About Lamar State College-Port Arthur
The financial picture looks promising for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,572 per year after aid, while in-state tuition starts at only $1,770. Graduates typically carry $13,250 in debt but earn a median of $37,120 ten years after enrollment. Monthly loan payments average $140, making this an affordable path to stable employment in industrial trades.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and business programs alongside traditional technical fields. The college fields just 2 varsity sports with 31 total athletes, keeping the focus squarely on academics and job training. Nearly all students come from Texas, with the diverse student population split between Hispanic (37%), Black (29%), and white (28%) students. The 30% graduation rate reflects the college's role as a stepping stone for students balancing work and family responsibilities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,120
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,554 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Most students commute to this community college, as there's no traditional residential campus life. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Weekends often involve part-time jobs or family time rather than campus events, reflecting the college's role as a practical stepping stone for working adults and recent high school graduates. The Seahawks field just two NJCAA sports teams with 31 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic achievements and workforce training successes than athletic rivalries. Students here are focused on getting skills quickly and affordably before entering the job market or transferring to four-year universities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–63°F
- July Avg
- 74°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 62.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 32.5%
- Women
- 67.5%
- White
- 27.6%
- Black
- 29.2%
- Hispanic
- 36.7%
- Asian
- 3.2%
- In-State Students
- 99.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.7%
Location
- Address
- Port Arthur, Texas 77640
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,120
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,364
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $140/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
The college maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who want to pursue workforce development and technical training. With 1,455 students enrolled, nearly all students (99.36%) come from Texas, making it a local educational center for the Port Arthur area.
How much does Lamar State College-Port Arthur cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,887 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,572 on average, while in-state tuition starts at only $1,770 before aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
The college has a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges focused on practical training programs. Classes emphasize hands-on learning in technical fields that prepare students for immediate workforce entry.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
Graduates earn a median salary of $37,120 ten years after starting, with an employment rate of 84.6%. The college's focus on technical training and workforce development helps students enter industries common in the Gulf Coast region.
What is the campus diversity like at Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
The student body is 67.49% women and reflects the local community's diversity with 36.70% Hispanic, 29.21% Black, and 27.56% White students. This diversity mirrors the multicultural makeup of the Port Arthur area along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Does Lamar State College-Port Arthur have athletics programs?
The Seahawks compete in just 2 varsity sports through the NJCAA with only 31 total athletes. The college awards $138,001 in athletic scholarships, but athletics takes a backseat to the institution's primary mission of technical education and workforce training.
