Lamar University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Marshall University in Huntington, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Marshall University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 11,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lamar University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Lamar University ($8,076 vs. $9,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 21.3% lower than at Marshall University ($10,464 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $257 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Marshall University than at Lamar University (about $1,597 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Lamar University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($13,448 vs. $12,263).

Lamar University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Lamar University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Marshall University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Lamar University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and Marshall 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $1,134 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($227 vs. $239).
• More Marshall University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.