Sam Houston State University (SHSU), located in Huntsville, Texas, is a prominent institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus culture. Established in 1879, SHSU is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Texas. The university is named after Sam Houston, a key figure in Texas history, which adds a rich historical dimension to its educational environment. SHSU is particularly known for its strong programs in criminal justice, business, education, and the arts, attracting students from across the nation and around the world. The university prides itself on its student-centered approach, offering a variety of resources and support systems to help students succeed academically and personally.

The campus environment at SHSU is characterized by a strong sense of community and engagement. With a diverse student body, the university fosters an inclusive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and cultural exchange. The university's motto, "The Measure of a Life is Its Service," reflects its commitment to service learning and community involvement, urging students to apply their education in meaningful ways. SHSU also boasts a range of facilities, including modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and recreational centers that support both academic and extracurricular activities. The university is also known for its active student life, featuring numerous organizations, clubs, and sports teams that contribute to a well-rounded college experience. With a dedication to producing well-prepared graduates, SHSU continues to enhance its academic offerings and provide students with opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the workforce upon graduation.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Sam Houston State University

The data from Sam Houston State University reveals some significant trends worth discussing. A notable point is the consistent increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students over the years. For instance, in-state tuition rose from $7,022 in 2014 to $9,228 in 2024, representing a substantial increase of about 31%. This trend mirrors a broader national concern where college affordability has become a pressing issue, as many students and families struggle to meet rising educational costs. The increased financial burden on students is a reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms in higher education funding.

Another critical aspect is the graduation rates, which have shown a positive trajectory. The percentage of students graduating on time increased from approximately 21.6% in 2013 to 33.7% in 2023. This significant improvement may reflect enhanced academic support services or changes in curriculum that better prepare students for graduation. The rising graduation rates are vital as they often correlate with better employment prospects for graduates, contributing positively to their future financial stability.

Retention rates, however, have displayed some fluctuations. While retention was at 77.5% in 2014, it dipped to around 72.5% in 2022 before slightly rebounding to about 73.9% in 2023. This volatility could indicate challenges in maintaining student engagement or addressing the diverse needs of the student body, which is crucial for fostering a supportive academic environment.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained stable around 20 to 25 over the years. A favorable student-to-faculty ratio can enhance the quality of education, facilitating more personalized attention and mentorship. However, maintaining this balance is essential as enrollment numbers continue to change.

In summary, while the rising tuition poses challenges, the improvements in graduation rates are encouraging. Nonetheless, attention must be paid to retention rates to ensure a holistic approach to student success at Sam Houston State University.

Analysis of Graduate Trends at Sam Houston State University

The data from Sam Houston State University illustrates significant trends in graduation rates across various disciplines for the year 2023. Notably, the field of Teacher Education stands out with a remarkable 303 bachelor's degree graduates, a clear indication of the university's commitment to producing educators. This aligns with the growing emphasis on education reform and the need for qualified teachers, especially in light of ongoing teacher shortages across the United States.

In the business sector, both General Business and Business Administration programs reported substantial graduation numbers, with 240 and 141 graduates respectively. The presence of a few international students in these programs (3 and 3) suggests a growing interest in business education among international candidates, reflecting the global nature of today’s economy. This trend is particularly relevant as businesses increasingly seek diverse talent to navigate complex global markets.

Conversely, the health sector, particularly the Registered Nursing program, produced 195 graduates, with a modest representation of international students (7). This mirrors the national trend of nursing shortages and the urgent need for healthcare professionals, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, there are no graduates reported in the master's and doctorate categories for several programs, indicating potential areas for growth and development. This lack of advanced degrees in fields such as Applied Economics and Experimental Psychology suggests that students may be entering the workforce with bachelor's degrees or pursuing further education elsewhere.

In conclusion, the graduation data from Sam Houston State University not only highlights strong programs in education and business but also sheds light on the evolving landscape of higher education, influenced by market demands and global trends. The university's focus on these areas positions it well for future success in meeting societal needs.

Sam Houston State University has experienced considerable fluctuations in its admission data over the years, reflecting broader trends in higher education. Starting from 2009, the acceptance rates for both male and female students were around 53%, with a notable increase in subsequent years, peaking dramatically in 2012 with rates of approximately 88% for males and 86% for females. This spike could indicate a strategic decision by the university to admit more students, perhaps to increase enrollment numbers or diversify the student body. Interestingly, the enrollment numbers have gradually increased from 2,143 in 2009 to 3,394 in 2023, suggesting successful efforts in attracting more students. However, the number of students who were accepted but chose to defer their admission has also surged, reaching over 10,000 in 2023. This trend might reflect changing student preferences or external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused many students to reconsider their educational timelines. The university's rank in the USNews rankings appears from 2019 onwards, with a rank of 230 in 2019 improving slightly to 249 in 2024. While the increase in rank is modest, it does indicate a positive trend and possibly improved academic standards or student satisfaction. Overall, Sam Houston State University's fluctuating acceptance rates and increasing enrollment numbers highlight dynamic shifts in higher education. The significant number of deferred admissions points to broader societal impacts influencing student choices, while the gradual improvement in rankings suggests ongoing efforts to enhance the university's reputation and academic offerings.

Analysis of Sam Houston State University Admissions Data (2007-2023)

The admissions data from Sam Houston State University over the years shows intriguing trends in standardized test scores and the number of students submitting these scores. Overall, the SAT and ACT scores of admitted students have seen slight fluctuations, but the general performance has remained within a consistent range.

From 2007 to 2023, the SAT Reading scores (25th to 75th percentile) ranged from 420-580, while SAT Math scores varied from 420-580 as well. Notably, the SAT scores experienced a slight increase starting around 2018, with the 25th percentile reaching 500 and the 75th percentile going up to 580 by 2020. This could indicate a more competitive applicant pool or improved college readiness among applicants.

ACT scores also exhibited a stable trend. For instance, ACT Composite scores ranged from 18 to 24, while ACT English and Math scores showed a similar pattern. The consistency in these scores suggests that the academic performance of incoming students has remained relatively stable over the years.

A notable trend is the fluctuation in the number of students submitting SAT scores. In 2007, 84% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, but this percentage dropped to 51% by 2023. This decline may be attributed to the increasing popularity of test-optional policies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many universities to waive standardized test requirements.

In conclusion, while the SAT and ACT scores of admitted students at Sam Houston State University have remained stable, the percentage of students submitting these scores has decreased significantly. This shift reflects broader trends in college admissions and highlights the evolving landscape of higher education assessment.

Student Demographics at Sam Houston State University in 2023

The student body at Sam Houston State University in 2023 is diverse and exhibits interesting trends in gender distribution and ethnic composition.

The university hosts 3,394 freshmen, with a notable gender disparity where females make up 63.3% and males 36.7%. This trend of female predominance continues across all undergraduate and graduate categories. Among the undergraduate students, there are 12,742 continuing students and 2,048 transfer students, with females accounting for 64.0% and 60.3% of these groups, respectively. The graduate student population, totaling 3,245, shows an even higher female majority at 69.1%, indicating a strong female presence in advanced studies.

Breaking down the ethnic composition, white students constitute a substantial portion across all categories. For instance, among freshmen, white students are 1,455, representing approximately 42.9% of their cohort. Similar trends are observed among continuing undergraduates and transfer students, with 6,062 and 1,082 white students, respectively. However, diversity is evident as the university enrolls students from various ethnic backgrounds, including Asian, Latin, Pacific Islander, African, and international students.

The data underscores the university's commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. The high percentage of female students, particularly in graduate programs, reflects broader national trends where women are increasingly pursuing higher education. This demographic insight is crucial for university policymakers to ensure that support systems and resources are equitably distributed to meet the needs of a diverse student body.

The age composition of students at Sam Houston State University in 2023 reveals several interesting trends and highlights the diversity in the student population. The largest age group among undergraduate students is the 18-19-year-old category, with 1,910 male and 3,644 female students. This indicates a predominance of younger students newly transitioning from high school to college life, with female students significantly outnumbering male students.

The 20-21 age group also shows a similar pattern, with 2,050 males and 3,690 females. This distribution continues to reflect the university's appeal to young adults, likely during their sophomore and junior years. The number of students starts to decline in the 22-24 age group, which includes many students nearing graduation.

An interesting shift occurs in the graduate student population, particularly in the 25-29 age group. Here, there is a notable increase in female graduate students (532) compared to their male counterparts (277), suggesting a strong representation of women pursuing advanced degrees. This trend is consistent with national data showing an increasing number of women enrolling in graduate programs.

In older age groups, particularly those aged 40-49, the number of female students (376) significantly exceeds that of male students (134). This may reflect mid-career professionals seeking further education to advance their careers, with women forming a larger proportion of this demographic.

The data also shows a small but noteworthy number of students over the age of 50, highlighting lifelong learning trends and the pursuit of education beyond traditional age boundaries. Overall, the gender distribution across all age groups reveals a higher number of female students (totaling 11,812) compared to male students (totaling 6,664), emphasizing the growing presence and persistence of women in higher education at Sam Houston State University.

The data on international students at Sam Houston State University from 2004 to 2023 reveals several key trends and insights. Over this period, both undergraduate and graduate student populations have grown, with fluctuations in the proportion of international students.

From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students increased steadily from 11,504 to 18,235. Concurrently, the number of international undergraduate students also rose from 87 to 157, although their proportion remained relatively low, peaking at 1.41% in 2013 and generally hovering around the 1% mark in subsequent years.

Graduate student numbers also expanded, growing from 1,956 in 2004 to 3,245 in 2023. The proportion of international graduate students saw more variation, reaching a high of 6.35% in 2010 but dropping to its lowest point of 2.87% in 2021. In recent years, the percentage of international graduate students has stabilized around 3.5% to 4%.

These figures suggest that while Sam Houston State University has experienced overall growth in student population, the proportion of international students has not kept pace, especially among undergraduates. This could reflect broader trends in global education, visa policies, or the university's recruitment strategies. The impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic might also have played a role, particularly evident in the reduced percentages of international students during and post-2020.

In conclusion, while Sam Houston State University has grown in size, the relatively small and fluctuating proportion of international students underscores the need for targeted strategies to attract and retain this demographic, thereby fostering a more globally diverse academic environment.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Sam Houston State University:

1. Texas A & M University-College Station - Ranked 47th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.

2. Rice University - With a rank of 16, Rice is a prestigious research university located in Houston. It offers a wide range of programs, particularly known for its science, engineering, and humanities departments.

3. The University of Texas at Austin - Ranked 31st, this major public research university is renowned for its vibrant campus life and academic excellence in various fields, including engineering, business, and law.

4. University of Houston - With a ranking of 138, this university is known for its diverse programs and strong emphasis on research, particularly in the fields of business, law, and engineering.

5. Baylor University - Ranked 93rd, Baylor is a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and a vibrant campus community.

6. Southern Methodist University - With a rank of 89, SMU is located in Dallas and is recognized for its programs in business, law, and the arts.

7. Tulane University of Louisiana - Ranked 74th, Tulane is a private research university in New Orleans known for its strong programs in public health, law, and business.

These institutions contribute to a rich academic environment in the region, offering a variety of programs and opportunities for students.

The data from Sam Houston State University (SHSU) spanning 2013 to 2023 reveals significant trends and fluctuations in campus-related offenses and disciplinary actions. The crime rate per 1,000 students has varied noticeably over the years, with the lowest recorded rate at 3.19 in 2014 and the highest at 9.18 in 2023. This upward trend, particularly in recent years, is concerning and warrants further analysis and proactive measures by university authorities.

The detailed breakdown of offenses includes serious crimes such as rape, assault, and robbery, as well as notable instances of drug and alcohol violations. For example, the subdata for 2022 shows an increase in gun-related arrests and drug violations, highlighting potential areas of concern. The rise in such activities could be indicative of broader societal issues or specific campus-related problems that need addressing.

It's important to note that while some years, such as 2014, showed a significant dip in the crime rate, the general trend over the decade suggests a gradual increase. This could be influenced by various factors, including changes in reporting practices, student population dynamics, or even external societal pressures.

Comparing SHSU's data with national trends can provide additional context. For instance, many universities have reported increased mental health issues and substance abuse post-2020, likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated stressors.

In conclusion, while SHSU shows commendable periods of lower crime rates, the recent spike is alarming. University administration should consider implementing more robust safety measures, enhancing mental health support, and fostering a community environment that discourages criminal behavior. Further investigation into the underlying causes of these trends is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Understanding these patterns and acting on them is crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive educational environment.

For details on how the crime rate per 1,000 students is calculated, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.