Lamar University vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 5,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lamar University vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or MSU? 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 MSU ($9,814 vs. $11,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 5.9% lower than at Midwestern State University ($10,464 vs. $11,124).
• Midwestern State University is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $1,675 more per year; $10,580.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.6% higher at Lamar University than at Midwestern State University (about $6,215 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University than at Lamar University (92% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 11.1% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($12,263 vs. $11,037).

Lamar University vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 30 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 12.9% at MSU.

Lamar University vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Midwestern State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $299 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,299).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($227 vs. $230).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.