Lamar University vs. TSU

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than TSU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 8,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

Lamar University vs. TSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or TSU? 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 TSU ($9,814 vs. $13,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 18.2% lower than at Texas Southern University ($10,464 vs. $12,800).
• Texas Southern University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $268 more per year; $9,173.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at TSU than at Lamar University (about $2,728 more per year; $21,473.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Southern University than at Lamar University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Texas Southern University students ($12,263 vs. $9,823).

Lamar University vs. TSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 140 points higher than at TSU (900).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at TSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Texas Southern University 800/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Texas Southern University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; TSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at TSU (3.0).
• TSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 17.9% at TSU.

Lamar University vs. TSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lamar University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Texas Southern University's (12%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than TSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $7,358 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $29,358).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($227 vs. $303).
• More Lamar University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 22%)

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.