Lamar U vs The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB)

Lamar University and The University of Texas Permian Basin, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Lamar University, nestled in Beaumont, Texas, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. In contrast, The University of Texas Permian Basin, located in Odessa, Texas, maintains a more selective admissions process, resulting in a smaller, close-knit community. While Lamar University excels in fields like engineering, education, and nursing, The University of Texas Permian Basin shines in disciplines such as business, health professions, and engineering technology. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including graduation rates, student demographics, and popular majors, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lamar University	The University of Texas Permian Basin
Overview
Location	Beaumont, Texas	Odessa, Texas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
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%	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	64.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50
SAT range	910 - 1100	920 - 1140
ACT range	16 - 24	17 - 23
Students submitting SAT score	42.0%	46.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	13.0%
Total number of applicants	6,129	1,212
Total number of admissions given out	5,397	784
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,569	388
Yield rate	29.1%	49.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	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: $25,644 Out of state: $38,298
Average net price	$11,449	$9,447
Tuition	In state: $6,228 Out of state: $16,020	In state: $6,328 Out of state: $18,988
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,134 Meal plan: $3,456	Room/dormitory: $6,384 Meal plan: $3,998
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	94.0% Average amount $11,696
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $6,061	31.0% Average amount $4,726
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,294	1.0% Average amount $13,293

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,377 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	4,249 Men 40.6% Women 59.4%
Graduate students	7,943 Men 25.7% Women 74.3%	1,285 Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	2.2%
International students	3.5%	3.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,505	1,181
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Texas Nevada New Mexico Arizona California

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Psychology Engineering	Business Education Engineering Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	13:1
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%	41.6%
Dropout rate	23.3%	23.3%
Transferred out	33.8%	31.5%
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	Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $88,833 Year 2: $87,532 Year 3: $104,395 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,596 Year 2: $69,732 Year 3: $89,641 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $56,931 Year 3: $62,641 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,188 Year 3: $57,396 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $53,894 Year 3: $55,018 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $54,252 Year 3: $53,753 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,307 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $53,067 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $48,823 Year 3: $51,366 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $45,871 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,520 Year 2: $44,356 Year 3: $44,299

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Lamar University and The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB)?

Lamar University, located in Beaumont, Texas, is a comprehensive public university with a broader range of programs and a larger student body compared to UTPB. UTPB, situated in Odessa, Texas, has a more focused approach, particularly strong in STEM fields and programs related to the energy industry. Lamar offers a more traditional campus experience, while UTPB caters to a diverse student population, including many working professionals.
Which university is larger, Lamar University or UTPB?

Lamar University generally has a larger student population than UTPB. This means you'll find a wider variety of student organizations, activities, and a more extensive campus infrastructure at Lamar.
How do the academic programs at Lamar University and UTPB compare?

Lamar University offers a wider array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, engineering, arts, and sciences. UTPB, while offering a solid range of programs, is particularly known for its strong programs in STEM fields, especially those related to the oil and gas industry, such as petroleum engineering and geology. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the campus environment like at Lamar University versus UTPB?

Lamar University provides a more traditional campus environment with a greater emphasis on residential life and student activities. UTPB, while offering on-campus housing, tends to cater to a more commuter-based student population. The atmosphere at UTPB is often described as more career-focused, reflecting the strong ties to the local energy industry.
Which university is more affordable, Lamar University or UTPB?

Generally, both Lamar University and UTPB offer competitive tuition rates, especially for Texas residents. However, it's essential to compare the specific tuition and fees for your program of interest, as well as consider the cost of living in Beaumont versus Odessa. Be sure to explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities at both institutions.
What are the strengths of Lamar University?

Lamar University is known for its diverse academic programs, strong sense of community, and commitment to student success. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and a vibrant campus life. Its location in Beaumont provides access to both urban amenities and natural attractions.
What are the strengths of The University of Texas Permian Basin?

UTPB excels in STEM fields, particularly those related to the energy industry. It offers a personalized learning environment with smaller class sizes and close interaction with faculty. Its location in Odessa provides excellent career opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
How do the research opportunities compare between Lamar University and UTPB?

Both Lamar University and UTPB offer research opportunities for students, but the focus areas may differ. Lamar University has research activities across a broader range of disciplines, while UTPB's research is often concentrated in areas related to energy, engineering, and environmental science. Check with specific departments to learn about available research projects.
What kind of student support services are available at Lamar University and UTPB?

Both universities offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, counseling, and disability services. Lamar University, with its larger student body, may have a more extensive network of support services. UTPB provides personalized attention and support to its students, fostering a close-knit community.
Which university is better for students interested in the oil and gas industry?

UTPB is generally considered a stronger choice for students specifically interested in the oil and gas industry. Its location in the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region, provides unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and career prospects in the field. Its academic programs are also tailored to meet the needs of the industry.
How do the athletic programs compare between Lamar University and UTPB?

Lamar University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a wider range of sports and a more prominent athletic presence. UTPB competes in NCAA Division II athletics. If participating in or attending Division I sporting events is important to you, Lamar University might be a better fit.
What are the career prospects like after graduating from Lamar University or UTPB?

Career prospects after graduation depend on your chosen field of study. Lamar University graduates find opportunities in various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, and engineering. UTPB graduates are highly sought after in the energy industry, as well as in other STEM-related fields. Both universities have career services to assist students with job placement.

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