Colorado Mesa vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Colorado Mesa based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 9,785 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado Mesa University is located in Grand Junction, CO (Small City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Colorado Mesa University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado Mesa University 18:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Colorado Mesa vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa ($9,814 vs. $15,590).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 14.3% lower than at Colorado Mesa University ($10,464 vs. $12,209).
• Colorado Mesa University is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $1,022 more per year; $9,927.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34% higher at Colorado Mesa than at Lamar University (about $6,379 more per year; $25,124.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Colorado Mesa University (91% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 48% larger than aid received by Colorado Mesa University students ($12,263 vs. $8,285).

Colorado Mesa vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado Mesa University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Colorado Mesa students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 930/1160; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 18/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado Mesa - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Colorado Mesa (3.28).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Colorado Mesa (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.1% at Colorado Mesa vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Colorado Mesa vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado Mesa 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).

• Lamar University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Colorado Mesa University's (25%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Colorado Mesa graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado Mesa University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($21,750 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Colorado Mesa graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($224 vs. $227).
• More Colorado Mesa graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.