Lamar University vs. Messenger College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with Messenger College in Bedford, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Messenger College based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 24 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Messenger College is in Bedford, TX (Small City setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Messenger College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Messenger College 8:1.

Lamar University vs. Messenger College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or Messenger College? 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 Messenger College ($9,814 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 21.4% lower than at Messenger College ($10,464 vs. $13,305).
• Messenger College is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $2,715 more per year; $11,620.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.3% higher at Lamar University than at Messenger College (about $7,125 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Messenger College (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 211.2% larger than aid received by Messenger College students ($12,263 vs. $3,940).

Lamar University vs. Messenger College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lamar University or Messenger College? 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 Messenger College and Lamar University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; Messenger College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Messenger College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Messenger College (2.9).
• Lamar University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Messenger College (37.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 66.7% at Messenger College.

Lamar University vs. Messenger College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and Messenger College? 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 Messenger College's (10%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than Messenger College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $24,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Lamar University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Messenger College students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 40%)

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.