Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($9,814 vs. $13,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 24.4% lower than at Lamar University ($7,911 vs. $10,464).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $1,055 more per year; $9,960.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.5% higher at Lamar University than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $3,055 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $15,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at Lamar University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 6.2% larger than aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students ($12,263 vs. $11,552).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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).

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $4,980 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($17,020 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($175 vs. $227).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.