University of Holy Cross vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, LA with Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than University of Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 802 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Holy Cross is located in New Orleans, LA (Large City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• University of Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Holy Cross 7:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

University of Holy Cross vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Holy Cross or SHSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Holy Cross than SHSU ($14,420 vs. $14,737).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sam Houston State University are 0.7% lower than at University of Holy Cross ($11,720 vs. $11,802).
• University of Holy Cross is 79.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHSU (about $7,348 more per year; $16,576.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15% higher at SHSU than at University of Holy Cross (about $2,492 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $16,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Holy Cross than at Sam Houston State University (97% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Holy Cross students is 20.5% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($12,861 vs. $10,669).

University of Holy Cross vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Holy Cross or SHSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SHSU and University of Holy Cross.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Holy Cross - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); SHSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Holy Cross Jul 20, 2027; SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SHSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at University of Holy Cross (3.12).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than University of Holy Cross (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at University of Holy Cross vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

University of Holy Cross vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Holy Cross and SHSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than University of Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $10,958 lower median loan debt than University of Holy Cross graduates ($21,500 vs. $32,458).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Holy Cross graduates ($222 vs. $335).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 48%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.