At $11,429/yr net price, Lamar University graduates earn $49,652/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,652/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,429 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,652/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,652/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,565/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,103/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,281/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,562/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,473/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $75,989 | $52,728 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $27,500 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $19,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,975 | $20,014 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,773 | $18,301 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 | $29,799 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,061 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $36,553 |
The Risk Factor
37.2% of students at Lamar University 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 University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a troubling 37% graduation rate that makes any debt risky. Your median earnings of $49,652 after ten years barely justify the investment when nearly two-thirds of students never finish their degrees.
Engineering programs at Lamar provide the clearest path to financial success. Mechanical and chemical engineering graduates earn over $70,000 annually, making them the school's only reliable high-return options. Nursing also performs well at $68,975 with manageable debt levels around $20,000. These technical programs benefit from strong demand in Texas's energy and healthcare sectors.
Educational administration shows high earnings but comes with dangerous debt loads exceeding $52,000. Most other programs fail to generate earnings data, suggesting weak job placement or low enrollment that should concern you.
The low retention rate of 61% signals serious institutional problems. You face high odds of dropping out without a degree while still carrying debt. This risk is particularly acute if you're underprepared for college-level work or lack strong family financial support.
Lamar makes financial sense only if you're committed to engineering or nursing and confident you'll complete your degree. Texas residents benefit from the low net price, but even at $11,429 annually, the graduation rate makes this a gamble. You should have backup plans and consider community college prerequisites to reduce your financial exposure.
Skip Lamar entirely if you're interested in liberal arts, business, or other non-technical fields where the school shows no evidence of career success. The financial aid rate of 44% suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamar University worth the cost?
Lamar University offers decent value with a low net price of $11,429 per year and manageable median debt of $21,250. However, the 37% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year median earnings of $49,652 are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Lamar University?
Engineering programs at Lamar University deliver strong ROI, with mechanical engineers earning $73,446 and chemical engineers earning $71,015 after graduation. Educational administration also pays well at $75,989, though this typically requires advanced degrees.
How much debt do Lamar University graduates have?
Lamar University graduates carry a median debt of $21,250, which is reasonable compared to the national average. The low annual cost helps keep debt manageable for most students.
Does Lamar University have a good graduation rate?
Lamar University's 37% graduation rate is well below the national average and indicates significant completion risk. This low rate means many students may end up with debt but no degree.