Alcorn State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than Alcorn State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 2,995 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Alcorn State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alcorn State University 16:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Alcorn State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State 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 Alcorn State University ($9,814 vs. $12,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 14.3% lower than at Alcorn State University ($10,464 vs. $12,204).
• Lamar University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $120 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.4% higher at Lamar University than at Alcorn State University (about $9,960 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alcorn State University than at Lamar University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($12,263 vs. $11,375).

Alcorn State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State 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 Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 210 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Alcorn State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Alcorn State University (3.2).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Alcorn State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State 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).

• Alcorn State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Alcorn State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alcorn State University graduates ($227 vs. $292).
• More Lamar University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alcorn State University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 34%)

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.