Hi guys, I am a high school junior caught in a bit of a pickle. I'm torn between University of Houston and Sam Houston State University. Any insights on both universities that could help me in making my decision? Anything would be super!
Certainly! To help you make your decision, we'll look at a number of different factors that are usually considered important when choosing a college.
1. Location: University of Houston (UH) is located in a major city, giving students access to urban amenities and opportunities for internships and jobs. Sam Houston State University (SHSU), on the other hand, is located in Huntsville, which has a small-town feel. If you have a preference for city or small-town life, this could be a major deciding factor.
2. Academics: UH is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and hotel and restaurant management. SHSU has strong programs in criminal justice, education and business. If you know what you want to major in, look at the strengths in your particular fields of interest at both schools.
3. Cost: According to the College Board, the tuition for in-state students at UH is around $10,000 while the tuition at SHSU is slightly lower at approximately $9,000. The cost of living in Houston may also be higher than in Huntsville.
4. Campus culture: UH is a diverse urban campus with a large commuter population, though campus life has been growing in recent years. SHSU, on the other hand, is a close-knit community with a robust on-campus life, including a variety of sports and student organizations.
5. Athletics: If you're interested in sports, UH competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the American Athletic Conference, and SHSU competes in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference.
6. Size: Finally, UH has around 50,000 students, while SHSU has about 24,000 students. The larger size of UH may mean access to more resources, clubs, and courses, but it may also mean larger class sizes.
To get a real feel for each school, consider visiting both campuses if that's a possibility for you. It's also useful to chat with current students or recent alumni to get a first-hand perspective.
Good luck with your decision!
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