Jackson State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Jackson State University in Jackson, 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 Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jackson State University 14:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Jackson State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson 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 Jackson State University ($9,814 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 27% lower than at Jackson State University ($10,464 vs. $14,341).
• Jackson State University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $60 more per year; $8,965.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.7% higher at Lamar University than at Jackson State University (about $6,780 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Jackson State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 46.2% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($12,263 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 90 points higher than at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Jackson State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson 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).

• Jackson State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($227 vs. $299).
• More Lamar University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 36%)

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.