Your Future Bearkat

Start Your Student's New Adventure

Help them become a Bearkat today!

Named for Sam Houston, Texas’ greatest hero, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) continually strives to honor its roots through academic excellence. For more than 140 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The Measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its 21,000+ students and echoes across eight colleges and beyond.

With over 90 bachelor's degree programs, more than 55+ master’s degree programs and 10 doctoral programs, including the nation’s first PhD in Forensic Science, SHSU offers an exceptional college experience.

Applying to SHSU

Need more information about how to apply, admission requirements and deadlines? Select your student's journey below to get tailored information.

Freshman Student →

First-Gen Student →

Home-School Student →

See all student journeys.

Who can you contact with questions?

For assistance, support, and guidance with admissions, financial aid, degree discovery, and more, contact SHSU Admissions at 936.294.1828, admissions@shsu.edu or schedule a meeting with your student's Admissions Counselor.

Collage of students on campus, football players holding the national championship trophy, mascot Sammy Bearkat, students in downtown Huntsville, and the Sam Houston statue on campus.

Paying For College

At SHSU, we are in the top 5% of all U.S. Colleges when it comes to value as ranked by Forbes & College Factual. We have many resources available to help your student pay for college.

Important Deadlines

September 1: Scholarship4Kats application opens. October 1: FAFSA opens for following school year and housing application opens to new students. November 1: FAFSA & Scholarships4Kats priority date.

Family & Parent Resources

At SHSU, our students’ families are valued members of the Bearkat community! It is our goal to ensure that you are also receiving helpful information and resources that will make your student’s transition to SHSU as smooth as possible.

CAMPUS TOURS

MEET WITH ADMISSIONS

APPLY

We appreciate your interest and want to learn more about you so please answer the questions below:

MAJORS & PROGRAMS

Accepted, Now What?

Congratulations on your acceptance to Sam Houston State University! Your transition to SHSU should be easy and our office is here to help as you start your next adventure. To begin your Accepted Student Journey, click the link below.