Lamar University vs. UC Merced

Comparable Facts

Compare Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with University of California Merced in Merced, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than UC Merced based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 9,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting); University of California Merced is in Merced, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Merced is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lamar University 20:1; University of California Merced 20:1.

Lamar University vs. UC Merced Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lamar University or UC Merced? 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 UC Merced ($9,814 vs. $13,690).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 51.2% lower than at University of California Merced ($10,464 vs. $21,445).
• University of California Merced is 75.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $6,718 more per year; $15,623.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 165.8% higher at UC Merced than at Lamar University (about $31,078 more per year; $49,823.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at University of California Merced (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of California Merced students is 122.6% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($27,292 vs. $12,263).

Lamar University vs. UC Merced Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Merced (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at UC Merced (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 930/1140; University of California Merced 960/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lamar University 18/25; University of California Merced 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lamar University - Test optional; UC Merced - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Merced Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Merced students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• UC Merced has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Lamar University vs. 7.2% at UC Merced.

Lamar University vs. UC Merced Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lamar University and UC Merced? 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).

• University of California Merced's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Merced graduates have a $2,101 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($19,899 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, UC Merced graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($205 vs. $227).
• More UC Merced graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.