Get Started as an Online Undergraduate Student
Students who have recently graduated or soon will graduate from high school are considered beginning undergraduates, even if a student has completed transferable college credit while in high school. If a student is not a recent high school graduate or received a GED, but has completed less than 12 transferable credit hours, then that student is also considered a beginning undergraduate student and should follow the requirements outlined for beginning undergraduate applicants.
If you have completed more than 12 transferable credit hours, please follow the steps outlined in our Transfer Students section.
7 Steps to Apply as an Online Undergraduate Student
Complete the Online Application
Complete an online application. Review SHSU admission requirements for freshman, transfer or international applicants.
Submit the Non-Refundable Application Fee
You have the option to pay the application fee through the online application. Alternatively, you may pay later by mailing a check to the Admissions Office or pay through the SHSU Self Service Center.
Qualifying students may submit an application fee waiver request to the Office of Admissions via mail (address below) or email admissions@shsu.edu.
Submit Your Official High School Transcript
Have the appropriate institution (high school or college) send official transcripts to SHSU and contact the testing agency (ACT or College Board) to request an electronic submission of your test score to SHSU.
Mail an official high school transcript to:
Sam Houston State University Undergraduate Admissions Office Box 2418 Huntsville, TX 77341-2418
Send SAT scores to school code 6643 for SHSU.
Send ACT scores to school code 4162 for SHSU.
Check Your Application Status
After you’ve submitted the application and other required admission materials materials, you may check your application status using the Application Status tool.
Already Been Accepted as an Undergraduate Student?
You’re almost there! Follow the remaining steps below to become an official SHSU student. See detailed instructions for accepted students in the enrollment checklists.
Contact Your Academic Advisor
Discuss your course plans with your advisor in order to register for classes. If you attend Orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor.
Register for Classes
Once you meet with your advisor, you will be able to register through My Sam based on the registration schedule. View the "How to Register" video.
Plan for Tuition
Estimate your tuition. Explore scholarship opportunities. Apply for scholarships and financial aid. After you've registered for classes, apply your financial aid and/or pay your account balance on My Sam.