Lamar University vs. South Texas College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with South Texas College in McAllen, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Texas College is larger than Lamar University based on total student enrollment (27,431 students vs. 17,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); South Texas College is in McAllen, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Texas College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; South Texas College 22:1.

Lamar University vs. South Texas College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or South Texas College? 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 South Texas College than Lamar University ($1,844 vs. $9,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Texas College are 17.5% lower than at Lamar University ($8,638 vs. $10,464).
• Lamar University is 70.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Texas College (about $3,685 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $5,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146% higher at Lamar University than at South Texas College (about $11,125 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $7,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at South Texas College (91% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 62.5% larger than aid received by South Texas College students ($12,263 vs. $7,547).

Lamar University vs. South Texas College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar University or South Texas College? 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 South Texas College and Lamar University.

• South Texas College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; South Texas College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Texas College Jun 18, 2027.

Lamar University vs. South Texas College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and South Texas College? 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).

• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than South Texas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $34,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.

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.