Sam Houston State University has been ranked No. 231 in the nation and ninth in Texas in the 2026 Best U.S. Colleges rankings by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse.
SHSU placed ahead of all other Texas State University System institutions in the annual ranking, which evaluates colleges based on student outcomes and learning environment.
The WSJ/College Pulse rankings emphasize student and alumni experiences, weighing factors such as graduation rates, salary impact and career preparation. Additional measures include engagement, learning opportunities and overall student satisfaction, drawn from surveys of current students and recent graduates.
The recognition reflects SHSU’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and student success. With more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, SHSU prepares students for meaningful careers through rigorous academics, hands-on learning and dedicated faculty support.
