Lamar University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Lamar University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($9,814 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 36.5% lower than at Central Washington University ($10,464 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $512 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at Central Washington University than at Lamar University (about $8,781 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Central Washington University (91% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($12,263 vs. $8,816).

Lamar University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University and Lamar University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is the same as at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Lamar University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and Central Washington 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).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,263 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($20,737 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($214 vs. $227).
• More Central Washington 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.