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Lamar University vs Nelson University

Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, TX, and Nelson University is a private university in Waxahachie, TX. Lamar University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 89% at Nelson University. Lamar University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,366 a year against $21,662 at Nelson University. About 39% of students graduate at Nelson University, compared with 37% at Lamar University. Ten years after enrolling, Lamar University alumni earn a median of about $49,652, against $46,238 for Nelson University.

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Beaumont, TX
Waxahachie, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,150
1,479
Acceptance rate
86%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1140
890–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,366
$21,662
Full cost / yr
$22,254
$34,504
In-state tuition
$8,905
$25,064
Out-of-state tuition
$18,745
$25,064
Application fee
$25
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,568
$17,583
$30k - $48k
$8,261
$18,396
$48k - $75k
$8,545
$21,731
$75k - $110k
$13,689
$23,883
Over $110k
$16,292
$25,474
Outcomes
Graduation rate
37%
39%
Freshman retention
62%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,077
$37,425
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,652
$46,238
Median debt at graduation
$21,250
$24,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
48%
First-generation students
43%
38%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 28
Not reported

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 Lamar University or Nelson University harder to get into?
Lamar University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 89% at Nelson 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, Lamar University or Nelson University?
Lamar University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,662 at Nelson 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 Lamar University and Nelson University?
Before aid, Lamar University costs about $22,254 a year and Nelson University about $34,504. 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, Lamar University or Nelson University?
Lamar University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,568 there, against about $17,583 at Nelson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lamar University or Nelson University?
Lamar University is the larger of the two, with about 8,150 undergraduates against 1,479 at Nelson University.
Does Lamar University or Nelson University have a better graduation rate?
Nelson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 39% against 37% at Lamar University.
Do graduates of Lamar University or Nelson University earn more?
Lamar University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,652 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,238 for Nelson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lamar University and Nelson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lamar University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Nelson University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Lamar University and Nelson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1140 at Lamar University and 890–1090 at Nelson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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