Students at Lamar University benefit from exceptional affordability combined with meaningful upward mobility opportunities, particularly for first-generation and low-income students.
The university consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining some of the most accessible net prices among Texas public institutions.
Lamar University delivers solid value as a public institution that prioritizes access and affordability while maintaining respectable long-term outcomes. Located in Beaumont, Texas, this medium-sized public university serves a diverse student body where 44% receive Pell Grants and 43% are first-generation college students. Lamar's strength lies in its ability to provide educational opportunity to students who might not otherwise attend college, then support them toward meaningful career advancement.
Graduates earn a median of $49,652 ten years after enrollment, with the university showing earnings beyond expectations of about $3,321 compared with similar students at other institutions. While not among the highest-earning public universities nationally, Lamar consistently delivers outcomes that exceed what would be predicted based on its student demographics and regional context. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, with 199 graduates earning a median of $68,975 ten years out.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Lamar University combines broad access with meaningful upward mobility outcomes. The institution serves students who need affordable education and provides the support systems necessary to help them succeed academically and professionally. For Texas families seeking a public university that balances accessibility, affordability, and solid career preparation, Lamar represents a practical choice that delivers consistent results.
Lamar University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving diverse student career goals. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both large-scale and high-return, graduating 199 students who earn a median of $68,975 ten years out, making it the university's economic engine. Engineering programs, particularly Mechanical Engineering with 64 graduates earning $73,446, provide the highest individual earnings and demonstrate Lamar's strength in technical fields that serve regional industry needs.
The university also serves students seeking flexible degree options through programs like Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, which graduates 188 students annually with median earnings of $38,412, and General Studies, with 146 graduates earning $31,820. While these programs show more modest earnings, they reflect Lamar's commitment to serving students with diverse academic backgrounds and career trajectories. The mix of high-return professional programs alongside accessible general studies options allows the university to meet varied student needs while maintaining pathways to economic mobility across different fields of study.
Lamar University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $49,652, placing the university around the national average for public institutions. More importantly, Lamar students earn about $3,321 more than similar students at comparable universities, demonstrating the institution's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be expected based on student backgrounds and preparation levels.
The university's strongest returns come from its professional programs, particularly in nursing and engineering. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 199 students, earn a median of $68,975 ten years out. Mechanical Engineering majors achieve the highest individual earnings at $73,446, though with smaller enrollment of 64 graduates. These programs anchor Lamar's reputation for preparing students for stable, well-compensated careers in growing fields. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies represents the largest program by enrollment with 188 graduates earning $38,412, while General Studies majors earn $31,820, reflecting the university's role in serving students with diverse academic and career goals.
Lamar University stands out for its strong affordability profile, making higher education accessible to families across income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of $9,565 annually, well below national averages and reflecting the university's commitment to serving Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families face annual costs around $12,281, while higher-income students pay approximately $18,473, creating a predictable and transparent pricing structure that helps families plan their educational investment.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Lamar graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,250 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $10,713. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation. With median earnings approaching $50,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms comfortably, and the university's loan repayment trajectory shows that students are paying down balances at rates above national medians in the early years after graduation.
Lamar University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
