Fort Hays State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than Fort Hays State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 12,878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fort Hays State University 15:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays State University 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 Fort Hays State University ($9,814 vs. $13,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 12.8% lower than at Lamar University ($9,120 vs. $10,464).
• Lamar University is 50.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $2,982 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Lamar University than at Fort Hays State University (about $1,004 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Hays State University than at Lamar University (92% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 81.6% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($12,263 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays State University 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 Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 20 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Fort Hays State University 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: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Fort Hays State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Fort Hays State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays State University 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).

• Fort Hays State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $1,282 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($20,718 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($214 vs. $227).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.