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Houston Christian University vs Lamar University

Houston Christian University is a private university in Houston, TX, and Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, TX. Houston Christian University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 86% at Lamar University. Lamar University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,366 a year against $20,629 at Houston Christian University. About 49% of students graduate at Houston Christian University, compared with 37% at Lamar University. Ten years after enrolling, Houston Christian University alumni earn a median of about $55,933, against $49,652 for Lamar University.

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX · Private

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Beaumont, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,886
8,150
Acceptance rate
84%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1190
930–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,629
$9,366
Full cost / yr
$50,082
$22,254
In-state tuition
$39,430
$8,905
Out-of-state tuition
$39,430
$18,745
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,933
$7,568
$30k - $48k
$18,998
$8,261
$48k - $75k
$19,803
$8,545
$75k - $110k
$24,079
$13,689
Over $110k
$28,640
$16,292
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
37%
Freshman retention
69%
62%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,595
$47,077
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,933
$49,652
Median debt at graduation
$22,642
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
56%
46%
First-generation students
36%
43%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Jul 28

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Houston Christian University or Lamar University harder to get into?
Houston Christian University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% of applicants, compared with 86% at Lamar University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Houston Christian University or Lamar University?
Lamar University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,629 at Houston Christian University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Houston Christian University and Lamar University?
Before aid, Lamar University costs about $22,254 a year and Houston Christian University about $50,082. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Houston Christian University or Lamar University?
Lamar University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,568 there, against about $17,933 at Houston Christian University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Houston Christian University or Lamar University?
Lamar University is the larger of the two, with about 8,150 undergraduates against 2,886 at Houston Christian University.
Does Houston Christian University or Lamar University have a better graduation rate?
Houston Christian University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 37% at Lamar University.
Do graduates of Houston Christian University or Lamar University earn more?
Houston Christian University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,933 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,652 for Lamar University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Houston Christian University and Lamar University require SAT or ACT scores?
Houston Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lamar University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Houston Christian University and Lamar University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1190 at Houston Christian University and 930–1140 at Lamar University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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