Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,991
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,076
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $139/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $67,288 | $13,769 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,964 | $10,650 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $54,661 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,439 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $44,384 | |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | $12,494 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $23,649 |
Outcomes Overview
Lamar Institute graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $13,076 and earn $44,124 in their first year after graduation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 30% falls well below the concerning 40% threshold that financial experts consider risky. Monthly loan payments of $139 represent just 3.8% of typical graduate income. The 95.3% employment rate reflects strong demand for skilled technicians in Southeast Texas's petrochemical corridor. Graduates typically work as process operators, welders, and electrical technicians at refineries like ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips. Five-year earnings jump to $59,404 as workers gain experience in these well-paying industrial trades. This represents a strong return on investment for career-focused students.