Sam Houston State University vs Saint Edward's University: which has better ROI?
Saint Edward's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,312 in 9.8 years versus 11.2 years at Sam Houston State University, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $54,211 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Sam Houston State University | Saint Edward's University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,404 | $25,578 |
| Total net cost | $65,616 | $102,312 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,211 | $58,826 |
| Median debt | $21,983 | $24,803 |
| Payback | 11.2 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,404 | $107,008 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Sam Houston State University or Saint Edward's University?
Sam Houston State University, at $16,404 a year after aid versus $25,578 — a gap of $9,174 a year, or $36,696 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Sam Houston State University or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?
Saint Edward's University graduates report a median $58,826 ten years after entry, $4,615 more than the $54,211 at Sam Houston State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Sam Houston State University or Saint Edward's University?
Sam Houston State University: its completers carry a median $21,983 in federal loans versus $24,803 at Saint Edward's University, a difference of $2,820. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Saint Edward's University, against 55% at Sam Houston State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.