NSU vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern State University 19:1; Lamar University 20:1.

NSU vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 NSU ($9,814 vs. $15,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 1.3% lower than at Northern State University ($10,464 vs. $10,600).
• Lamar University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $60 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.9% higher at Lamar University than at Northern State University (about $6,798 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Lamar University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 90.4% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($12,263 vs. $6,441).

NSU vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming NSU 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: Northern State University 980/1160; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern State University 18/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.2% at NSU vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

NSU vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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).

• Northern State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $2,399 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($227 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.