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 gives you a mixed financial picture that swings hard on your major. The net price of $11,429 a year is low, and median debt of $21,250 stays under what you'd earn in a single year after graduating. But the median earnings of $49,652 ten years out are modest, and a 37% graduation rate means the biggest financial risk here is not finishing.
Your major decides everything. Mechanical engineering pays $73,446, chemical engineering $71,015, and both sit in a region built on petrochemicals and refining along the Gulf Coast, where those degrees connect directly to local employers. Nursing at $68,975 pairs strong pay with low debt of about $20,000. Electrical and civil engineering also clear $63,000. These programs turn Lamar's low cost into a genuine return.
Watch the debt tradeoff inside engineering. Mechanical engineering carries $27,500 in debt for its $73,446 payoff, while chemical engineering delivers nearly the same salary on $19,500. Electrical engineering pulls off the best deal of the group: $64,773 in earnings against just $18,301 in debt.
Outside these fields, the data doesn't show program earnings, so budget against that $49,652 median instead of the engineering numbers. If you pick a lower-paying major and take four extra semesters to finish, the math gets tight fast.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000, you pay $9,565. between $48,000 and $75,000 it climbs to $12,281. over $110,000 you're at $18,473. The jump between the middle and upper brackets is steep, so higher-income families lose most of the discount that makes Lamar cheap.
This school fits you if you're targeting engineering or nursing and can finish on time. If you're undecided or drawn to a lower-earning field, the 61% retention rate makes the completion risk your main concern.
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.