Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Lamar University vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 33 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#3 nationally
$42K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Lamar University.
These programs deliver the strongest earnings outcomes at Lamar University. Chemical Engineering ranks #3 nationally with $107,127 median earnings, while Mechanical Engineering produces graduates earning $93,563.
Engineering Technology programs also perform exceptionally well, with Chemical Engineering Technology ranking #3 nationally. These fields typically require strong mathematical preparation and offer excellent return on investment despite moderate debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #3 | $107,127★ |
Program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes rather than academic reputation or program quality. Different programs at the same institution produce varying earnings because career paths, industry demand, and required skills differ significantly across fields. Engineering and health programs typically command higher salaries due to technical skills and professional licensing requirements, while liberal arts and social science programs may provide broader educational foundations that support diverse career trajectories. Data comes from the College Scorecard and includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts for reliable earnings reporting. Rankings compare programs nationally within each field, so a lower rank in Biology reflects competition with biology programs nationwide, not necessarily program quality. Students should consider their career goals, interests, and aptitudes alongside earnings data when selecting academic programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 47 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #34 | $93,563 | — | 64 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #154 | $83,799 | — | 37 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #3 | $80,134 | — | 49 |
| Civil Engineering, General.Small sample | #171 | $63,005 | — | 16 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #71 | $62,053 | — | 33 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #204 | $48,823 | — | 35 |
Business programs show mixed performance, with Business/Commerce graduates earning $49,841 compared to $51,420 for Business Administration majors. Rankings range from #44 nationally for Business/Commerce to #281 for Business Administration.
These programs serve diverse student populations and offer broad career flexibility, though earnings vary significantly based on career path and industry focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #253 | $56,341★ | — | 21 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #186 | $56,053 | — | 27 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #282 | $51,420 | — | 52 |
| Information Resources Management. | #86 | $50,224 | — | 25 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #48 | $49,841 | — | 44 |
| Digital Marketing. | #200 | $47,361 | — | 22 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | #35 | $37,736 | — | 22 |
| Executive/Career Coaching.Small sample | #65 | $37,568 | — | 15 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing represents Lamar's largest program with 199 graduates earning $80,368 annually. The program ranks #81 nationally and #7 in Texas, demonstrating solid market positioning.
Health programs generally offer stable career prospects and earnings that support manageable debt repayment, making them attractive options for students seeking reliable post-graduation employment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #83 | $80,368★ | — | 199 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #44 | $47,072 | — | 26 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #119 | $44,110 | — | 33 |
Biology graduates earn $42,320 with 49 students completing the program annually. The program ranks #273 nationally, reflecting competitive market conditions for biology majors without advanced degrees.
Science programs often prepare students for graduate study in medicine, research, or related professional fields rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #272 | $42,320★ | — | 49 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #233 | $38,289 | — | 18 |
Programs in this area show varied outcomes, with Applied/Public Sociology graduates earning $38,042 and Psychology majors earning $40,182. Rankings are more modest nationally but provide preparation for graduate study and human services careers.
These fields often serve students interested in social impact rather than maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | #307 | $40,182★ | — | 50 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #211 | $38,042 | — | 41 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #196 | $36,661 | — | 47 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $35,050, ranking #244 nationally. While earnings are lower than technical fields, these programs develop writing, media, and interpersonal skills valued across industries.
Students should consider combining communication studies with specialized skills or plan for graduate education to maximize career potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #257 | $35,050 | — | 64 |
General Studies graduates 146 students annually with earnings of $43,525, ranking #74 nationally. While earnings are more modest than technical fields, these programs offer broad educational foundations and flexibility for students exploring diverse career paths.
Liberal arts preparation supports graduate school continuation and careers requiring critical thinking skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Instruments. | #26 | $47,769★ | — | 34 |
| General Studies. | #78 | $43,525 | — | 146 |
| American Sign Language (ASL). | #2 | $41,565 | — | 22 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | — | $32,925 | — | 5 |
| Commercial Photography. | #125 | $26,896 | — | 21 |
Corrections Administration ranks #79 nationally with graduates earning $50,559, representing solid outcomes for students interested in criminal justice careers. The program serves 97 students and offers good value with manageable debt levels.
This field provides stable employment opportunities in public service with earnings that support reasonable loan repayment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #76 | $50,559 | — | 97 |
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies serves 188 students with earnings of $45,514, ranking #55 nationally in this category. These programs offer flexibility for students with diverse interests or those seeking customized educational pathways.
Exercise Science graduates earn $44,170, providing preparation for fitness, therapy, or health-related careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #56 | $45,514★ | — | 188 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #150 | $44,170 | — | 46 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #22 | $39,366 | — | 23 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
