
Sam Houston State University, also known as SHSU, has a large student body with an enrollment of more than 20,000 students across a range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The university offers over 80 undergraduate programs and has a significant number of students pursuing graduate studies, with 59 master's and 10 doctoral degree programs available. In recent years, SHSU has seen a notable increase in freshmen enrollment, with over 3,500 first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester, reflecting a five percent increase from the previous year. The university also attracts high-achieving students, with more than 350 undergraduates enrolled in the selective Elliott T. Bowers Honors College.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | Over 20,000 |
| Number of undergraduate students | 18,179 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Number of freshmen students | Over 3,500 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Number of male students | 37.1% |
| Number of female students | 62.9% |
| Number of students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing | 23% |
| Number of students living off campus | 77% |
| Number of high-achieving undergraduate students in the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College | Over 350 |
| Number of undergraduate programs | Over 80 |
| Number of master's programs | 59 |
| Number of doctoral programs | 10 |
| Number of online bachelor's and graduate degrees | Over 20 |
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What You'll Learn

Sam Houston State University has over 20,000 students
Sam Houston State University, a public university in Huntsville, Texas, boasts a significant student population, with enrollment figures consistently placing it among the largest universities in the region. As of the latest reports and estimates, the university has crossed a notable threshold, now hosting over 20,000 students across its various programs and campuses. This milestone underscores the university's appeal and its commitment to providing a quality education to a diverse and expansive student body.
The student population at Sam Houston State University has been steadily climbing over the years, reflecting the institution's growing reputation and appeal. This can be attributed to several factors, including the university's strong academic offerings, diverse range of programs, and commitment to student success. The university has expanded its reach, attracting students from across Texas, the wider United States, and even internationally, contributing to this substantial enrollment figure.
The university offers a broad spectrum of academic programs, ensuring that students have a wealth of options to choose from. This includes over 80 bachelor's degree programs, more than 50 master's degree programs, and 10 doctoral programs. With such a comprehensive curriculum, the university caters to a diverse array of interests and career aspirations, drawing students from various backgrounds and with differing goals.
Additionally, Sam Houston State University takes pride in its dedication to student success and providing a supportive environment that fosters academic excellence. This commitment is evident in the range of resources and support services offered, including academic advising, career guidance, and a variety of student organizations and activities. By prioritizing student needs and creating a well-rounded campus experience, the university has established itself as a desirable choice for prospective students.
The university's growth has also been facilitated by its expansion beyond the main campus in Huntsville. With additional teaching centers and satellite campuses, the university has broadened its reach, offering convenience and flexibility to students who may have location or logistical constraints. This expansion ensures that a Sam Houston State University education is more accessible, contributing to the impressive enrollment numbers.
The milestone of surpassing 20,000 students is a testament to the university's appeal and the trust placed in it by students and their families. As Sam Houston State University continues to thrive and expand, it solidifies its position as a leading educational institution, shaping the lives and futures of a vast and diverse student population. This achievement underscores the university's success in creating a vibrant and dynamic academic community.
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There are more than 350 students in the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College
Sam Houston State University has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students across over 80 undergraduate, 59 master's, and 10 doctoral degree programs. The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College, named after the university's ninth president, Elliott Toulmin Bowers, is home to more than 350 high-achieving undergraduate students. The college was established in 1987 with a mission to offer broad and stimulating experiences that encourage personal and professional growth. The Honors College community is an environment that fosters both intellectual and professional development, encouraging student-professor mentorship and academic growth.
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College has seen remarkable growth in recent years, doubling in size over the past five years. This growth in size has not come at the cost of quality, as the college continues to emphasize teaching excellence and scholarly excellence among its faculty. The college's reputation and the increasing number of quality programs offered by the university have attracted top students.
Honors students at the college can earn Honors credit by taking specially designated classes and working towards graduating 'With Honors' or 'With Highest Honors'. To graduate with Honors, students must participate in the Honors College and complete 24 hours of honors class credit, including two interdisciplinary honors seminars. Graduating 'With Highest Honors' requires the additional completion of a senior thesis in an approved discipline under the direction of a faculty member.
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College provides advantages for students in their post-college journeys, whether they choose to enter the professional world or pursue graduate studies. The college upholds high academic standards and promotes community engagement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
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18,179 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023
As of Fall 2023, Sam Houston State University has an undergraduate enrollment of 18,179 students. This includes over 3,500 freshmen, marking a five percent increase in freshmen enrollment compared to Fall 2022. The gender distribution among the undergraduate student population is 37.1% male and 62.9% female.
The university offers over 80 undergraduate programs and more than 20 online bachelor's degrees. Additionally, the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College enrolls over 350 high-achieving undergraduate students in selective programs.
Sam Houston State University has a total enrollment of more than 20,000 students when graduate and doctoral programs are included. The university offers 59 master's and 10 doctoral degree programs, with eight colleges offering doctoral programs.
The university's athletic teams are nicknamed the Bearkats, and club sports are very popular. There are various sports available to students, including powerlifting, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts, trap and skeet, inline hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and baseball.
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3,500 freshmen enrolled in Fall 2023
As of Fall 2023, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) welcomed a record-breaking number of freshmen, with approximately 3,500 first-year students choosing to begin their college journey on our campus. This impressive number signifies not only a milestone for the university but also speaks to the attractiveness of our academic programs and campus life. With such a large influx of new students, SHSU is poised to become an even more vibrant and diverse community, fostering a rich learning environment. This number also reflects the university's dedication to providing a high-quality education and indicates a promising future for the institution.
This fall, the university is abuzz with the energy and excitement that this large freshman class brings. With approximately 3,500 new students exploring our campus for the first time, SHSU is witnessing one of the largest enrollments in its history. This number represents not just a quantitative increase but also promises a diverse range of backgrounds, interests, and aspirations among our incoming students. The university is committed to offering a transformative educational experience to each and every one of these freshmen.
To accommodate this large freshman class, SHSU has strategically enhanced its infrastructure and support services. Additional faculty members have been recruited to ensure that students receive the individual attention and guidance they need. The university has also invested in expanding and improving campus facilities, including residence halls, dining options, and academic buildings, to create a comfortable and conducive learning environment for this increased population. The entire SHSU community is dedicated to making sure these new students have the resources and support necessary to succeed.
As these 3,500 freshmen embark on their academic journeys, they will discover the wide array of opportunities that SHSU has to offer. With a comprehensive selection of academic programs, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant campus life, our university provides a well-rounded and engaging educational experience. Whether students are pursuing degrees in business, education, the arts, or the sciences, they will find themselves challenged and inspired by our dedicated faculty and diverse curriculum. This freshman class will undoubtedly leave their mark on SHSU, and we are excited to witness their growth and achievements.
This record-breaking freshman enrollment also showcases the appeal of our university to a wider audience. With students choosing SHSU from across the state, region, and even further afield, our campus becomes a melting pot of diverse perspectives and experiences. This enriches the learning environment and fosters a culture of inclusivity and understanding. The university is proud to be the institution of choice for so many ambitious and talented young people, and we are committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals.
As SHSU moves forward, building on this success, we remain dedicated to offering a world-class education to all our students. This significant milestone of 3,500 freshmen enrolled in Fall 2023 is a testament to the university's reputation and the hard work of our faculty, staff, and administration. It also serves as a foundation for future growth and improvement, as we continuously strive to enhance our academic offerings and campus life, ensuring that SHSU remains a top choice for students seeking a dynamic and fulfilling college experience.
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SHSU has a 75% retention rate for first-time students
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students across over 80 undergraduate, 59 master's, and 10 doctoral degree programs. The university also offers more than 20 online bachelor's and graduate degrees.
SHSU has a freshmen retention rate of 79%, which is above the national average of 70.57%. When looking at just colleges and universities in Texas, the average first-year retention rate is even lower, at 68.17%. This indicates that SHSU is effective at encouraging students to continue their studies at the institution beyond their first year.
The retention rate for first-time, full-time students at SHSU in the class of 2015 was 35.87%. While this cohort had a four-year graduation rate of 28%, which was below the national average, the six-year graduation rate was 51%, and by the eight-year mark, 54% of the cohort had completed their degrees. This shows that while some students may take longer to graduate, a significant number do persist and ultimately complete their degrees at SHSU.
SHSU's teacher retention rate is also notable, with an 87.7% retention rate from 2012-2016, compared to the state average of 72.5%. This high teacher retention rate is an indication of the university's strong program and the quality of its educators. Overall, SHSU's retention rates for both students and teachers reflect a positive and supportive academic environment.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Sam Houston State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 18,000 students, with over 3,500 of those being freshmen.
23% of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 77% live off campus.
Over 350 high-achieving undergraduate students are enrolled in the selective Elliott T. Bowers Honors College.
The university offers over 80 undergraduate degree programs.
Sam Houston State University offers 59 master's degree programs and 10 doctoral degree programs.











































