Lamar University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 1,440 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Southwestern University is in Georgetown, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Southwestern University 11:1.

Lamar University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or SU? 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 SU ($9,814 vs. $32,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 30.6% lower than at Southwestern University ($10,464 vs. $15,072).
• Southwestern University is 504.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $44,908 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187.1% higher at SU than at Lamar University (about $35,068 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern University than at Lamar University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern University students is 186.7% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($35,162 vs. $12,263).

Lamar University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southwestern University (1220) is 180 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming SU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Lamar University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Southwestern University 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Southwestern University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; SU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than SU (43.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 13.8% at SU.

Lamar University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Southwestern University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southwestern University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $4,893 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,893).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($227 vs. $278).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.