Lamar University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If your student is looking at Lamar University, you’ll want to know what the real costs and scholarship options look like up front. As a public university in Texas, Lamar offers automatic merit awards, competitive full rides, and even special discounts for Louisiana residents. This guide breaks it down in plain English so first-gen parents don’t have to dig through fine print. Be sure to also check the Texas state aid page for programs that can stack with Lamar’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lamar University
| Expense | Texas Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12+ credits) | $10,586 | $22,856 |
| Housing & Meals | $9,852 | $9,852 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $2,976 | $2,976 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,812 | $1,812 |
| Loan Fees (est.) | $100 | $100 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $26,526 | $38,796 |
Special Tuition Waivers: Lamar offers Louisiana residents in-state rates plus just $30 per credit hour—saving over $11,000 a year compared to full non-resident tuition. Students from other Southern states may also qualify through the Academic Common Market (ACM), which includes select undergraduate and graduate majors at discounted in-state rates.
Who qualifies for the Louisiana tuition discount?
Any admitted student who is a legal Louisiana resident. No GPA cutoff, but proof of residency is required.
How much can families save?
About $11,370 per year compared to paying the full non-resident rate (example: 15 credit hours × $30 vs. $11,428 non-resident tuition).
Is it automatic or do we have to apply?
It’s automatic for Louisiana addresses, but students must confirm residency classification by the 12th class day. ACM participation requires an application through the home state higher-ed office.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lamar University
| Expense | Texas Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12+ credits) | $11,428 | $25,302 |
| Housing & Meals | $9,852 | $9,852 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $2,976 | $2,976 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,812 | $1,812 |
| Loan Fees (est.) | $100 | $100 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $27,368 | $41,242 |
Special Tuition Waivers: Louisiana residents qualify for in-state rates plus $30 per credit hour—saving over $13,000 a year compared to full non-resident tuition. Graduate students from other Southern states may also qualify through the Academic Common Market (ACM), which allows select graduate-level majors at in-state rates.
Who qualifies for the Louisiana tuition discount?
Any admitted student who is a legal Louisiana resident. No GPA cutoff, but proof of residency is required.
How much can families save?
About $13,800 per year compared to paying the full non-resident rate (example: 15 credit hours × $30 vs. $25,302 non-resident tuition).
Is it automatic or do we have to apply?
It’s automatic for Louisiana addresses, but students must confirm residency classification by the 12th class day. ACM participation is only for graduate-level majors and requires an application through the home state higher-ed office.
✅ 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 applications completed by January 15.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Elite Scholars | $10,000 ($8,000 tuition + $2,000 housing) |
GPA 4.40+ & Top 10% or SAT ≥1330 / ACT ≥29 |
No | Yes (must live on campus to keep housing portion) | Top 10% grads with very high GPAs (≥4.40 weighted) or strong test scores; most live on campus to capture full value |
| Academic Excellence Scholars | $8,000 ($6,000 tuition + $2,000 housing) |
GPA 3.95+ & Top 25% or SAT 1200–1320 / ACT 25–28 |
No | Yes (on-campus rule for housing) | Top quartile students with ~3.95+ GPA or solid 1200+ SAT/25+ ACT |
| Distinguished Scholars | $5,000 tuition | GPA 3.65–3.94 & Top 25% or SAT 1080–1190 / ACT 21–24 |
No | Yes | Students with B+/A- GPAs or mid-1000s SAT / low-20s ACT |
| University Scholars | $2,000 tuition | GPA 3.50–3.64 & Top 50% or SAT 1010–1070 / ACT 19–21 |
No | Yes | Upper-half grads with ~3.5–3.64 GPA or just above benchmark test scores |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are based on the most recent published award tables. Requirements are reviewed each year and may shift slightly. Always confirm on Lamar’s official scholarship page before applying.
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered; you just need to apply for admission by January 15 for priority review.
Does Lamar superscore the ACT or SAT for scholarships?
No. Lamar uses the highest single composite score from a test date, not a combined superscore. Sending all test results ensures they use your best overall score.
Can I stack multiple automatic scholarships?
No. Students receive only the highest freshman award they qualify for. Housing portions are forfeited if you live off campus.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
University-level competitive scholarships (outside of Honors College and departments) are not currently listed by Lamar University.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | 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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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 (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, required fees, room & board, books) | Honors College required; GPA 4.40+ & Top 10% or SAT ≥1330 / ACT ≥29; FAFSA required — financial need considered; essay + interview; Jan 15 priority | Yes — via myScholarships | Yes (maintain Honors standing and SAP) | Top-decile students with excellent academics, leadership/service, and demonstrated financial need |
| Southeast Texas (SETX) Legends Scholars | Full cost of attendance (tuition, required fees, room & board, books) | Honors College required; GPA 4.40+ & Top 10% or strong test scores; FAFSA required; essay + interview; Jan 15 priority | Yes — via myScholarships | Yes (maintain Honors standing) | Top students with financial need, leadership/service, and community engagement from the Southeast Texas region |
| McMaster Honors Scholarships | $1,400–$2,000 per year ($700–$1,000 per semester) | Incoming and continuing Honors students; freshmen considered automatically; continuing students apply separately; minimum GPA 4.25 weighted (or 3.85 unweighted) & Top 10% for entry; 3.5+ for renewal | Yes (continuing students); No (freshmen auto-considered) | Yes (maintain 3.4 GPA and active Honors participation) | Active Honors students who maintain GPA and stay engaged in seminars, projects, and community requirements |
| Tom F. and Ann D. Jones Memorial Fund | Amount varies (annual supplemental award for Honors students) | Enrolled Honors College students; amounts determined annually by Honors office | No (considered through Honors participation) | Yes (must remain in good standing in Honors) | Continuing Honors students engaged in the program and in good academic standing |
| Texas Leadership Scholars | Covers tuition & fees, housing, and a living stipend | State-funded program (THECB) for high-achieving, low-income Texas students; must be TEXAS Grant–eligible; Honors College participation; Living Learning Community requirement | Yes — state program nomination and application | Yes (while meeting program requirements) | Top Texas students with strong academics and financial need who commit to Honors and leadership development |
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, which aligns with Lamar’s main scholarship deadlines.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Yes. The Presidential and SETX Legends full-ride awards require Honors membership. Additional Honors awards (like McMaster and Beck Fellows) are available but listed in the Hidden Gems section for transparency.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Lamar University might not be the biggest name in Texas, but for families looking at strong value, it delivers. Between automatic scholarships that reward solid academics, hidden gems like Smith–Hutson and Hazlewood, and full-ride options through the Honors College, there are clear pathways to make Lamar affordable. Add in well-regarded programs in engineering, education, and nursing, and you’ve got a campus where first-gen and cost-conscious parents can feel confident their student will be supported both financially and academically.
✅ Last updated: September 8, 2025