Lamar University vs. SHSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sam Houston State University is larger than Lamar University based on total student enrollment (21,039 students vs. 17,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Sam Houston State University is in Huntsville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sam Houston State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Sam Houston State University 19:1.

Lamar University vs. SHSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or SHSU? 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 SHSU ($9,814 vs. $14,737).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 10.7% lower than at Sam Houston State University ($10,464 vs. $11,720).
• Sam Houston State University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $323 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at SHSU than at Lamar University (about $323 more per year; $19,068.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Sam Houston State University (91% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by Sam Houston State University students ($12,263 vs. $10,669).

Lamar University vs. SHSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 10 points higher than at SHSU (1030).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at SHSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Sam Houston State University 930/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Sam Houston State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; SHSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SHSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at SHSU (3.25).
• SHSU has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 21.1% at SHSU.

Lamar University vs. SHSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Sam Houston State University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Sam Houston State University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sam Houston State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, SHSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More SHSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.