Sam Houston State University (SHSU) vs Lamar U

Sam Houston State University and Lamar University, both esteemed institutions in Texas, offer distinct educational experiences. Sam Houston State, located in Huntsville, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Lamar University, situated in Beaumont, stands out with its diverse student body, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. While Sam Houston State excels in fields like criminal justice and nursing, Lamar University shines in engineering and business. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with a range of student organizations and activities to cater to diverse interests. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into specific data points, such as graduation rates, tuition fees, and faculty-to-student ratios, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lamar University	Sam Houston State University
Overview
Location	Beaumont, Texas	Huntsville, Texas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	57.0%	73.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	96.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	910 - 1100	950 - 1120
ACT range	16 - 24	18 - 23
Students submitting SAT score	42.0%	57.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	6,129	11,556
Total number of admissions given out	5,397	11,161
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,569	2,908
Yield rate	29.1%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,858 Out of state: $33,650	In state: $24,612 Out of state: $34,404
Average net price	$11,449	$14,287
Tuition	In state: $6,228 Out of state: $16,020	In state: $5,856 Out of state: $15,648
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,134 Meal plan: $3,456	Room/dormitory: $5,918 Meal plan: $4,650
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $12,082	70.0% Average amount $9,492
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $6,061	52.0% Average amount $5,618
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,294	0.0% Average amount $14,496

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,377 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	18,288 Men 36.2% Women 63.8%
Graduate students	7,943 Men 25.7% Women 74.3%	3,324 Men 31.7% Women 68.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	1.4%
International students	3.5%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	2,505	3,398
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Texas Florida California Arkansas Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Psychology Engineering	Business Education Health Professions Agriculture Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	38.7%	57.3%
Dropout rate	23.3%	16.2%
Transferred out	33.8%	23.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,107 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $89,656 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,299 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,198 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $82,165 Year 2: $75,989 Year 3: $81,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,225 Year 2: $68,975 Year 3: $72,634 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,521 Year 2: $64,773 Year 3: $71,471 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $68,504 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,969 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $67,640 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $60,061 Year 3: $65,582 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,987 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $59,688 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,477 Year 2: $55,819 Year 3: $58,099	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,554 Year 2: $68,858 Year 3: $76,776 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $68,691 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $76,058 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,097 Year 2: $69,740 Year 3: $73,214 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,694 Year 2: $66,049 Year 3: $72,403 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,377 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $67,947 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,438 Year 2: $60,128 Year 3: $67,313 Music (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,381 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $65,080 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,710 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $62,801 Agricultural Mechanization (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,352 Year 2: $49,436 Year 3: $59,631 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,213 Year 2: $56,579 Year 3: $57,976

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and Lamar University (LU)?

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and Lamar University (LU) are both Texas public universities, but they differ in several key aspects. SHSU, located in Huntsville, is known for its strong criminal justice program and a more traditional campus feel. Lamar University, situated in Beaumont, is recognized for its engineering and nursing programs and offers a more urban campus environment. SHSU generally has a slightly larger student body than LU. Consider your academic interests and preferred campus environment when choosing between the two.
Which university, SHSU or LU, is better known for specific academic programs?

Sam Houston State University is particularly well-regarded for its College of Criminal Justice, which is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Lamar University is known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, and education. If you're interested in criminal justice, SHSU is a strong choice. For engineering, nursing, or education, Lamar University may be a better fit.
How do the campus environments of SHSU and LU compare?

Sam Houston State University offers a more traditional college campus experience in Huntsville, a smaller city. The campus is more self-contained and has a strong sense of community. Lamar University, located in Beaumont, provides a more urban campus environment with closer proximity to city amenities and opportunities. Consider whether you prefer a traditional campus setting or a more integrated urban experience.
What are the admission requirements for SHSU and LU?

Both Sam Houston State University and Lamar University require applicants to submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), though test-optional policies may be in place. Specific GPA and test score requirements can vary, so it's best to check the latest admission guidelines on each university's website. Generally, both universities aim to provide accessible higher education opportunities for Texas residents.
How do the costs of attending SHSU and LU compare?

Tuition and fees at Sam Houston State University and Lamar University are generally comparable, as they are both public universities in Texas. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. It's recommended to review the detailed cost breakdowns on each university's website and consider your individual financial situation.
What student life and extracurricular activities are available at SHSU and LU?

Both Sam Houston State University and Lamar University offer a wide range of student life and extracurricular activities, including student organizations, sports clubs, Greek life, and cultural events. SHSU has a strong focus on outdoor recreation due to its proximity to national forests, while LU benefits from its location near the Gulf Coast, offering opportunities for water-based activities. Explore the student activities websites of both universities to find organizations that align with your interests.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at SHSU and LU?

Both Sam Houston State University and Lamar University provide career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job searching. They also offer internship opportunities to help students gain practical experience in their fields of study. Lamar University's location in Beaumont provides access to internships in the energy and petrochemical industries, while SHSU's location offers opportunities in criminal justice and related fields.
How do the graduation rates and alumni networks of SHSU and LU compare?

Graduation rates at both Sam Houston State University and Lamar University are important indicators of student success. While specific rates may fluctuate, both universities are committed to improving student outcomes. Both universities also have active alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and support for graduates. Research the alumni networks in your field of interest to see which university offers stronger connections in your desired career path.
Which university, SHSU or LU, is closer to major cities in Texas?

Lamar University, located in Beaumont, is closer to Houston than Sam Houston State University. SHSU is located in Huntsville, which is north of Houston. If proximity to Houston is a significant factor for you, Lamar University might be a more convenient choice.
What type of student typically thrives at SHSU versus LU?

Students who thrive at Sam Houston State University often appreciate a close-knit community, a traditional campus environment, and a strong focus on criminal justice or related fields. Students who thrive at Lamar University often enjoy a more urban setting, strong engineering or nursing programs, and proximity to industry opportunities in the Gulf Coast region. Consider your personal preferences and academic goals when making your decision.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Lamar U

University of Alaska Anchorage