ECU vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Central University in Ada, OK with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than ECU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 3,377 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Central University is located in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Central University 18:1; Lamar University 20:1.

ECU vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU 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 East Central University than Lamar University ($8,565 vs. $9,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 18.6% lower than at Lamar University ($8,516 vs. $10,464).
• Lamar University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $873 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,032.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at Lamar University than at East Central University (about $903 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $17,842.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at East Central University as at Lamar University (91% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 32.5% larger than aid received by East Central University students ($12,263 vs. $9,255).

ECU vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU 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 ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 30 points higher than at ECU (1010).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at ECU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Central University 900/1120; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Central University 17/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at ECU (3.31).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than ECU (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.4% at ECU vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

ECU vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU 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).

• East Central University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $5,122 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($16,878 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($174 vs. $227).
• More ECU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.