Lamar University vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than Tarleton based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 17,433 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lamar University vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton ($9,814 vs. $16,159).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 4.2% lower than at Tarleton State University ($10,464 vs. $10,920).
• Lamar University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $603 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Lamar University than at Tarleton State University (about $603 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University as at Tarleton State University (91% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 54.7% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($12,263 vs. $7,929).

Lamar University vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar University or Tarleton? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tarleton and Lamar University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Tarleton State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at Tarleton (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Lamar University 930/1140; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Lamar University 18/25; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Lamar University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

Lamar University vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and Tarleton? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Tarleton State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates of Lamar University and Tarleton have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $45,500), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($19,750 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($204 vs. $227).
• More Tarleton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.