HBU vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Houston Christian University in Houston, 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 HBU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 4,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houston Christian University is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Houston Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houston Christian University 18:1; Lamar University 20:1.

HBU vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HBU 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 HBU ($9,814 vs. $21,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 19.1% lower than at Houston Christian University ($10,464 vs. $12,928).
• Houston Christian University is 342.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $30,525 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.3% higher at HBU than at Lamar University (about $20,685 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houston Christian University than at Lamar University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Houston Christian University students is 135.4% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($28,870 vs. $12,263).

HBU vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HBU 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 HBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houston Christian University (1090) is 50 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at HBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 990/1190; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 17/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HBU - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman HBU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than HBU (84.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.5% at HBU vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

HBU vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HBU 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).

• Houston Christian University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Houston Christian University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,600 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,166 lower median loan debt than HBU graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HBU graduates ($227 vs. $249).
• More HBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.