Admission Standards for Career & Technical Students

Sam Houston State University accepts applications for undergraduate admission from students of accredited secondary schools and students transferring from accredited colleges without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.

SamPoly First Time Freshman 

A beginning freshman student must submit all of the following documentation:

  • Completed SHSU SamPoly Admission Application.
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA and degree plan. Upon graduation from high school, applicant must provide a final official high school transcript with final GPA, date of graduation, and graduation plan.

Automatic Admission is granted when eligible prospective freshmen submit required official high school transcripts to SHSU Admissions.

Various school districts may enter into a Distinguished High School Partnership (DHSP) with SHSU. Students attending a high school associated with a DHSP will be admitted under the standards agreed to within the memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The requirements summarized in the above table are for Texas high school students on the Recommended (UAS), Distinguished (UAS), Foundations with Endorsement(s) (HB5)*, or Distinguished Achievement (HB5) plans. Applicants from private schools or home schools must have an equivalent diploma type, and home school transcripts must be notarized. Graduates of a non-accredited high school and students who earned the GED must meet the requirements listed in the SHSU Undergraduate Catalog.

SHSU accepts college credit earned as dual credit from other institutions of higher education. A beginning freshman student who has attempted college/university coursework while enrolled in high school or prior to entering Sam Houston State University (Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment) must provide official college transcript(s) indicating the completion of all transferable academic hours (excluding developmental, remedial, continuing education, or lifelong learning courses). While the overall cumulative transfer grade point average (for Dual Credit courses) will not be used for admittance, the GPA will factor into the overall GPA. It should be noted that transferable courses may not be relevant to every degree plan. Regular advising at the community college/university and review of SHSU four-year degree plans in this catalog is highly recommended.

Upon admission, SamPoly orientation is available and recommended for new students. Once enrolled, students should coordinate with their program director to schedule an orientation. 

Graduates of a Non-Accredited High School, Home Schooled Students, and Students Who Earned the GED

Graduates of a non-accredited high school, home-schooled students, and students who earned the GED must submit the following documentation:

  • Completed SHSU SamPoly Admission Application.
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA or official GED certificate with GED scores. If the student is home schooled, a notarized copy of the transcript must be provided. Upon graduation, applicants must provide a final official transcript showing final GPA and date of graduation.

Sam Houston State University will admit a student who has obtained a GED based on the following criteria:

  • Present an official copy of the GED certificate with GED scores in lieu of a transcript.

Home schooled students and students who graduated from a non-accredited high school must meet the same admissions requirements as referenced in the SamPoly First Time Freshmen section above. 

Upon admission, SamPoly orientation is available and recommended for new students. Once enrolled, students should coordinate with their program director to schedule an orientation. 

Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as a student who has previously enrolled at another college and/or university accredited by an agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board after high school graduation and prior to applying for admission to SHSU. Transferable WECM coursework is defined as those attempted hours of coursework which are applicable to an associate or baccalaureate degree program.

Transfer Students from U.S. Colleges or Universities

Undergraduate students who transfer to Sam Houston State University from a college or university of recognized standing must provide all of the following documentation:

  • Completed SHSU Admission Application with non-refundable application fee.  
  • Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended.

Transfer Student Requirements:

Transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts from every college or university previously attended.

Returning SHSU SamPoly Students

All former SHSU SamPoly students who did not attend the SamPoly program within the last year must submit all of the following:

  • SHSU Admission Application for undergraduate admission (readmit).
  • Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended since last attending SHSU.

Early College Credit Students

High school students have the opportunity to earn college credit from SHSU prior to high school graduation.  Through dual credit, students will take SHSU college course(s) and earn both high school credit and college credit.  A memorandum of understanding (MOU) must exist between the high school and SHSU for students to be eligible for Dual Credit admissions.  Students admitted under this option are considered non-degree seeking and are not eligible for financial aid.  They are also not subject to TSI requirements while in this status.  Upon graduation from high school, the student must submit a new undergraduate application to continue taking classes as a degree seeking student at Sam Houston State University.  Once officially admitted as a degree-seeking student, a valid TSI status will be required in accordance with state guidelines.

SHSU also accepts college credit earned as dual credit from other institutions of higher education. 

Dual Credit

To participate as a dual credit student with SHSU, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) must exist between the high school and SHSU. Students must complete the SHSU Admission Application, pay the non-refundable application fee, and provide official documentation for the criteria listed below:

  • Submit the completed Early College Credit Admission form which includes:
  • Written permission of the parent or guardian
  • Recommendation of the high school principal or counselor

International Students

Note: The majority of SamPoly degree and certification programs are offered entirely online. International students under an F1 visa type are not eligible to enroll in online programs per visa restrictions.

All undergraduate international students must submit the SamPoly program application available on the SamPoly website. All undergraduate international students must declare a major (other than Integrated Studies) on the application for admission.
Sam Houston State University has five categories of undergraduate international students:

International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school outside the U.S. in a country whose primary mode of instruction is not English must provide the following:

Admission Requirements/Documentation

  • Completed SamPoly application.
  • If English is not the applicant's first language and the high school is not on the list of official English language nations, an official TOEFL score of at least 69 (iBT or iBT Special Home Edition), IELTS score of at least 6.0, Duolingo EPT score of at least 100, ACT verbal score of at least 27, SAT verbal score of at least 600, IB curriculum English SL score of at least 4, English-O Level grade of at least C in the Cambridge Curriculum, CXC, CCSLC, CSEC, or CAPE English exam score of at least IV, official transcript showing a minimum grade of C in English Composition I from a regionally-accredited university, or successful completion of an intensive English program recognized by SHSU or TIEC.  Test score waivers are considered for those who completed high school where English was the language of instruction.  The language of instruction is determined by reviewing a submitted high school transcript for official confirmation of the language of instruction.  Upon receipt of this transcript, the Office of Admissions will determine waiver eligibility.
  • Official high school transcript for evaluation by a certified SHSU official OR official evaluation of high school transcript from a NACES accredited evaluation company.
  • Certified English translations for documents submitted in a language other than English.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount of deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit the Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit the Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
  • To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Global Engagement Center immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail Global Engagement Center.
  • All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.

All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Global Engagement Center at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.

International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school in the U.S. must provide the following:

Admission Requirements/Documentation

International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school in the U.S. must meet the same admissions requirements as referenced in the SamPoly First Time Freshmen section above.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit the Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit the Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • International Student Adviser’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an adviser at the U.S. high school.
  • Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
  • To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Global Engagement Center immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
  • All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.

All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Global Engagement Center at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.

International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university outside the U.S. in a country whose primary mode of instruction is not English must provide the following:

Admission Requirements/Documentation

  • Completed SamPoly application.
  • If English is not the applicant's first language, an official TOEFL score of at least 69 (iBT or iBT Special Home Edition), IELTS of at least 6.0, Duolingo EPT score of at least 100, ACT verbal score of at least 27, SAT verbal score of at least 600, IB curriculum English SL score of at least 4, English O-Level grade of at least C in the Cambridge Curriculum, CXC, CCSLC, CSEC, or CAPE English exam score of at least IV, official transcript showing a minimum grade of C in English Composition I from a regionally-accredited university, or successful completion of an intensive English program recognized by SHSU or TIEC.  Test score waivers are considered for those who completed an undergraduate program or at least 30 hours of college/university coursework where English was the language of instruction.  The language of instruction is determined by reviewing submitted transcripts for official confirmation of the language of instruction.  Upon receipt of these transcripts, the Office of Admissions will determine waiver eligibility.
  • Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended for evaluation by a certified SHSU official OR official evaluation of all college and university transcripts from a NACES accredited evaluation company.
  • Certified English translations for documents submitted in a language other than English.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit the Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit the International Students website for further details.
  • Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
  • To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Global Engagement Center immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
  • All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.

All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Global Engagement Center at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.

International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained less than 30 transferable hours must provide the following:

Admission Requirements/Documentation

  • Completed SamPoly application.
  • If English is not the applicant's first language, an official TOEFL score of at least 69 (iBT or iBT Special Home Edition), IELTS of at least 6.0, Duolingo EPT score of at least 100, ACT verbal score of at least 27, SAT verbal score of at least 600, IB curriculum English SL score of at least 4, English-O Level grade of at least C in the Cambridge Curriculum, CXC, CCSLC, CSEC, or CAPE English exam score of at least IV, official transcript showing a minimum grade of C in English Composition I from a regionally-accredited university, or successful completion of an intensive program recognized by SHSU or TIEC.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • Students who are currently suspended, dismissed or expelled from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit the Global Engagement Center or further details.
  • International Student Adviser’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an adviser at the U.S. high school.
  • Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
  • To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Global Engagement Center immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail oip@shsu.edu.
  • All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.

All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Global Engagement Center at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.

International students who are transfer students that attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained at least 30 transferable hours must provide the following:

Admission Requirements/Documentation

  • Completed SamPoly application.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
  • Students who are currently suspended, dismissed or expelled from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Current proof of financial support. The student’s or sponsor’s bank statement(s) on bank letterhead indicating an amount on deposit equal to the estimated expense for one year at the University. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Confirmation of dependents. If dependents will accompany the student to the U.S., provide each dependent’s full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the student. For each dependent the dollar amount of financial support must be increased by the following amounts: $2,000 for a spouse, $2,000 for the first child, and $1,000 for each additional child. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • Home country address. Regardless of current residency, students must provide a home country address for the processing of the I-20 A/B. Visit Global Engagement Center for further details.
  • International Student Adviser’s Report. This form is to be completed and signed by the student and an adviser at the U.S. high school.
  • Copies of immigration documents (i.e., passport photo page, visa, and I-94).
  • To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Global Engagement Center immediately upon arrival on campus. Telephone (936) 294-4737 or e-mail Global Engagement Center.
  • All international students are required to purchase the University’s Group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center. Telephone (936) 294-1805.

All International Students are required to complete International Student Orientation, in lieu of New Student Orientation. Contact the Global Engagement Center at (936) 294-4607 for information concerning this specialized orientation session.