Texas Southern University (TSU) vs Lamar U

Texas Southern University and Lamar University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Texas, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Texas Southern University, located in the vibrant city of Houston, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on undergraduate education, with popular majors in business, education, and nursing. Lamar University, situated in the historic city of Beaumont, is known for its comprehensive academic programs, including graduate degrees, and is particularly renowned for its engineering, nursing, and business programs. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in their acceptance rates, student demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lamar University	Texas Southern University
Overview
Location	Beaumont, Texas	Houston, Texas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
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%	68.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	63.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $42 Graduate: $75
SAT range	910 - 1100	820 - 1000
ACT range	16 - 24	15 - 19
Students submitting SAT score	42.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%	14.0%
Total number of applicants	6,129	10,554
Total number of admissions given out	5,397	6,654
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,569	1,294
Yield rate	29.1%	19.4%
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: $29,799 Out of state: $42,039
Average net price	$11,449	$9,921
Tuition	In state: $6,228 Out of state: $16,020	In state: $7,437 Out of state: $19,677
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,134 Meal plan: $3,456	$9,664
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $12,082	94.0% Average amount $13,033
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $6,061	55.0% Average amount $5,425
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,294	2.0% Average amount $16,762

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,377 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	5,726 Men 35.8% Women 64.2%
Graduate students	7,943 Men 25.7% Women 74.3%	1,798 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	3.5%	2.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,505	1,690
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Psychology Engineering	Business Health Professions Legal Profession Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	15:1
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%	23.4%
Dropout rate	23.3%	36.8%
Transferred out	33.8%	35.0%
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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $102,705 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $119,687 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $44,897 Year 2: $47,620 Year 3: $59,244 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,424 Year 2: $59,169 Year 3: $59,059 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,210 Year 2: $31,305 Year 3: $57,454 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,126 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $56,470 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $52,078 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,406 Year 2: $49,576 Year 3: $50,583 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,235 Year 3: $45,806 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,725 Year 2: $43,290 Year 3: $45,610 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,451 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $44,812

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Texas Southern University (TSU) and Lamar University (LU)?

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas, with a strong focus on serving the African American community and offering programs in urban planning, law, and public affairs. Lamar University (LU), located in Beaumont, Texas, is a more broadly focused public university known for its engineering, nursing, and education programs. TSU has a more urban setting, while LU offers a more traditional campus environment.
Which university, TSU or LU, is larger in terms of student enrollment?

Lamar University generally has a larger student enrollment than Texas Southern University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, LU typically enrolls more undergraduate and graduate students overall.
How do the academic reputations of TSU and LU compare?

Both Texas Southern University and Lamar University offer a range of academic programs. TSU is particularly recognized for its Thurgood Marshall School of Law and programs in pharmacy and public affairs. Lamar University is well-regarded for its engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. The 'best' reputation depends on your specific field of study.
What is the campus environment like at TSU versus LU?

Texas Southern University offers a vibrant, urban campus experience in the heart of Houston. Students benefit from the city's cultural and professional opportunities. Lamar University provides a more traditional campus setting in Beaumont, with a focus on campus life and community engagement. LU's campus is generally considered more self-contained.
How do the costs of attending TSU and LU compare?

Tuition and fees can vary, but generally, both Texas Southern University and Lamar University are relatively affordable public universities. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fee schedules. Also, consider the cost of living in Houston (TSU) versus Beaumont (LU) when budgeting.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at TSU and LU?

Both Texas Southern University and Lamar University offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, state grants, loans, and scholarships. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. Both universities also offer merit-based scholarships based on academic achievement and other criteria. Check each university's financial aid website for specific scholarship opportunities.
What are the popular majors at Texas Southern University?

Popular majors at Texas Southern University include Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and programs within the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. TSU also has strong programs in Pharmacy and Public Affairs.
What are the popular majors at Lamar University?

Lamar University is known for its strong programs in Engineering (particularly Chemical and Mechanical Engineering), Nursing, Education, Business, and Communication. LU also offers a variety of programs in the arts and sciences.
How do the athletic programs at TSU and LU compare?

Texas Southern University competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and is known for its strong basketball and football programs. Lamar University competes in the Southland Conference and offers a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. Both universities offer a competitive athletic environment.
What are the admission requirements for TSU and LU?

Admission requirements for both Texas Southern University and Lamar University typically include a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, though test-optional policies may apply), and a completed application. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic background. Check each university's admissions website for the most current requirements.
Which university is better for students interested in law or public policy?

Texas Southern University, with its Thurgood Marshall School of Law and strong programs in public affairs, is generally considered a better choice for students specifically interested in law or public policy. The university's location in Houston also provides access to internships and networking opportunities in these fields.
Which university is better for students interested in engineering or nursing?

Lamar University is generally considered a strong choice for students interested in engineering or nursing. LU has well-established and respected programs in these fields, with modern facilities and experienced faculty.
Does location play a significant role in choosing between TSU and LU?

Yes, location is a significant factor. TSU is located in Houston, a major metropolitan area with diverse cultural and professional opportunities. LU is located in Beaumont, a smaller city with a more close-knit community. Consider your preference for urban versus more traditional campus environments when making your decision.
Are there specific programs or initiatives at TSU that cater to the African American community?

Yes, as an HBCU, Texas Southern University has a strong mission to serve the African American community. The university offers various programs and initiatives that support African American students, promote cultural awareness, and address issues relevant to the community. This includes mentorship programs, cultural centers, and research initiatives.
What kind of student support services are available at both TSU and LU?

Both Texas Southern University and Lamar University offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, counseling services, disability services, and student health services. These services are designed to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

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