Sam Houston is quite a good college for the amount of money spent. The education level is above average for the most part, but the college does employ a large number of poor professors. The Business and Criminal Justice schools are especially good. The campus is beautiful and Huntsville is not the worst place int he world to live. Parking is a huge issue that the university needs to address.
I recommend to any prospective student to choose professors based on previous student's opinions, to live close to campus, never buy from the campus bookstore and invest in a parking garage space.
If you are planning a career in Criminal Justice or Education, this is an excellent college with moderate tuition. I would not choose this college if I were starting over simply because it did not carry my preferred major. The college is situated near downtown Huntsville, TX and is fairly compact, easy to navigate and within walking distance of a variety of housing options. The teachers and administrators were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my classes for the most part and would recommend the college to anyone with limited funds. The only problem I had was a lack of adequate parking. It might be difficult for handicapped or disabled students to get around as some of the hills are rather steep.
I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Radio/Television/Film from Sam Houston. I enjoyed the fact that SHSU was a smaller institution than some of the larger state colleges in Texas. As a result, there are smaller class sizes, and in my opinion, more faculty involvement with your academic career. In the Radio/Television department, a very hands-on style prevails. Undergraduates produce programming for the campus television and radio stations, and many classes and labs involve actual productions. I enjoyed my years at Sam Houston, and would go again if I had to live my life over again!
The school was small enough that students can receive individual attention especially within their major. The small size also allows for everyone to have the oppotunity to participate.
On the negative side, most of the students come from nearby Houston or other near places. On the weekends most of the campus would be empty. I came from a distant location and was able to find a great group of friends who also stayed in Huntsville on weekends, and we found things to do on our own.
Great music department and theater departments - Great caring personal professors, and many opportunities to practice your skills. The theater department always had a party planned for something. The great thing was that they rotated designated drivers. You could have fun and know that someone was there to drive you and your car back to your place. No drunks fought to drive. It was understood from the very beginning, you drink a beer and Stacie will drive you home. If you don't find this to be the case in other departments, check it out and use the theater department as a guide!
