Lamar University vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than SFASU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 10,472 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

Lamar University vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or SFASU? 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 SFASU ($9,814 vs. $14,959).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 20.4% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($10,464 vs. $13,144).
• Stephen F Austin State University is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $2,223 more per year; $11,128.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at SFASU than at Lamar University (about $4,681 more per year; $23,426.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Stephen F Austin State University (91% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($12,263 vs. $10,694).

Lamar University vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephen F Austin State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at SFASU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; SFASU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

Lamar University vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Stephen F Austin State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $900 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than SFASU graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SFASU graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More SFASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.