention. Overall, it's a fit for those excited by diverse paths but may not resonate with learners who require a high degree of personalized learning support.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

88.1%

Acceptance Rate

Women

91.4%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

17,179

Admitted

15,506

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Sam Houston State University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math450–550

Reading480–570

ACT Score Range

English18–26

Math16–22

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 90.3% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Sam Houston State University, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Sam Houston State University is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

A key factor impacting student outcomes at Sam Houston State University is the high student-to-faculty ratio, ranging from 17:1 to 20:1. While this allows for a certain level of engagement in the classroom, it's crucial to understand how this dynamic shapes the educational experience. Students might expect personalized interaction, but with a significant number of peers in many classes, individual attention from faculty can be limited. This situation can lead to challenges, particularly in large lectures where professors may not be able to provide the detailed feedback needed for growth, especially in areas such as writing or critical analysis, which are essential in many programs of study. Campus services aim to bridge this gap by offering academic advising and tutoring. However, the extent to which students utilize these resources can affect their overall academic success. It’s essential for prospective students to weigh whether a larger class size aligns with their learning preferences and need for direct faculty interaction. Additionally, students should consider how well they can foster relationships with advisors and faculty outside classroom hours, given the increased enrollment. The environment at Sam Houston is vibrant, with a multitude of activities and support programs available, but clarity on avoiding potential anonymity in larger classes is paramount for success.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $50

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://www.applytexas.org/

Your Chances of Getting Into Sam Houston State University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Sam Houston State University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data

At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Sam Houston State University, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.

Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.

Turning Information into Confidence

Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.

If Sam Houston State University fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.

Should You Apply to Sam Houston State University?

If 90.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Sam Houston State University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Sam Houston State University Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate and average GPA/test scores for Sam Houston State University?

Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of about 85%. The average GPA and test score requirements are not strictly defined due to its test-optional policy, allowing flexibility in admissions.

What are the most popular majors and career outcomes for graduates?

Popular majors include Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, and Business. Graduates often find careers in public service, education, and corporate sectors, reflecting the practical orientation of these programs.

How much does it cost to attend Sam Houston State University, and what financial aid is available?

The net price to attend Sam Houston State University averages around $14,556 after aid. Various scholarships and financial support options are available to assist students in managing costs.

What is the student experience like—class sizes, campus life, and student support services?

Students at Sam Houston enjoy a dynamic campus life with diverse activities. Class sizes vary, with many being over 20 students, impacting individual attention provided by faculty.

Does Sam Houston State offer online degree programs?

Yes, Sam Houston State University offers several online degree programs, allowing students to pursue their education in a flexible format, which can be ideal for working professionals.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Sam Houston State University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

Next step

Move ahead in your future

Start your journey with Orbit AI

✨ ORBIT TOOLS

Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit

Everything you need to maximize your college application success

AI Essay Coach

Stronger story = higher admission odds

Solvi: Your AI College Counselor

Talk to an AI built with real college counseling data