Lamar University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Lamar University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or Nelson 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 Nelson University ($9,814 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 8.3% lower than at Lamar University ($9,598 vs. $10,464).
• Nelson University is 181.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $16,159 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.7% higher at Nelson University than at Lamar University (about $6,319 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Lamar University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 1.6% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($12,263 vs. $12,075).

Lamar University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Nelson University 890/1090.
• 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; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Lamar University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and Nelson 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($227 vs. $271).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.