by our College Data Analytics TeamIs SHSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SHSU is ranked #1,354 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Texas, it ranks #83 of 184 for value.
Among the majors SHSU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Foodservice Systems Administration/Management | #2 of 6 |
| Agricultural Mechanization | #3 of 8 |
| Computer Software Technology/Technician | #3 of 4 |
| Electronic / Computer Technology | #3 of 4 |
| Agriculture | #4 of 9 |
| Music Therapy | #5 of 25 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #5 of 25 |
| Marketing | #8 of 32 |
| Fashion Merchandising | #8 of 32 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising & Marketing | #9 of 34 |
Below is the detailed SHSU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Sam Houston State University is ranked #31 out of #201 in Texas for quality and #83 out of #184 for Texas value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the SHSU financial aid page to be sure.
Sam Houston State University is ranked #1,354 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Sam Houston State University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SHSU costs about $19,201. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $76,806 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $25,428 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $16,404 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $19,201 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,806 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about SHSU net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SHSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $101,712 | — | — |
| All Students | $76,806 | #1,354 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $65,616 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $101,712 | — | — |
| All Students | $76,806 | #83 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $65,616 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SHSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $11,736 |
| $30K–$48K | $12,541 |
| $48K–$75K | $15,419 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,551 |
| Over $110K | $23,198 |
About 69% of SHSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $8,724 per year. Get more details on the SHSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the SHSU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.