Sam Houston State University vs Texas State University: A Data-Driven Comparison
Both universities offer accessible admission paths, with Sam Houston State accepting 84.6% of applicants compared to Texas State's 87.7% acceptance rate. Neither school presents significant admission barriers for qualified students.
Cost differences are notable. Sam Houston State charges $9,228 annually for in-state tuition versus Texas State's $11,450, creating a $2,222 yearly savings. Out-of-state students save $4,190 annually at Sam Houston State ($19,020 vs $23,210). However, average net prices are nearly identical at $16,025 and $16,438 respectively, suggesting similar financial aid packages.
Texas State's larger enrollment of 34,547 students doubles Sam Houston State's 18,138, creating different campus environments. Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios around 20-21:1. Texas State edges ahead in retention (77.5% vs 75.4%) and six-year graduation rates (56.2% vs 55.1%), though differences are modest.
Career outcomes favor Texas State graduates, who earn a median salary of $56,906 after ten years compared to Sam Houston State's $54,211. Texas State graduates also carry slightly less debt ($21,000 vs $21,983). Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Academic strengths vary by institution. Sam Houston State is known for criminal justice, education, and business programs. Texas State offers strong programs in mass communications, education, and applied arts, with particular strength in geography and public administration.
Students seeking a smaller campus environment with lower upfront costs may prefer Sam Houston State, while those wanting a larger university experience with stronger earning potential should consider Texas State.
Both universities offer accessible admission paths, with Sam Houston State accepting 84.6% of applicants compared to Texas State's 87.7% acceptance rate. Neither school presents significant admission barriers for qualified students.
Cost differences are notable. Sam Houston State charges $9,228 annually for in-state tuition versus Texas State's $11,450, creating a $2,222 yearly savings. Out-of-state students save $4,190 annually at Sam Houston State ($19,020 vs $23,210). However, average net prices are nearly identical at $16,025 and $16,438 respectively, suggesting similar financial aid packages.
Texas State's larger enrollment of 34,547 students doubles Sam Houston State's 18,138, creating different campus environments. Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios around 20-21:1. Texas State edges ahead in retention (77.5% vs 75.4%) and six-year graduation rates (56.2% vs 55.1%), though differences are modest.
Career outcomes favor Texas State graduates, who earn a median salary of $56,906 after ten years compared to Sam Houston State's $54,211. Texas State graduates also carry slightly less debt ($21,000 vs $21,983). Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Academic strengths vary by institution. Sam Houston State is known for criminal justice, education, and business programs. Texas State offers strong programs in mass communications, education, and applied arts, with particular strength in geography and public administration.
Students seeking a smaller campus environment with lower upfront costs may prefer Sam Houston State, while those wanting a larger university experience with stronger earning potential should consider Texas State.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Sam Houston State University | Texas State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 84.6% | 87.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,050 | 1,080 |
| Enrollment | 18,138 | 34,547 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,228 | $11,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,020 | $23,210 |
| Net Price | $16,025 | $16,438 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.1% | 56.2% |
| Retention Rate | 75.4% | 77.5% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,211 | $56,906 |
| Median Debt | $21,983 | $21,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Sam Houston State University | Texas State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $69,740 | Computer Science. | $72,274 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | $60,128 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,858 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | $59,417 | Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,660 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,415 | Industrial Engineering. | $65,557 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | $49,436 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $60,207 |