Lamar University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships for 2025–26
- Nonresident tuition waivers for high-achieving students
- Honors College opportunities and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 960–1180
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.3–3.8
Source: Lamar University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Lamar University at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
Lamar University combines strong automatic merit aid with one of Texas’s most generous out-of-state tuition waivers. Students with a solid GPA and test scores can qualify for Cardinal Scholarships worth up to $8,000 per year — and those with top academics can compete for the full-tuition President’s Elite Scholarship.
With test-optional admissions through 2026, a growing Honors College, and the competitive scholarship waiver that turns out-of-state awards into in-state rates, Lamar offers a practical and affordable path to a quality education.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Lamar University is test-optional through 2026, though test scores can boost scholarship awards.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–25; SAT: 960–1180 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $11,307/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — the Competitive Scholarship Waiver allows out-of-state students earning $1,000+ in merit aid to pay in-state tuition.
Admissions (Freshmen) – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/freshmen/
Test-Optional Admissions Policy – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/test-optional-admissions-policy.html
Scholarships (Overview) – https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Incoming Freshmen Scholarships – https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen-scholarship.html
Reaud Honors College – https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/
Competitive Scholarship Waiver (Catalog) – https://catalog.lamar.edu/undergraduate-admissions/student-financial-aid-awards/
Common Data Set – https://www.lamar.edu/data-analytics-reporting-analysis/common-data-set.html
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?226091-Lamar-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lamar University
| Expense | Texas Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12+ credits) | $11,428 | $25,302 |
| Housing & Meals (median) | $9,852 | $9,852 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $21,280 | $35,154 |
Note: These totals include only direct costs billed by Lamar (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals). Other estimated expenses such as books, transportation, and personal costs vary by student and are excluded here because they aren’t paid directly to the university.
Special Tuition Waivers: Louisiana residents automatically qualify for near in-state tuition—paying only an additional $30 per credit hour instead of full non-resident fees (a savings of about $13,800 per year). Graduate students from other SREB states may also qualify through the Academic Common Market (ACM), which offers in-state rates for select graduate-level programs not available in their home state.
Who qualifies for the Louisiana tuition discount?
Any admitted student who is a legal resident of Louisiana. Proof of residency is required; no GPA cutoff applies.
How much can families save?
Louisiana students save roughly $13,800 per year compared to full non-resident tuition rates, based on 15 credit hours per semester.
Is it automatic or do we have to apply?
It’s automatic for Louisiana residents who provide proof of residency before the 12th class day. ACM eligibility for graduate majors requires a separate state-level application.
Lamar University Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)
Lamar University Housing & Dining Rates (2025–2026)
Financial Aid Office – Nonresident Fee Waiver Details
Academic Common Market (SREB) Program Information
College Scorecard – Average Net Price (2022–23)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Lamar University awards several tiers of automatic scholarships to first-time freshmen based on GPA, class rank, or test scores. No separate application is required, but awards cannot be stacked—students only keep the highest award they qualify for. Priority consideration is given to completed applications by January 15.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Elite Scholars | $10,000/yr ($8,000 tuition + $2,000 housing) |
4.40+ GPA & Top 10% of class, or SAT ≥1330 / ACT ≥29 | No | Yes (housing if on campus) | Top 10% grads with high weighted GPA or top scores, typically living on campus | Jan 15 |
| Academic Excellence Scholars | $8,000/yr ($6,000 tuition + $2,000 housing) |
3.95+ GPA & Top 25%, or SAT 1200–1320 / ACT 25–28 | No | Yes (housing if on campus) | Top quartile students with GPA near 4.0 or solid test scores | Jan 15 |
| Distinguished Scholars | $5,000/yr tuition | 3.65–3.94 GPA & Top 25%, or SAT 1080–1190 / ACT 21–24 | No | Yes | B+/A- GPA or mid-1000s SAT, low-to-mid 20s ACT | Jan 15 |
| University Scholars | $2,000/yr tuition | 3.50–3.64 GPA & Top 50%, or SAT 1010–1070 / ACT 19–21 | No | Yes | 3.5+ GPA, upper-half graduates with adequate test scores | Jan 15 |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are based on the most recent published award tables. All awards require full-time enrollment, and students receive only the highest award they qualify for. Housing portions are for on-campus students. Always check Lamar’s official scholarship site for the latest changes.
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered; apply by January 15 for best chance.
Does Lamar superscore the ACT or SAT for scholarships?
No. They use your highest single test date composite. Submit all scores for best consideration.
Can I stack multiple automatic scholarships?
No. You receive only your highest qualifying merit award.
Lamar Scholarships – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen.html
Scholarship Policies – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Catalog Awards – https://catalog.lamar.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
University-level competitive scholarships (outside of Honors College and departments) are not currently listed by Lamar University.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-level competitive scholarships (outside of Honors College) are available at this time. | |||||
Note: Lamar’s full-ride awards (e.g., Presidential, SETX Legends) require Reaud Honors College membership and will be listed in the Honors College section. Need-based selective programs (e.g., Smith–Hutson) are included in Hidden Gems.
🎖️ Honors College
The Reaud Honors College is Lamar’s hub for its most motivated students. Admission is by application, and students who join get access to smaller classes, faculty mentoring, and a community designed to push them academically and personally. For many, the Honors College is also the pathway to Lamar’s most competitive full-ride scholarships.
Weighted GPA 4.25+ or unweighted 3.85+, Top 10% class rank, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/dual credit), plus clear leadership/service. Strong writers and students interested in research or advanced projects tend to thrive.
- Priority registration and advising
- Honors-only housing and community events
- Small seminars and faculty mentoring
- Experiential learning — research, internships, and thesis opportunities
- Eligibility for full-ride awards (Presidential, SETX Legends) and other Honors scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (COA) | Honors College required; GPA 4.40+ & Top 10% or SAT ≥1330 / ACT ≥29; FAFSA, essay, interview | Yes — via myScholarships | Yes (Honors standing & SAP) | Top-decile students with need, leadership, and service | Jan 15 |
| Southeast Texas (SETX) Legends Scholars | Full cost of attendance (COA) | Honors required; GPA 4.40+ & Top 10% or strong scores; FAFSA, essay, interview | Yes — via myScholarships | Yes (Honors standing) | Top need-based students from SETX with leadership history | Jan 15 |
| McMaster Honors Scholarships | $1,400–$2,000/yr ($700–$1,000/semester) | Incoming/continuing Honors students. Frosh are auto-considered; continuing students must apply; min 4.25 weighted/3.85 unweighted & Top 10% for entry, 3.5+ renewal | No (frosh); Yes (continuing, via Honors) | Yes (maintain 3.4, Honors active) | Active Honors students who remain engaged and meet GPA | Feb 1 (all Honors scholarships) |
| Tom F. and Ann D. Jones Memorial Fund | Varies (annual supplement, typically $500–$1,500/yr) | Honors students selected by faculty each year; in good standing | No (by Honors selection) | Yes (remain in Honors & GPA) | Continuing Honors students, recognized for engagement/merit | Feb 1 (annual selection) |
| Texas Leadership Scholars | Tuition, fees, housing, living stipend | Texas residents, low-income, TEXAS Grant eligible, Honors College, separate TLS application, Living Learning | Yes — state nomination, TLS portal | Yes (meet all program reqs) | Top TX students with need, leadership, academics, and Honors | Feb 17 |
Is admission to the Honors College automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Reaud Honors College, though top freshmen may be invited to apply.
Does joining Honors add time to your degree?
No. Honors coursework and thesis projects are built to fit inside a four-year graduation plan.
When should students apply?
The priority deadline is January 15 for most programs, with Feb 1 (Honors awards) and Feb 17 (TLS) for specific competitive awards.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Yes—Presidential and SETX Legends (full-ride) require Honors standing. McMaster, Jones, and TLS require Honors and/or specific applications. Additional selective programs are found in the Hidden Gems section.
Reaud Honors College – https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/
Scholarships – https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/scholarships.html
Presidential/Legends – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Texas Leadership Scholars – https://texasleadershipscholars.org/
McMaster Honors (internal) – https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/mcmaster-honors.html
⭐ College Specialty
Lamar University may not be the biggest name in Texas, but it has carved out a reputation in areas that matter to students looking for strong career pipelines. Its engineering programs are tightly connected to the energy and petrochemical industries along the Gulf Coast, and the university’s port and logistics training taps directly into one of the busiest shipping hubs in the nation. For first-gen families, that means degrees with real market value and internships that can turn into jobs.
Lamar is best known statewide for its College of Engineering, especially chemical and industrial engineering. With ABET accreditation and deep ties to regional employers in energy and manufacturing, graduates frequently land well-paid jobs right after graduation.
- Port & Maritime Management — One of the few U.S. programs with a dedicated Center for Advances in Port Management, offering training tied to the Port of Beaumont and Gulf Coast shipping industry.
- Education — Lamar is recognized as a leading producer of certified teachers in Texas, with a strong statewide presence in K–12 preparation.
- Nursing — The JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing is known across Texas for its BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways, supplying a large share of nurses in the region.
- Business & Accounting — Accredited by AACSB, with strong connections to energy sector accounting and finance jobs in Houston and Beaumont.
Research Note: Lamar University is classified as an R2: High Research Activity institution under the Carnegie system, not R1.