SHSU Academic Calendar

Sam Houston State University (SHSU), located in Huntsville, Texas, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into three main terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester runs from mid-January to early May. Summer sessions are shorter, often spanning May through August, with multiple mini-terms for flexible scheduling. SHSU’s calendar includes standard breaks such as Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break, aligning with common academic practices in the United States. This structure supports a balance of rigorous coursework and seasonal downtime for students.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated) - Classes begin for the Fall term.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–28, 2025 (estimated) - Campus closure for the holiday.
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated) - Extended holiday break.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume for the Spring term.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated) - Mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments.
• Commencement: May 9, 2026 (estimated) - Graduation ceremonies for Spring graduates.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated) - For Fall 2025 admission; decisions typically released by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for Fall 2025 admission; decisions often notified by late March.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 15, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) - Deadline to confirm enrollment for admitted students.
• International Student Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (estimated) - Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing.

The academic calendar at Sam Houston State University aligns closely with regional and national norms for public universities in Texas, featuring standard semester breaks that coincide with major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This structure offers predictability for students and families, while the availability of Summer sessions provides flexibility for those seeking accelerated learning or catch-up opportunities. For international students, the calendar and admissions deadlines allow sufficient time for visa processing, though early application is encouraged. SHSU’s scheduling also reflects a commitment to balancing academic demands with personal time, ensuring students can engage in both coursework and extracurricular activities effectively.