University of Houston-Downtown vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than University of Houston-Downtown based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 13,730 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Houston Downtown is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of Houston Downtown is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Houston Downtown 18:1; Lamar University 20:1.

University of Houston-Downtown vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Houston-Downtown 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 University of Houston-Downtown ($9,814 vs. $10,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston Downtown are 2.8% lower than at Lamar University ($10,176 vs. $10,464).
• Lamar University is 15.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Houston-Downtown (about $1,197 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $7,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.8% higher at Lamar University than at University of Houston Downtown (about $1,197 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $17,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at University of Houston Downtown (91% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by University of Houston Downtown students ($12,263 vs. $10,257).

University of Houston-Downtown vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Houston-Downtown 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 University of Houston-Downtown.

• University of Houston Downtown reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 10 points higher than at University of Houston-Downtown (1030).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at University of Houston-Downtown).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Downtown 940/1110; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Downtown 16/22; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Houston-Downtown - Open admission; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Houston-Downtown Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at University of Houston-Downtown (3.29).
• University of Houston-Downtown has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at University of Houston-Downtown vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

University of Houston-Downtown vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Houston-Downtown 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 University of Houston Downtown's (15%).
• Graduates from University of Houston Downtown earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Downtown graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Houston-Downtown graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($193 vs. $227).
• More Lamar University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Houston-Downtown students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 41%)

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.