Cleveland State vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Cleveland State based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 14,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Cleveland State vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State or Lamar University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lamar University than Cleveland State ($9,814 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 30.7% lower than at Cleveland State University ($10,464 vs. $15,104).
• Cleveland State University is 45.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $4,083 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Lamar University than at Cleveland State University (about $235 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Cleveland State University (91% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 25.2% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($12,263 vs. $9,795).

Cleveland State vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleveland State or Lamar University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lamar University and Cleveland State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Cleveland State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Cleveland State vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State and Lamar University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lamar University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 42%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.