READY TO
START?
ALREADY
APPLIED?
Applying is easy! Start by creating your account. Once your account is set up, log in to the student portal and navigate to the "Apply to SamPoly" section at the top of the page to complete your application.
After you apply, don't forget to send us your official high school or college transcripts. If you have questions or need help, our team is here to support you every step of the way!
Open admissions means we believe everyone deserves a chance to succeed in college. At SHSU Polytechnic, you don't need a specific GPA or test score to be admitted into our certificate or associate degree programs. Instead, we focus on helping you build the skills and knowledge you need for a great career—starting from where you are.
As soon as you're ready! You can apply whenever you're ready—we offer multiple start dates throughout the year to fit your schedule. If you're not sure when to start, reach out—we're happy to help you plan your path.
Nope—there's no application fee for SHSU Polytechnic College!
Contact your school or institution to have your official transcripts (latest/final high school transcript and any postsecondary transcripts) sent electronically using code 003606 or by email to admissions@shsu.edu.
If mailing transcripts, send them to:
Sam Houston State University
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Box
2418
Huntsville, TX 77341-2418
Note: SHSU does note accept faxed transcripts.
Yes! You can be enrolled in SHSU and take classes with SHSU Polytechnic College. However, you'll still need to submit a separate application to SamPoly for admission into one of our programs - the SamPoly application is free to submit!
Tuition for SHSU Polytechnic College programs is $245 per credit hour. Most courses are 3 credit hours, which means each class costs about $735—making it an affordable way to earn industry-ready credentials.
Yes—financial aid is available for most all SHSU Polytechnic College programs. Currently, the only SamPoly program ineligible for financial aid is the Level I Certificate in Practical AI and Intelligent Automation.
The process is quick and easy! First, submit your application and send in your official transcripts. Once we receive everything, we typically make an admissions decision within a couple of business days. If you're accepted, you'll be able to schedule advising, register for classes, and get ready to start your journey with SHSU Polytechnic College.
To check your application status, log back into the student portal. On the Home tab, look for the section labeled "Applications I Own." There, you'll see your application listed along with its current status under "Application Status."
Once you've been accepted to SHSU Polytechnic College, start by reviewing the [SamPoly New Student Checklist]. It will guide you through the important next steps—like activating your SHSU email, scheduling an advising appointment, and enrolling in classes—so you're fully prepared before the semester begins.
Yes, SHSU Polytechnic College accepts transfer credits, and we make it easy to bring in coursework you've already completed. We'll evaluate your transcripts to determine how many credits can apply toward your program.
You may also be able to earn credit for past work experience or military service through our experiential learning process. If your experience aligns with the learning outcomes of a course, you can request credit—this could include job training, certifications, or military roles. We review each request individually to give you credit where it's due.
If you're not sure what qualifies, just reach out. We're happy to help you explore all your options to get the credit you've earned.
Stackable programs let you build your education step by step. You can start with a short-term credential—like a Level I Certificate—then add on a Level II Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree when you're ready. The best part? You can earn a credential, get a job, and come back later to continue your education, or keep working while stacking the next credential or earn your bachelor's degree. This flexible approach helps you grow your skills and career on your own timeline, without starting over.
It depends. If the program is 100% online, unfortunately there is a limit to the number of online courses/hours international students can take towards a degree. So, the fully online programs would not be available as a sole option for attendance at SHSU.
Yes. The Polytechnic programs are accepted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Once a veteran-eligible student enrolls in the SamPoly program, they can begin the military benefits certification process immediately.
Yes. We have provided a list of scenarios that would help guiding you in this decision:
SamPoly student is enrolled in (mostly) online coursework
SamPoly student is enrolled in (mostly) online coursework
SamPoly student is enrolled in (mostly) face-to-face coursework