Sam Houston State University

Overview

English Name: Sam Houston State University

Acronyms: SHSU, ["SHSU"]

Founded: 1879

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #3923

Rank in United States: #416

Motto: The Measure of a Life is its Service

Colours: Orange and white

Mascot: Sammy Bearkat

Founded in 1879, the Sam Houston State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Huntsville (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Texas.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 145-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

SHSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Sam Houston State University's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Sam Houston State University — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.

Academic Structures

Below: how Sam Houston State University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.

Programs Offered

Sam Houston State University's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.

How to apply to Sam Houston State University

What applying to Sam Houston State University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Sam Houston State University offers 156 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Each programme at Sam Houston State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Apply directly via Sam Houston State University's online portal at shsu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (936) 294 1111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Houston State University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Sam Houston State University as a study destination.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Sam Houston State University, helpful for calibrating where Sam Houston State University sits in the broader landscape.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Universities sharing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliation with Sam Houston State University offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Sam Houston State University. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Huntsville · Public · Est. 1875

Oakwood University

Huntsville · Private · Est. 1896

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville · Public · Est. 1969

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College

Huntsville · Public · Est. 1961

Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville · Private · Est. 1986

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some the United States institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

Universities Often Compared with Sam Houston State University

When students choose Sam Houston State University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston · Public · Rank #3923

University of Southern Maine

Portland · Public · Rank #3929

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg · Public · Rank #3933

Kenyon College

Gambier · Private · Rank #3935

Babson College

Babson Park · Private · Rank #3894