Southern Illinois University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, IL with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University or Lamar 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 Southern Illinois University ($9,814 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 15.2% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($10,464 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 49.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $4,429 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.6% higher at Lamar University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $5,411 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Lamar University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 11% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($13,610 vs. $12,263).

Southern Illinois University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lamar University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University and Lamar 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale 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, Lamar University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.