Lamar University
Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, TX ranked #1357 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 7,945 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 85.7%. Students most often pursue Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 61.0% first-year retention, and 37.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $11,429, about $5,569 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 3.0%, roughly 82.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,077. That's about $3,389 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lamar University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lamar University graduates 37.2% of students within six years and keeps 61.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lamar University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,690 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,272 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,090 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,626 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.8% of Lamar University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,565 to $18,473 depending on family income. Use Lamar University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,562/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,473/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,077
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,077
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 44.0%
- Employment Rate 89.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lamar University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lamar University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lamar University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lamar University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lamar University graduates earn $47,077 median, the 3.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 470-580
- SAT Math 440-550
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,945
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 61.0%
- Graduation Rate 37.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Lamar University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lamar University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 85.7%, Lamar University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 85.7% acceptance rate, Lamar University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 910 and 1130 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lamar University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.4%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 10.7%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 8.3%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.7%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.7%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.0%
- Psychology, General 2.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Chemical Engineering $110,515
- 2. Mechanical Engineering $104,395
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $97,857
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $94,100
- 5. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $79,275
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $74,494
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,329
- 8. Industrial Engineering $62,053
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $61,635
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,550
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $94,034
- 2. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,034
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $83,308
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $70,412
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $68,779
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $67,253
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $65,304
- 8. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $65,283
- 9. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $64,586
- 10. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $64,200
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Chemical Engineering grads earn $110,515—89% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($58,550). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $94,034 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lamar University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 64 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (30 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- Chemical Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Music
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- American Sign Language
- Design and Applied Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Apparel and Textiles
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Master's Degrees (11 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Chemistry
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- History
- Biology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Chemical Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Construction Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,945
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 40.3%
- Female Students 59.7%
- Caucasian 38.7%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 23.9%
- Black 28.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lamar University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lamar University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lamar University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lamar University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Lamar University has a diverse student body, with 38.7% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lamar University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lamar University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lamar University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1357 nationally with a 3.0% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $11,429 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $47,077 median earnings. The 37.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 61.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Lamar University's Strengths
Ranked #1357 with a B- grade, Lamar University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Lamar University excel at providing affordable education ($11,429 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Lamar University's 61.0% retention and 37.2% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($47,077 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Lamar University's 3.0% ROI and $11,429 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 37.2% six-year graduation rate sits 25.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.0% first-year retention is 15.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 3.0% return on investment is 82.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,077 run about 8% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,429 is roughly $8,480 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.3% employment rate within three years sits 21.1 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lamar University, a public university in Beaumont, TX, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1357 nationally Category results include Completion (C), Support (C), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (A-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 61.0% retention and 37.2% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is 3.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $11,429 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,626.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,197 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $47,077 six years after entry. This is roughly 8% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 89.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 3.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
85.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lamar University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Beaumont, TX 77705
- Website www.lamar.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$147.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.5%