Lamar University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; Radford University 14:1.

Lamar University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or RU? 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 RU ($9,814 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 16.3% lower than at Radford University ($10,464 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 40.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $3,643 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at RU than at Lamar University (about $6,888 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Lamar University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 3.3% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($12,263 vs. $11,870).

Lamar University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming RU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Lamar University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Lamar University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($227 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.