UP KATS
Huntsville is full of Texas charm this lively, historic city is home to museums, a thriving arts and culture scene, a quaint downtown, lots of restaurants and coffee shops and more.
BIGGER IN TEXAS
From horseback riding to hiking, the recreational opportunities are endless.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Don’t stay cooped up in your room — spend an afternoon at the Blue Lagoon or go for a hike in the Piney Woods. And the Sam Houston National Forest is just a short drive away.
OFF CAMPUS
TOP 10% IN THE STATE FOR AFFORDABILITY
53% OF BEARKATS ARE FIRSTGEN STUDENTS
45%
0F UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GO ON TO EARN THEIR GRADUATE DEGREES AT SHSU
BEST IN TEXAS AS A ‘TOP PERFORMER ON SOCIAL MOBILITY’ U.S. News & world report 2023
9.3% OF STUDENTS ARE MILITARY AFFILIATED
140K BEARKAT ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD 90+ DEGREES AVAILABLE
UNDERGRAD DEGREES
24:1
STUDENT-TOFACULTY RATIO
Accounting, BBA
Agricultural Business, BS
Agricultural Communications, BS
Agricultural Engineering Technology, BS
Animal Science, BS
Animal Science, Pre- Veterinary Medicine, BS
Animation, BFA
Applied Arts and Sciences, BAAS
Art, BA
Banking and Financial Institutions, BBA
Bilingual Health Care Studies, BA
Biology, BA, BS
Biomedical Science, BS
Chemistry for Other Technical Careers, BS
Chemistry for Professional Chemists, BS
Communication Studies, BA, BS *
Computing Science (Computer Science), BS
Computing Science (Information Assurance), BS
Computing Science (Information Systems), BS
Construction Management, BS Criminal Justice, BA, BS *
Cybersecurity, BS
Dance, BFA
Data Science, BS
Economics, BBA
Education, BS
Educational Studies, BA *
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, BS
Engineering Design Technology, BS
Engineering Technology, BS
COLLEGES
Arts & Media (CAM)
Business Administration (COBA)
Criminal Justice (CJ)
Education (COE)
English, BA
Entrepreneurship, BBA
Environmental Science (Pollution Abatement), BS
Environmental Science (Sustainability), BS
Environmental Science (Water Resources), BS
Fashion Merchandising, BS **
Film & TV Production, BFA
Finance, BBA
Food Science and Nutrition, BS
Food Service Management, BA, BS
Forensic Chemistry, BS
French, BA
General Business Administration, BBA *
Health Care Administration, BS *
Health Sciences, BS
History, BA, BS *
Homeland Security Studies, BA, BS **
Human Performance and Wellness Management, BS
Human Resource Management, BBA
Integrated Studies, BS *
Interdisciplinary Agriculture, BS
Interdisciplinary Agriculture: Agricultural Industries, Interior Design, BA, BS
International Business, BBA
Kinesiology (Clinical Exercise Science), BS
Learning Technologies, BA
Management Information Systems, BBA
Management, BBA
Marketing, BBA
Health Sciences (COHS)
Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)
Osteopathic Medicine (COM)
Science & Engineering Technology (COSET)
Mass Communication: Broadcast Production,
Mass Communication: Multiplatform Journalism,
Mass Communication: Public Relation & Advertising, Mass Communications: Film, BA
Mathematics, BA,
BS Mechanical Engineering Technology, BS
Music Therapy, BM
Music, BA,
Musical Theatre with Theatre Emphasis, BFA
Musical Theatre with Dance Emphasis, BFA
Nursing, BSN *
Philosophy, BA
Photography, BFA
Physics, BS
Physics/Engineering Dual Degree, BS
Plant and Soil Sciences, BS
Political Science, BA, BS * Psychology, BS
Public Health, BS
Sociology, BA, BS *
Software Engineering, BS
Spanish, BA *
Studio Art 2D, BFA
Studio Art 3D, BFA
Supply Chain Management, BBA
Theatre- Acting and Direction Emphasis, BFA
Theatre- Design and Technology Emphasis, BFA Theatre -
Theatre Studies Emphasis,
BFA Victim Studies, BA, BS *
* Offeredonlineandinperson
** Offeredonlineonly
You, and your college experience, are more than academics. You can thrive with SHSU’s abundant onand off-campus offerings , from clubs and football games to downtown Huntsville’s cultural gems. Did we mention the food is good, too?
LIVING ON CAMPUS
SHSU offers diverse housing, including residence halls, small houses, and apartments. Honors College and specific majors have themed living communities. All freshmen who graduated high school within the last year must live on campus.
CAMPUS AMENITIES
BEARKAT DINING
SHSU offers great dining with four locations, including Chick fil A and Starbucks. Choose from three meal plans, all with Bearkat Bucks for easy on -campus spending.
THE REC
The Campus Recreation Center (CRC) serves as the central hub for all Campus Recreation activities, featuring 5 multipurpose courts, 3 studios, 3 racquetball courts, a rock wall, bouldering area, multifunctional training room, large weight room, and additional facilities.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
You can take advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding Huntsville by getting outdoors with the SHSU Outdoor Recreation Program. We offer climbing, equipment rentals for camping and more, as well as a thrilling challenge course.
BEARKATS WORK
6 STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
31 FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES 230+ CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
22 CLUB SPORTS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
13 INTRAMURAL SPORTS
MEN’S SPORTS
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, and Track & Field
WOMEN’S SPORTS
Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer,
Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball
17
NCAA D-1 ATHLETIC TEAMS
175K
SQ. FEET OF STATE-OFTHE-ART FITNESS AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES
UP KATS
50+
CAMPUS EVENTS & TRADITIONS
BEARKAT CAMP
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
BEARKAT KICKOFF
BEARKAT ALLEY HOMECOMING
EMBRACE TRADITION
RING CEREMONY TREE OF LIGHT WELCOME WEEK AND MORE!
HOW TO APPLY
1
2 3
4
OPTIONAL
Submit an online application. Pay the application fee in the self - service portal. Submit Transcripts. Submit optional test scores. Visit shsu.edu/apply. Visit shsu.edu/checkstatus This is a non-refundable $50 fee.
Ask your high school to send an official transcript with GPA, date of (expected) graduation and graduation plan to SHSU. Transfer students send official transcripts from all institutions attended. (Code: 003606)
If you choose to send your test scores, contact the appropriate testing agency to request submission to SHSU. (SAT school code 6643; ACT school code 4162)
AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE FOR FRESHMAN
We have automatic acceptance for any student with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, with or without an ACT or SAT score. GPAs are based on a 4.0 scale.
AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE FOR TRANSFERS
Any student with 12-17 transferable credit hours with a 2.5 or higher GPA or 18+ transferable credit hours with a 2.0 or higher GPA SEE ALL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
IMPORTANT DATES
JUL 1
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION OPENS
SCHOLARSHIPS4KATS APPLICATION OPENS SEP 1
NOV 1
SCHOLARSHIPS4KATS
PRIORITY DATE & HOUSING APPLICATION OPENS TO NEW STUDENTS
AUG 15-17
MOVE-IN WEEKEND
AUG 1
FALL 2025 ADMISSIONS APPLICATION DEADLINE
MAR 1MAY 1
ROOMMATE SELECTION AVAILABLE
FEB ORIENTATION REGISTRATION OPENS
STEPS
FIRST STEPS
1. Activate Your Account
→servicedesk@shsu.edu|936.294.1950|
Watch for an IT email to activate your SHSU account through SamWeb . After acceptance, SHSU offices will use this email. Activation is required for portal access and Orientation registration.
4. Apply for Housing
→reslife@shsu.edu|936.294.1812|
First- year students who have recently completed high school (within one year) are required to apply for housing, live on campus, and purchase a university meal plan.
2. Check Your TSI Status
→tsi@shsu.edu|936.294.1040|
Check your TSI status in DegreeWorks (TSI section). If "Testing Required" appears, schedule a TSIA2 exam in person or online with SHSU. TSI must be completed before Orientation and advising.
5. Orientation & Bearkat Kickoff
→orientation@shsu.edu|936.294.1844
→bearkatkickoff@shsu.edu
Register for Freshman Orientation via your SHSU email invitation. At Orientation, meet your advisor and register for classes. After completing Orientation, register for Bearkat Kickoff. It is required for all freshmen and is the week before classes start.
3. Submit Meningitis Documentation
→shc@shsu.edu|936.294.1805|
Submit your Meningitis A documentation online to the KatHealth Portal before selecting housing or registering for Orientation.
Saturday@SAM – March 1, 2025
Financial Aid
SHSU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
What is Financial Aid?
Financial Aid – An investment in your future
Financial aid is money to help pay for your education. It is not designed to cover 100% of the cost.
1. Grants – funds that are given to you and do not need to be paid back.
2. Scholarships – funds that are awarded to you and do not need to be paid back.
3. Work-study – funds earned by having a job. 4. Loans – funds that are lent to you and must be paid back.
Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Applications & Dates
Applications for Financial Assistance
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
→ Federal funds for US Citizens and Permanent Residents
→ Apply at studetaid.gov
TASFA – Texas Application for State Financial Aid
→ State funds for Texas residents not eligible for FAFSA
→ Apply at collegeforalltexans.com Scholarships
→ Various sources (community, employers, etc.)
→ Scholarships4kats – must be an accepted student to apply
Alternative/Private Lenders
→ Online lender comparison: www.elmselect.com
Important Dates
To receive financial aid for the next academic year 20252025 (Incoming students beginning Fall 2025)
Why is there a priority date?
→Better for a student to maximize aid offers.
→Grants and scholarships are limited and given out by application completion date.
→Priority date is NOT a hard deadline. Applications can still be submitted after these dates!
Sept 1 Scholarships4kats Opens
Nov 1 Scholarship4kats priority date
Oct 1
FAFSA/TASFA Opens
Mar 15
FAFSA/TASFA Priority Date
SHSU
Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Scholarships
Scholarships
→Opens Sept. 1 every year – Priority date Nov. 1
→Must be an accepted student to apply – Uses SHSU credentials
→ One general application for all 8 SHSU colleges
→Review Conditional applications/Recommended Opportunities
→Be honest and take your time
→Get to know your department – Communicate with professors
Best Practices
→Apply early – By priority dates every year
→Look for scholarship opportunities at your high school, parents’ employers, church, etc.
→Visit our website for any updates or questions
→Maintain SAP requirements: 2.00 SHSU GPA & 67% Completion Rate.
SHSU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
For Your Information
Cost of Attendance (COA/Budget)
What is it?
→ Estimated cost to attend SHSU.
→ COA includes estimated tuition and fees and basic living expenses for an academic year (Fall/Spring and/or Summer term).
→ Composed of 5 major components: Housing & Dining, Tuition & Fees, Transportation, Miscellaneous, Book & Supplies.
→ This is NOT what a student will pay in most cases (student will receive official statement from Student Account Services before each semester)
→ Used as a budget for financial aid offers.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
How to maintain financial aid eligibility (academically):
→Undergraduate students must maintain a SHSU GPA of 2.00 or above
→All students must maintain a completion rate of 67% or higher.
→Passed hours / Attempted hours = 67%
→This includes any transfer hours
→Undergraduate students must not exceed 180 total attempted hours.
→This includes any transfer hours
→All three requirements must be met to maintain financial aid eligibility!
Student Money Management
Student Money Management
The mission of the Student Money Management Office is to help Bearkats achieve financial independence.
Ranked in the Top 10 College Financial Literacy Programs by College Cliffs.
→ One-on-one coaching with certified personal finance coach
→ Presentations by request
→ Workshops - $250 scholarship raffle after each workshop
→ CashCourse - $500 scholarship raffle every semester
Follow SMM social media for financial aid updates, workshop dates, and more!
Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
Visit our table at Frank Parker Plaza until 2pm today!
POLYTECHNIC
Parker Plaza – 12:00 – 2:00pm
Industry - aligned Programs
Applied Education
Certificates
Applied Associate Degrees
4:30pm vs Louisiana Tech
Don’t forget:
Shuttle to Residence Halls
Pickup near Lowman Student Center
Golf Carts for ADA accommodations
Find our staff outside the Coliseum at dismissal, or at the Info Tent and we can call one for you.
Application and FAFSA Lab Library 11-2
Info Tent in Plaza:
Staff, Orientation Questions
Your program is designed to make your day smooth – notes and map pages in the back!
Volunteers, staff – anyone in Sam Houston gear – we’re hear to help you!