About Sam Houston

Sam Houston Statue on SHSU Huntsville campus in front of Austin Hall

Sam Houston State University

Named for Texas’ greatest hero, Sam Houston State University honors its historical roots through academic excellence. For more than 140 years, SHSU has prepared students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its more than 21,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its Huntsville roots.

SHSU is ranked among the top colleges/universities for social mobility in U.S. News & World Report. From medical and doctoral degrees, undergraduate to graduate programs, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student.

With a campus community comprised of approximately 50 percent first-generation students, SHSU’s First-Generation Center launched in 2022 and serves as resource in student success.

Since 2021, Bearkat Athletics have competed in seventeen NCAA Division I sports in the Western Athletic Conference and in July 2023, joined Conference USA.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

  • Federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
  • Designated a Doctoral University–High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • Classified as “Community Engaged” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.