Abilene Christian University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Abilene Christian University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Abilene Christian University 13:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Abilene Christian University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Abilene Christian University or Lamar University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lamar University than Abilene Christian University ($9,814 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 28% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($10,464 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 396.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $35,295 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.8% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Lamar University (about $25,455 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Lamar University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 149.1% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($30,542 vs. $12,263).

Abilene Christian University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Abilene Christian University or Lamar University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lamar University and Abilene Christian University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 130 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Abilene Christian University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Lamar University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 1070/1270; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Abilene Christian University 22/28; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Abilene Christian University - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Abilene Christian University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Abilene Christian University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Abilene Christian University and Lamar University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Abilene Christian University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Abilene Christian University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $3,325 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($227 vs. $261).
• More Abilene Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 42%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.