Lamar University (LU) – Tuition, Programs & Admissions [2026]

Quick answer: Lamar University (LU) is a public research university in Beaumont, Texas, with over 17,000 students, an 86% acceptance rate, and tuition of just $8,905/year for Texas residents and $18,745/year for out-of-state students.

Its engineering college is consistently ranked in the top 5 in the U.S. for return on investment, and most graduate international students receive a tuition waiver that brings their fees down to in-state rates. Here’s the full breakdown.

Read More Here:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Rice University World Ranking
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• Texas Tech University
• Southern Methodist University
• Texas Christian University
• Sam Houston State University

What Is Lamar University?

Lamar University is a public university located in Beaumont, Texas — a mid-sized city about 90 miles east of Houston and 25 miles from the Louisiana border. Founded in 1923, LU has grown into one of the fastest-growing universities in the state, with enrollment nearly doubling over the past decade. The university is named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas — a piece of history that reflects Lamar’s deep roots in Texas culture and education.

LU is a member of the Texas State University System and holds a significant academic distinction: it is one of only 29 public universities in the entire United States to be designated a Carnegie Doctoral Research University. In 2026, it was further upgraded to an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification — a recognition of its growing research output and doctoral program expansion.

What makes Lamar particularly interesting for students evaluating value is the engineering program’s reputation. Lamar’s College of Engineering is consistently ranked in the top 5 in the country for return on investment, meaning graduates earn strong salaries relative to what they paid for their education. In a region anchored by one of the largest petrochemical industrial complexes in the world — the Texas Gulf Coast — that’s not a coincidence.

The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with individual programs holding accreditations from AACSB (business/MBA), ABET (engineering), ACEN (nursing), and others.

Lamar University at a Glance — Key Facts For 2026

Programs and Colleges at Lamar University

Lamar University offers over 139 degree programs across nine colleges and schools, ranging from bachelor’s through doctoral level. The full academic catalog spans:

• 100+ undergraduate programs.
• Graduate and master’s programs across all major colleges.
• Doctoral programs (reflecting the Carnegie research designation).
• Certificate programs and online degrees.

The nine colleges at LU include:

1. College of Engineering
2. College of Business (AACSB-accredited)
3. College of Arts and Sciences
4. College of Education and Human Development
5. College of Fine Arts and Communication
6. College of Graduate Studies
7. Department of Nursing
8. Department of Criminal Justice
9. University College

Standout Programs

Engineering is Lamar’s crown jewel. The College of Engineering offers degrees in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Engineering Management. Given Beaumont’s location in the heart of Texas’s refinery and petrochemical corridor — home to plants operated by ExxonMobil, Total, Chevron Phillips, and others — engineering graduates have immediate access to one of the most concentrated industrial job markets in the country.

Business (MBA) is the other high-demand program. Lamar’s MBA is fully AACSB-accredited — a distinction held by only the top 6% of business schools worldwide. Students with an existing undergraduate business degree can complete the MBA in as little as 12 months, with 24-month tracks available for those who need more flexibility.

Other popular programs include Nursing (BSN), Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Finance, and Education. The Fine Arts and Communication college attracts students interested in digital media, music, and theatre in a lower-competition environment than larger Texas universities.

For online learners, Lamar has invested significantly in distance education. Most graduate programs are available fully online, making LU a practical option for working professionals across the U.S. who want an AACSB-accredited MBA or an engineering master’s without relocating to Beaumont.

Lamar University Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Lamar University sits at the affordable end of the Texas public university spectrum. The combination of low tuition, low cost of living in Beaumont, and strong scholarship programs makes the total cost of attendance here genuinely competitive.

Undergraduate Tuition

Graduate Tuition

That last row is important — and we’ll explain it in the scholarship section below.

Cost of Living in Beaumont

Beaumont is one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Texas. On-campus room and board runs approximately $10,464/year. Off-campus apartments in Beaumont typically run $600–$900/month, and the overall monthly expenses for a student — including housing, food, and transportation — often come in under $1,000. Compared to living in Houston or Austin, the savings are significant.

Financial Aid Overview

74% of Lamar undergraduates receive grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $10,193. The average net price for students receiving need-based aid is approximately $12,002/year — among the lowest at any public university in Texas. Median federal loan debt for graduates is also lower than the national average, reflecting how manageable the overall cost is for most students.

Lamar University Scholarships — The Details That Matter

Lamar’s scholarship structure has some genuinely useful features, especially for engineering graduate students and international applicants.

Graduate Studies Award (Out-of-State Tuition Waiver)

Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year toward out-of-state tuition
This is arguably Lamar’s most impactful scholarship for international and out-of-state graduate students. The award covers the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition rates, meaning recipients effectively pay Texas resident tuition. For most graduate programs, this cuts annual tuition costs by roughly $7,000–$13,000.

Engineering Graduate Scholarship (Out-of-State Waiver + $1,000)

The College of Engineering takes this a step further. According to the engineering college directly: most graduate international students receive an out-of-state tuition waiver plus a $1,000/year general graduate scholarship, based on transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS scores. With this combination, international engineering graduate students pay only in-state tuition — a major cost reduction. Highly qualified students may receive full assistantships or fellowships with additional tuition waivers.

Competitive Academic Scholarships ($1,000/year — Tuition Rate Benefit)

Any student receiving a competitive scholarship of $1,000 or more per year qualifies to pay in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. This applies to both domestic and international students and is a key mechanism Lamar uses to make education accessible to out-of-state applicants.

Good Neighbor Scholarship (Latin American Students)

Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, this program provides a full tuition exemption to eligible students from Western Hemisphere countries (excluding Cuba and the United States). Students must be admitted unconditionally to a Texas public institution and intend to return home after completing their degree. LU participates in this program and actively helps eligible students apply. Across Texas, 235 awards are made annually — competition is real, but so is the payoff.

Priority Scholarship Deadline

March 1 each year — apply by this date to be considered for most institutional scholarships. Additional documents submitted after this deadline typically will not be factored into scholarship decisions.

Lamar University Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

Lamar University has an acceptance rate of approximately 86%, making it one of the more accessible public universities in Texas. The university takes a holistic approach to admissions — GPA and test scores matter, but leadership, work experience, essays, and letters of recommendation are also part of the picture.

Undergraduate Requirements

• Apply through Common Application (undergraduate)
• Application fee: $75 for international students
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (3.0 recommended for competitive programs)
• SAT/ACT scores recommended but not always required
• English proficiency: TOEFL 71+, IELTS 6.0+, PTE 50+
• Official high school transcripts

Graduate Requirements

• Apply through the Official LU Application Portal (separate from Common App)
• Application fee: $25 for graduate programs (lower than most universities)
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 depending on the program
• GRE scores (required for some programs, particularly engineering)
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
• Resume or CV
• TOEFL 71+, IELTS 6.0+, or PTE 50+ for international applicants
• Proof of financial support

Application Deadlines

LU accepts applications for three intakes:

• Fall Semester: July 1 (international undergrad and MBA)
• Spring Semester: December 1 (international)
• Summer Semester: April 15 (international)

These are final deadlines — for scholarship consideration, submit complete applications by March 1 for fall entry.

Campus Life at Lamar University

Lamar’s 270-acre campus in Beaumont is compact, walkable, and purpose-built for student life. The facilities have been significantly modernized over the past decade, including state-of-the-art engineering labs, a recreation and wellness center, and updated residence halls.

Housing

On-campus housing options include traditional dormitories, apartment-style units, and themed housing communities. Living on campus is recommended especially for international students arriving in the U.S. for the first time — the campus environment provides immediate community, and the Global Education Center is close by for visa, tax, and cultural adjustment support.

Student Organizations

LU has over 150 student organizations spanning academic clubs, professional societies, cultural groups, Greek life, and special interest organizations. The international student community is active, and the Global Education Center runs orientation programs, cultural events, and the annual tax filing workshops that international students need each spring.

Athletics

Lamar University competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference. The Cardinals field teams in football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, cross country, and track and field. Home football games at Provost Umphrey Stadium are a campus tradition, and basketball at the Montagne Center draws strong attendance during winning seasons.

Transportation Around Campus

LU offers a free Trolley shuttle service that runs Monday through Friday connecting campus buildings and nearby off-campus locations. The university also participates in a bike share program and has a Zipcar partnership for students who need occasional car access without owning a vehicle.

Location Advantage: Beaumont and the Gulf Coast

Beaumont sits in what’s known as the Golden Triangle — along with Port Arthur and Orange — a region that houses one of the densest concentrations of petrochemical refineries and chemical plants in the world. ExxonMobil, Total Energies, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Air Liquide, and dozens of other major industrial employers operate within commuting distance of campus.

For engineering students especially, this translates into real advantages: internship opportunities, co-op programs, and post-graduation employment pathways that students at inland universities simply don’t have access to. The proximity to Houston — just 90 miles west on I-10 — extends this further, opening access to the country’s fourth-largest city and one of its most active job markets in energy, healthcare, aerospace, and finance.

Career Outcomes and Graduate Employment

Lamar’s overall job placement rate stands at approximately 81% according to reported data. For engineering graduates specifically, the placement numbers are higher — and the salary outcomes are strong given what students paid for their education. The engineering college’s consistent top-5 ranking for ROI isn’t just a marketing claim; it’s backed by the density of industrial employers in the immediate region who actively recruit from LU.

The median salary for Lamar graduates six years after completion is $47,077 according to US News data — but this average masks significant variation. Engineering and nursing graduates reliably earn above that figure, while humanities and education graduates typically come in below it.

For international students on F-1 visas, Lamar supports Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation — 12 months for most graduates and up to 36 months for STEM degree holders. The engineering college actively assists students with OPT paperwork and employer connections in the Golden Triangle region.

Is Lamar University Right for You?

Lamar University is a strong fit if you:

• Are pursuing engineering, business, nursing, or criminal justice and want excellent ROI on your education
• Are a graduate international student who can benefit from the out-of-state tuition waiver
• Want a smaller, more personalized university experience with average class sizes of ~26 students
• Value proximity to a major industrial job market (Golden Triangle + Houston)
• Are working with a limited budget and want to minimize cost of living as well as tuition

Lamar may not be the best fit if you want a large flagship university experience, a major city campus environment, or a highly research-intensive institution at the R1 level. The social scene is quieter than at UT Austin or Texas A&M, and Beaumont itself is a mid-sized city rather than a major metro.

How to Apply to Lamar University

1. Apply through Common App (undergraduate) or the LU Application Portal (graduate) at lamar.edu
2. Pay the application fee: $75 for undergraduate international students, $25 for graduate applicants
3. Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions
4. Submit English proficiency scores: TOEFL 71+, IELTS 6.0+, or PTE 50+
5. Submit GRE scores if required for your program (especially engineering)
6. Apply by March 1 for priority scholarship consideration
7. Receive your admission decision and apply for the out-of-state tuition waiver through the Graduate College if applicable
8. Get your I-20 from the Global Education Center and begin F-1 visa application

Final Thoughts

Lamar University doesn’t always make the shortlist for students scanning rankings — but for students who dig into the details, especially in engineering and business, it consistently over-delivers relative to its cost. The tuition waiver for graduate international students is one of the most practical financial aids available at any Texas public university, and the location in the Gulf Coast industrial corridor creates career pathways that more famous universities simply can’t replicate.

For the most current information on tuition, programs, and application requirements, visit lamar.edu directly.

Have questions about Lamar University or comparing it with other Texas options? Drop them in the comments below.