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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Sam Houston State University are both public institutions — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, 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.
Edinburg, TX · Public
Acceptance rate: 94.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 28,666
Tuition: $19,827/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 50.9%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Edinburg, TX with published program strength in Biological sciences and Business and marketing.
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.
| Factor | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Sam Houston State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | 90.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 880–1090 | 930–1120 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 15–21 | 17–24 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 28,666 | 17,743 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,827/year | $19,068/year |
| Average net price after aid | $4,831 | $16,404 |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 54.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $49,620 | $54,211 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 20.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Edinburg, TX | Huntsville, TX |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Health professions | Security and law enforcement, Business and marketing, Health professions |
Sam Houston State University is more selective (90.3% vs 94.2% acceptance rate). The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has a lower average net price after grant aid ($4,831 vs $16,404). Sam Houston State University reports the higher graduation rate (54.8% vs 50.9%). The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is the larger undergraduate campus (28,666 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 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Sam Houston State University
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has an acceptance rate of 94.2%; Sam Houston State University is around 90.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley tuition is $19,827/year. Sam Houston State University is $19,068/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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