Overview
Enrollment
Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas, approximately 90 miles east of Houston along the Gulf Coast region. Established in 1923 as South Park Junior College, the institution became a state-supported university in 1951 and now operates as part of the Texas State University System. The 292-acre campus features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, including the distinctive eight-story Mary and John Gray Library at its center. Lamar University maintains comprehensive academic offerings across six colleges, with particularly strong programs in engineering, business, and nursing, while also operating the College of Technology at separate locations in Port Arthur and Orange. The university houses students in multiple residence halls and apartments on its main campus, and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cardinals in the Southland Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Lamar University is rated within the lower 30% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Lamar University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#938 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#383 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#49 in Best Colleges in Texas
#25 in Best Public Colleges in Texas
#75 in Best Value Colleges in Texas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 910/1130 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| GPA | 3.4 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Texas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Other Fees | $2,462 |
| Room and Board | $10,272 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,090 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,302 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Other Fees | $2,462 |
| Room and Board | $10,272 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,090 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,094 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| General Studies | 14% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Engineering | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Lamar University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=226091 IPEDS survey data for Lamar University.
Current students may use the Lamar University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025