Sam Houston State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Sam Houston State admits most applicants, but test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant here: 92% of students submitted SAT scores. Aim for an SAT near or above 1120, the top of the middle range, so your academic profile sits on the stronger side of an accessible admissions process.
⬡ LangSmithc296fdea-c3bf-4c42-bff9-732d3665af13Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Sam Houston State University facts and stats
Sam Houston State University enrolls about 17,787 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Sam Houston State has a 73% freshman retention rate, which is slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 55%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1.
⬡ LangSmithc663a75c-c0f9-400f-a7b0-38b41019165fHuntsville, TX
How do your scores compare at Sam Houston State?
Key Sam Houston State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Sam Houston State, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year so you can use summer for a superscore-focused retake. Because the Regular Decision deadline is August 1, no fall retake is likely to arrive in time for Sam Houston State.
⬡ LangSmith4b669302-ddf8-465f-bb54-bf25bc549f1bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Sam Houston State University?
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What you'll actually pay
At Sam Houston State, a public Conference USA university, in-state tuition is $7,320 and out-of-state tuition is $19,620. About 61% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 15.
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At Sam Houston State University, out-of-state tuition is $19,620, while in-state tuition is $7,320, with room and board adding about $11,984. Financial aid is common, with 61% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $13,393. Merit awards average $3,781, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,677.
⬡ LangSmithd3b3f547-5e02-453b-9da0-e695f1cae18aStudent life at Sam Houston State University
23% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 6% of men join fraternities, and 4% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TXAcceptance rate: 99.9%
SAT: 860–1080
ACT: 17–22
Texas State University
San Marcos, TXAcceptance rate: 89.1%
SAT: 990–1200
ACT: 19–25
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TXAcceptance rate: 86.8%
SAT: 1010–1210
ACT: 19–25
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TXAcceptance rate: 94%
SAT: 880–1090
ACT: 15–21
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