Lamar University's published cost of attendance is $21,626 per year, including $8,690 in-state tuition, $10,272 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,482.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,626 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,482 |
| Room and Board | $10,272 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,197 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,429 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,565 |
| $30–48k | $10,103 |
| $48–75k | $12,281 |
| $75–110k | $16,562 |
| $110k+ | $18,473 |
Lamar University's published cost of attendance is $21,626 per year, including $8,690 in-state tuition, $10,272 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $18,482. However, the average student pays just $11,429 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,197 compared to the sticker price.
This net price falls $2,664 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating that Lamar University costs more than similar public institutions after aid. The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price demonstrates the impact of federal and state financial aid programs on affordability. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $9,565 for the lowest-income families to $18,473 for the highest-income families.
Lamar University's financial aid profile reflects its mission to serve diverse student populations, with 43.8% of students receiving Pell grants. This Pell share substantially exceeds the national average, indicating the university's role in providing access to students from lower-income backgrounds.
The average financial aid savings of $10,197 reduces costs significantly from the published price, though the final net price remains above peer institutions. Aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive pricing structure that supports the university's access mission.
The substantial Pell population suggests that many students benefit from federal grant aid that does not require repayment. However, the relatively high net price compared to peers indicates that students may need to supplement federal aid with loans or work-study earnings.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Lamar University graduates carry a median debt load of $21,250, positioned just below the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels span from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests that graduates dedicate approximately 43 cents of every dollar earned to debt service under standard repayment terms, which represents a manageable burden for most borrowers. Parent PLUS loans average $10,713 with monthly payments of $141, adding to family debt obligations but remaining within reasonable bounds.
The debt distribution shows that 25% of graduates borrow $5,500 or less, while 25% borrow $25,000 or more, reflecting different financial aid packages and family contribution levels. Compared to peer institutions, Lamar University's debt levels align with similar public universities, avoiding the excessive borrowing that can undermine post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Lamar University delivers above-average return on investment despite modest absolute earnings levels. The university generates $3,321 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 68.6th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $49,652 fall at the 41st percentile, the institution's ability to exceed predicted outcomes based on student demographics demonstrates effective education and career preparation. Debt levels below peer medians, combined with earnings that outperform expectations, create favorable investment conditions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 remains manageable for most career paths, particularly in higher-earning programs like engineering and nursing. Students should consider program-specific outcomes when evaluating investment potential, as engineering graduates earning over $100,000 face very different return calculations than liberal arts graduates earning $35,000.
