Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $37,120
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $140/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $15,750 |
| 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 |
Outcomes Overview
Lamar State College-Port Arthur graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $13,250 creates monthly payments of $140, representing just 4.5% of typical monthly earnings based on the $37,120 median salary after 10 years. This debt-to-income ratio of 0.36 sits well below the concerning 1.0 threshold that financial experts warn against. The college's focus on workforce development pays off with an 84.6% employment rate. Graduates typically enter technical fields, healthcare support roles, and skilled trades that serve the Gulf Coast's petrochemical industry. The low loan repayment rate of 31.3% suggests some graduates struggle, but the overall financial picture shows a strong return on investment for career-focused students.