Lamar University vs. McMurry University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with McMurry University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than McMurry University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 3,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); McMurry University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; McMurry University 16:1.

Lamar University vs. McMurry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or McMurry 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 McMurry University ($9,814 vs. $20,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 6% lower than at Lamar University ($9,836 vs. $10,464).
• McMurry University is 263.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $23,435 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.5% higher at McMurry University than at Lamar University (about $13,595 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at Lamar University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 88.2% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($23,083 vs. $12,263).

Lamar University vs. McMurry University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McMurry University (1060) is 20 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at McMurry University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; McMurry University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; McMurry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 12% at McMurry University.

Lamar University vs. McMurry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and McMurry 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).

• McMurry University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than McMurry University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $4,824 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($227 vs. $277).
• More McMurry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.