About Lamar University
Lamar University has built a strong reputation for engineering programs while maintaining its position as one of the most affordable universities in Texas. The public research university enrolls 7,945 students in Beaumont, a mid-sized city along the Gulf Coast. Country music stars Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Byrd both graduated from Lamar, reflecting the school's Texas roots and cultural connections.
Students pay an average net price of $11,429 after financial aid, making this one of the state's most accessible options for higher education. In-state tuition runs just $8,690, while graduates earn a median of $49,652 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $21,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $225. The numbers suggest solid value for students seeking an affordable path to middle-class earnings.
Lamar accepts 83.73% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT score of 930. The student body draws heavily from Texas, with 97.21% of students coming from in-state. Women make up 59.66% of enrollment, while the campus reflects Texas diversity with significant Black (28.76%) and Hispanic (23.89%) populations. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Southland Conference, offering 13 varsity sports for 399 student-athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $11,429 after financial aid, making this one of the state's most accessible options for higher education. In-state tuition runs just $8,690, while graduates earn a median of $49,652 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $21,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $225. The numbers suggest solid value for students seeking an affordable path to middle-class earnings.
Lamar accepts 83.73% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT score of 930. The student body draws heavily from Texas, with 97.21% of students coming from in-state. Women make up 59.66% of enrollment, while the campus reflects Texas diversity with significant Black (28.76%) and Hispanic (23.89%) populations. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Southland Conference, offering 13 varsity sports for 399 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
Lamar University operates as a public research university with engineering as its flagship program, particularly strong in chemical and industrial engineering due to its proximity to Texas's petrochemical corridor. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 37% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. The university offers solid programs in business, education, and the sciences alongside its well-regarded engineering school. Students benefit from research opportunities typically found at larger universities while paying less. The low graduation rate often reflects the working-class student body who attend part-time or transfer to complete degrees elsewhere rather than academic inadequacy.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.2%
- Retention Rate
- 61.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,652
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $75,989 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $71,015 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,975 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,773 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,061 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Lamar University sits in Beaumont, about 90 miles east of Houston in the heart of Texas's petrochemical corridor. The campus houses 2,505 students in residence halls, though with 7,945 total enrollment, most Cardinals live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats here, Southeast Texas stays warm and humid most of the year, with brief mild winters.
Only 2.79% of students come from out-of-state, creating a tight-knit Texas community where 97.21% share regional roots. The engineering programs draw serious students who balance rigorous coursework with Division I athletics. Weekends often revolve around Cardinal football and basketball games in the Southland Conference. With Houston's entertainment and internship opportunities just a drive away, students can access big-city resources while enjoying small-university familiarity. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Campus life moves at a relaxed pace that mirrors Beaumont's laid-back Gulf Coast culture.
Only 2.79% of students come from out-of-state, creating a tight-knit Texas community where 97.21% share regional roots. The engineering programs draw serious students who balance rigorous coursework with Division I athletics. Weekends often revolve around Cardinal football and basketball games in the Southland Conference. With Houston's entertainment and internship opportunities just a drive away, students can access big-city resources while enjoying small-university familiarity. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Campus life moves at a relaxed pace that mirrors Beaumont's laid-back Gulf Coast culture.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,505 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1923
Campus Safety (2023)
88 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 15 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–62°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -2,333.1"
Student Demographics
Nearly all students come from Texas, reflecting Lamar's role as a regional university serving Southeast Texas communities. The student body is 60% women, typical for universities with strong nursing and education programs alongside engineering. About 44% receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families. The campus brings together roughly equal numbers of white, Black, and Hispanic students, mirroring the diversity of the Golden Triangle region around Beaumont. This mix creates a close-knit community where local students can earn affordable degrees without leaving home.
- Men
- 40.3%
- Women
- 59.7%
- White
- 38.7%
- Black
- 28.8%
- Hispanic
- 23.9%
- Asian
- 5.1%
- In-State Students
- 97.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.8%
Location
Beaumont sits in Southeast Texas, about 85 miles east of Houston and 30 miles west of the Louisiana border. The city of 118,000 anchors the Golden Triangle region, known for its petrochemical industry and oil refineries. With 97.21% of Lamar students coming from in-state, most are familiar with this industrial landscape along the Neches River. The campus sits in a mid-sized city that offers urban amenities without big-city costs. Beaumont's humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Gulf Coast create a distinctive atmosphere. The area lacks the college town feel of smaller university cities but provides internship opportunities in energy and manufacturing sectors. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Lamar University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Beaumont, Texas 77705
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,652
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,428
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lamar University?
Lamar University accepts 83.73% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 930, with middle 50% scores ranging from 830 to 1030.
How much does Lamar University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lamar University is $11,429, making it one of the most affordable universities in Texas. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $9,565 per year.
What is Lamar University known for academically?
Lamar University is particularly known for its engineering programs and operates as a public research university. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, the university serves 7,945 students in Beaumont, Texas.
What are the graduation rates at Lamar University?
Lamar University has a 37.20% six-year graduation rate and a 60.99% retention rate for first-year students. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,652 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $21,250.
Where is Lamar University located and what is campus life like?
Lamar University sits in Beaumont, Texas, a midsize city setting with housing capacity for 2,505 students. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and 399 total athletes in the Southland Conference.
Is Lamar University diverse in its student body?
Lamar University enrolls a diverse student body with 38.72% White, 28.76% Black, and 23.89% Hispanic students. The university draws 97.21% of its students from Texas, with women comprising 59.66% of enrollment.
