At $16,025/yr net price, Sam Houston State University graduates earn $54,211/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,211/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,025 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,211/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,211/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,983 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,736/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,541/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,419/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,551/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,198/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,953 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Doctoral | $70,456 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,740 | $24,316 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,858 | $38,487 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $68,666 | $38,362 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,049 | $17,859 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $60,128 | $19,855 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,417 | $21,000 |
The Risk Factor
55.1% of students at Sam Houston State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Sam Houston State University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The $16,025 net price positions this Texas public university as affordable, but the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees.
Computer technology programs lead earnings at $91,744 annually, making them clear winners for ROI. Nursing graduates earn $69,740 with manageable debt of $24,316, offering another solid path. Business management pays well at $68,858, though graduates carry higher debt loads of $38,487. Educational administration and student counseling also provide strong returns for those entering education fields.
The financial risks center on program selection and completion. With only 55% graduating and a 75% retention rate, you face real chances of leaving with debt but no degree. Lower-earning majors at Sam Houston State struggle to justify even the modest costs when measured against regional salary expectations.
This university works best for Texas residents pursuing high-demand fields like technology, nursing, or education who can leverage the state's growing job market. The location in Huntsville provides access to Houston's employment opportunities while keeping costs reasonable. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive merit aid, as only 40% of students receive financial assistance.
Sam Houston State makes financial sense for focused students who choose career-oriented majors and can commit to finishing their degrees. The combination of affordable tuition and strong programs in select fields creates genuine value, but only if you pick the right major and graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam Houston State University worth the cost?
Sam Houston State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $16,025 annually and graduates earning $54,211 after 10 years. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Sam Houston State University?
Computer/Information Technology Administration leads with graduates earning $91,744 annually, followed by Educational Administration at $74,953 and Student Counseling at $70,456. These programs offer strong ROI compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $54,211.
How much student debt do Sam Houston State University graduates have?
The median debt load is $21,983, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. With typical graduate earnings around $54,211, most students can handle this debt level without major financial stress.
Should I attend Sam Houston State University if I got accepted elsewhere?
If you're pursuing computer technology, education administration, or nursing, Sam Houston State offers solid career prospects at a reasonable price. For other majors, consider that the low graduation rate and average earnings may limit your options compared to schools with stronger completion rates.