The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) vs Lamar U

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Lamar University (LU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning offering unique educational experiences. UTRGV, located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on undergraduate research. LU, situated in Beaumont, Texas, is known for its engineering and nursing programs and its commitment to community engagement. While both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lamar University	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Overview
Location	Beaumont, Texas	Edinburg, 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%	72.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	93.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	$50
SAT range	910 - 1100	N/A
ACT range	16 - 24	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	42.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%
Total number of applicants	6,129	14,386
Total number of admissions given out	5,397	13,508
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,569	5,439
Yield rate	29.1%	40.3%
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: $23,563 Out of state: $33,355
Average net price	$11,449	$6,244
Tuition	In state: $6,228 Out of state: $16,020	In state: $7,857 Out of state: $17,649
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,134 Meal plan: $3,456	Room/dormitory: $4,240 Meal plan: $3,368
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	98.0% Average amount $8,702
Students receiving federal student loan	46.0% Average amount $6,061	19.0% Average amount $3,752
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,294	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,377 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	26,405 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%
Graduate students	7,943 Men 25.7% Women 74.3%	5,535 Men 35.4% Women 64.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	3.5%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,505	1,049
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	Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education
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%	51.1%
Dropout rate	23.3%	23.2%
Transferred out	33.8%	17.1%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,380 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $116,099 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,041 Year 2: $109,235 Year 3: $108,882 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,185 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $70,393 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,833 Year 2: $61,334 Year 3: $66,863 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,430 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $63,962 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,464 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $62,120 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,567 Year 2: $52,464 Year 3: $60,844 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,240 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $60,219 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $60,013 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,391 Year 2: $55,151 Year 3: $59,030

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UTRGV and Lamar University?

UTRGV, located in the Rio Grande Valley, is a younger institution with a strong focus on serving the Hispanic community and offering programs relevant to South Texas. Lamar University, situated in Beaumont, Texas, has a longer history and a broader range of programs, particularly in engineering and business. UTRGV emphasizes bilingual education and healthcare-related fields, while Lamar has a stronger presence in petrochemical engineering and related industries.
Where are UTRGV and Lamar University located?

UTRGV has multiple campuses and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including Edinburg, Brownsville, and McAllen. Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas, in the southeastern part of the state.
What is the student population size at each university?

UTRGV generally has a larger student population than Lamar University. UTRGV typically enrolls over 30,000 students, while Lamar University's enrollment is usually around 15,000 students. This difference in size can impact class sizes and the overall campus environment.
How do the tuition costs compare between UTRGV and Lamar University?

Both UTRGV and Lamar University are public universities in Texas, so tuition rates are generally comparable for in-state students. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program, course load, and fees. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules. Out-of-state tuition will be significantly higher at both institutions.
What academic programs are UTRGV and Lamar University known for?

UTRGV is recognized for its programs in healthcare, bilingual education, and STEM fields relevant to the South Texas region. Lamar University is well-regarded for its engineering programs, particularly in chemical and mechanical engineering, as well as its business programs and teacher education programs.
What is the campus culture like at UTRGV and Lamar University?

UTRGV has a vibrant campus culture deeply rooted in Hispanic heritage and community engagement. Lamar University offers a more traditional university experience with a focus on student involvement in clubs, organizations, and athletics. The smaller size of Lamar can foster a close-knit community feel.
What are the admission requirements for UTRGV and Lamar University?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a review of academic transcripts. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic record. Check each university's admissions website for detailed information.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at UTRGV and Lamar University?

Both UTRGV and Lamar University offer a range of financial aid options, including federal grants, state grants, loans, and scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are available based on academic merit, financial need, and specific program requirements. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UTRGV and Lamar University?

UTRGV graduates often find opportunities in healthcare, education, government, and business sectors within the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. Lamar University graduates have strong career prospects in the energy industry, engineering, business, and education, particularly in Southeast Texas and beyond. Both universities offer career services to assist students with job placement.
Does UTRGV or Lamar University have better sports teams?

Both UTRGV and Lamar University have NCAA Division I athletic programs. Lamar University competes in the Southland Conference, while UTRGV competes in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The perceived 'better' team depends on the specific sport and current performance. It's best to research the specific sports you're interested in to compare their records and rankings.
What resources are available for international students at UTRGV and Lamar University?

Both UTRGV and Lamar University have dedicated offices and resources for international students. These resources include assistance with visa applications, immigration advising, language support, and cultural integration programs. International students can find information about admission requirements, financial aid, and housing on the universities' websites.
How do the research opportunities compare at UTRGV and Lamar University?

Both UTRGV and Lamar University offer research opportunities for students, but the focus areas may differ. UTRGV emphasizes research related to healthcare disparities, border studies, and STEM education. Lamar University has a strong research focus in engineering, particularly in petrochemical engineering and related fields. Students interested in research should explore the faculty and research centers at each university.

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