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Sam Houston State University and Texas State University are both public institutions — Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX and Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Huntsville, TX · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 17,743
Tuition: $19,068/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 54.8%
Top programs: Security and law enforcement, Business and marketing, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Huntsville, TX with published program strength in Security and law enforcement and Business and marketing.
San Marcos, TX · Public
Acceptance rate: 89.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 36,177
Tuition: $22,930/year
Student-faculty ratio: 21.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Communication, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Marcos, TX with published program strength in Business and marketing and Communication.
| Factor | Sam Houston State University | Texas State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.3% | 89.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 930–1120 |
| 980–1200 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 17–24 | 19–25 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,743 | 36,177 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,068/year | $22,930/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,404 | $16,805 |
| Graduation rate | 54.8% | 55.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $54,211 | $56,906 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Huntsville, TX | San Marcos, TX |
| Largest program areas | Security and law enforcement, Business and marketing, Health professions | Business and marketing, Communication, Visual and performing arts |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (90.3% vs 89.3%). Sam Houston State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($16,404 vs $16,805). Both report a similar graduation rate (54.8%). Texas State University is the larger undergraduate campus (36,177 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Sam Houston State University and Texas State University
Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90.3%; Texas State University is around 89.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Sam Houston State University tuition is $19,068/year. Texas State University is $22,930/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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