Lamar University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than CSUMB based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 7,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

Lamar University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB ($9,814 vs. $14,493).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 39.3% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($10,464 vs. $17,234).
• Lamar University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $1,126 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at CSUMB than at Lamar University (about $1,634 more per year; $20,379.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at California State University Monterey Bay (91% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 0.6% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($12,263 vs. $12,185).

Lamar University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar University or CSUMB? 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 CSUMB and Lamar University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Monterey Bay (1060) is 20 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 CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSUMB students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

Lamar University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and CSUMB? 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).

• California State University Monterey Bay's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $200 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($14,000 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($144 vs. $227).
• More CSUMB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.