Lamar University vs Southern Methodist University
Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont, TX. Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants and Lamar University about 86%, making Southern Methodist University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $9,366 a year at Lamar University after aid, and about $40,892 at Southern Methodist University. About 84% of students graduate at Southern Methodist University, compared with 37% at Lamar University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Methodist University alumni earn a median of about $78,354, against $49,652 for Lamar University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Beaumont, TX
Dallas, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,150
7,277
Acceptance rate
86%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.59–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1140
1340–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,366
$40,892
Full cost / yr
$22,254
$85,606
In-state tuition
$8,905
$67,040
Out-of-state tuition
$18,745
$67,040
Application fee
$25
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,568
$23,544
$30k - $48k
$8,261
$20,038
$48k - $75k
$8,545
$24,152
$75k - $110k
$13,689
$33,477
Over $110k
$16,292
$58,213
Outcomes
Graduation rate
37%
84%
Freshman retention
62%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,077
$65,556
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,652
$78,354
Median debt at graduation
$21,250
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
13%
First-generation students
43%
16%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 28
Jan 15
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.
- Is Lamar University or Southern Methodist University harder to get into?
- Southern Methodist University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% 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, Lamar University or Southern Methodist University?
- Lamar University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,892 at Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University?
- Before aid, Lamar University costs about $22,254 a year and Southern Methodist University about $85,606. 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 Southern Methodist University?
- Lamar University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,568 there, against about $23,544 at Southern Methodist University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Lamar University or Southern Methodist University?
- Lamar University is the larger of the two, with about 8,150 undergraduates against 7,277 at Southern Methodist University.
- Does Lamar University or Southern Methodist University have a better graduation rate?
- Southern Methodist University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 37% at Lamar University.
- Do graduates of Lamar University or Southern Methodist University earn more?
- Southern Methodist University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,652 for Lamar University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lamar University and Southern Methodist University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lamar University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Methodist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Lamar University and Southern Methodist University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1140 at Lamar University and 1340–1490 at Southern Methodist University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Lamar University vs Texas A & M International UniversityLamar University vs Texas Christian UniversityLamar University vs Baylor UniversitySouthern Methodist University vs Texas A & M International UniversitySouthern Methodist University vs Texas Christian UniversitySouthern Methodist University vs Baylor University
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