UNK vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Nebraska at Kearney in Kearney, NE with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than UNK based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 5,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Nebraska at Kearney is located in Kearney, NE (Remote Town setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Nebraska at Kearney 14:1; Lamar University 20:1.

UNK vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNK 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 UNK ($9,814 vs. $16,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 14.2% lower than at University of Nebraska at Kearney ($10,464 vs. $12,198).
• Lamar University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNK (about $229 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at Lamar University than at University of Nebraska at Kearney (about $3,461 more per year; $18,745.00 vs. $15,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at University of Nebraska at Kearney (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska at Kearney students ($12,263 vs. $9,776).

UNK vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNK 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 UNK.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lamar University (1040) is 20 points higher than at UNK (1020).
• Incoming UNK 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: University of Nebraska at Kearney 905/1125; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska at Kearney 19/26; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNK - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNK Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lamar University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at UNK (3.24).
• UNK has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at UNK vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

UNK vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNK 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).

• University of Nebraska at Kearney's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Lamar University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than UNK graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($21,250 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, UNK graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($219 vs. $227).
• More UNK graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.