At $8,167/yr net price, Lamar Institute of Technology graduates earn $38,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,167 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,076 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,271/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,874/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,960/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,389/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
27.3% of students at Lamar Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lamar Institute of Technology gives you a mixed financial return that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns about $39,000 ten years out against $13,000 in debt, so the overall payoff is modest. But that median hides a wide gap between the trades that work here and everything else.
The strongest bet is the Physical Science Technologies associate degree, which pays around $67,000 against debt near $14,000. That's the clearest win on this campus, tied to the refineries and chemical plants along the Beaumont-Port Arthur corridor. Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance follows at roughly $56,000 with lower debt, feeding the same industrial base. The Criminal Justice certificate pays well for a short credential, and Precision Metal Working clears $44,000. These are hands-on, plant-floor jobs, and the local energy industry is what makes them pay.
The biggest risk here is the 27% graduation rate. If you borrow and don't finish, you carry the debt with none of the earnings, and nearly three in four students don't complete on time. Your return depends on picking one of the industrial or technical programs above and actually finishing it. Softer fields without the refinery pipeline won't clear the same numbers.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay under $8,000 a year, while families over $110,000 pay about $13,400. The gap between tiers is small, so if your income is high, expect close to full sticker.
This school fits you if you want a fast, affordable path into instrumentation, maintenance, or process technology work in the Gulf Coast energy sector. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or a program without a direct line to local industrial employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamar Institute of Technology worth the cost?
Lamar Institute of Technology offers decent value with a low net price of $8,167 annually and manageable debt of $13,076. However, the 27% graduation rate is concerning, and typical earnings of $39,000 after 10 years are modest for many career goals.
What are the best paying programs at Lamar Institute of Technology?
Physical Science Technologies leads at $67,288 annually, followed by Electromechanical Instrumentation at $55,964. These technical programs offer strong returns on the relatively low cost of attendance.
How much debt do Lamar Institute of Technology graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $13,076 in debt, which is manageable given the school's affordable tuition. The low cost helps keep debt levels reasonable compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Lamar Institute of Technology?
Only 27% of students graduate from Lamar Institute of Technology. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials and may still owe money for their incomplete education.