Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, CO with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is larger than Lamar University based on total student enrollment (18,453 students vs. 17,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University of Denver 14:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Lamar 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver ($9,814 vs. $14,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 37.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University of Denver ($10,464 vs. $16,785).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $2,219 more per year; $11,124.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.7% higher at Metropolitan State University of Denver than at Lamar University (about $11,939 more per year; $30,684.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (91% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 25% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University of Denver students ($12,263 vs. $9,813).

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State University of Denver or Lamar 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 Lamar University and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Metropolitan State University of Denver (1010).
• Incoming Metropolitan State University of Denver students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 880/1130; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Metropolitan State University of Denver 17/26; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Metropolitan State University of Denver - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University of Denver Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (3.03).
• Metropolitan State University of Denver has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.1% at Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Metropolitan State University of Denver vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State University of Denver and Lamar 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).

• Lamar University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Metropolitan State University of Denver's (21%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates ($227 vs. $250).
• More Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.