Lamar University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 7, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070
- Average GPA: 3.5
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Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Lamar University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Hazlewood Exemption (Texas Veterans, Spouses, Dependents) & Presidential Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$11,307/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
13 opportunities
4 automatic · 4 hidden gem · 5 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA TBD+; ACT 19+ / SAT 1010+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Hazlewood Exemption (Texas Veterans, Spouses, Dependents) & Presidential Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Lamar University (Read This First)
- The big out-of-state discount requires at least some merit: You typically need a $1,000+ scholarship to trigger in-state tuition rates—so getting even a small award matters a lot.
- Top Honors scholarship is extremely competitive: The President’s Elite (full tuition + stipend) is real—but only a small percentage of applicants land it, so don’t treat it as likely.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Lamar University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1070.
Average net price? About $11,307/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lamar University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$11,428 |
$25,302 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$9,852 |
$9,852 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$21,280 |
$35,154 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,307 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
Sources:
Lamar University Cost of Attendance
Lamar University Housing & Dining Rates
Financial Aid Office – Nonresident Fee Waiver Details
Academic Common Market (SREB) Program Information
College Scorecard – Average Net Price (2022–23)
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the
Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines.
We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
✅ 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.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholars
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Does not stack with other Lamar automatic merit awards; the student keeps only their top scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lamar’s grid lists $6,000 per year for tuition and $2,000 per year in housing support for on-campus students, for a potential value of $32,000 over four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students ranked in the top quarter of their class with GPAs near 4.0 or ACT 25–28 / SAT 1200–1320 equivalents who complete admission early.
Automatic
Cardinal Elite Scholars
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive only their single highest Lamar automatic scholarship; Cardinal Elite cannot be combined with Academic Excellence, Distinguished, or University Scholars.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lamar materials indicate $8,000 per year toward tuition and $2,000 per year toward on-campus housing, totaling $40,000 over four years when renewed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time freshmen in the top 10% of their class with very high weighted GPAs or ACT/SAT scores at or above 29 ACT or 1330 SAT, usually living on campus to use the housing portion.
Automatic
Distinguished Scholars
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1080 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with Cardinal Elite, Academic Excellence, or University Scholars; only one Lamar-funded automatic award is retained.
💡
Strategic Detail
University pages describe the award as $5,000 per year toward tuition, up to a four-year total of $20,000 for students who maintain eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students in the top quarter of their class with GPAs roughly in the 3.65–3.94 band or ACT around 21–24 / SAT 1080–1190.
Automatic
University Scholars
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~1010 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
As with other Lamar automatic scholarships, students receive only this award or a higher one, not multiple awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is $2,000 per year in tuition support for up to four consecutive years for students who meet renewal criteria.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upper-half graduates with GPAs in the 3.50–3.64 range or ACT scores of 19–21 / SAT 1010–1070 who complete admission on time.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships 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.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t the headline “automatic” awards, but they can meaningfully lower costs for the right students—especially need-based programs and Texas-specific tuition benefits.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Army ROTC national deadlines, generally Dec–Mar for the following fall
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition_or_room_board_plus_stipend
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set annually by U.S. Army Cadet Command winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Federal ROTC funding often pays full tuition and fees or room and board plus books and stipend; institutional scholarships may be adjusted to comply with Army and university rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national Army ROTC scholarship process or campus‑based ROTC boards and coordinate with the Lamar ROTC office to select a tuition‑and‑fees or room‑and‑board option.
Selection criteria: Army ROTC scoring model weighing academics, leadership, physical fitness, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical packages include full tuition and mandatory fees or full room and board, a monthly stipend of about $420, and a yearly book allowance near $1,200 for contracted cadets.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Highly qualified students who meet ROTC academic, medical, fitness, citizenship, and service‑commitment standards and are selected by Army boards.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlygeographicserviceidentity_base
Hazlewood Exemption (Texas Veterans, Spouses, Dependents)
📅 Deadline: Jul 15
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition_waiver
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Eligible Texas veterans or dependents can use the Hazlewood exemption at Lamar to waive tuition and most fees for up to 150 credit hours; living expenses are not covered.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Exempts up to 150 credit hours of tuition and most fees at Texas public institutions; may limit use of other tuition‑only veterans benefits in the same term.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Texas Hazlewood Exemption application with required military and residency documentation to Lamar Veterans Affairs and renew each term as required.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based state benefit; no competitive scoring.
💡
Strategic Detail
State program provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition and most fee exemption at public Texas institutions; does not cover living expenses, books, or supplies.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Texas veterans, spouses, and dependents who meet state service and residency criteria and submit complete paperwork on time.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Band & Music Participation
📅 Deadline: Varies; apply and audition before fall band camp (typically Jun–Aug)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$1,550/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Dependent on band budget, instrumentation needs, and leadership positions winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Marching band and music scholarships typically stack with academic and other institutional aid; exact limits can vary by package.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for the Lamar marching band or music ensembles and complete any required scholarship or service‑award forms; awards are applied after completion of the marching season.
Selection criteria: Awards based on audition quality, ensemble needs, leadership roles, and successful completion of the season.
💡
Strategic Detail
First‑year woodwind and brass members earn about $550 for the season, increasing to $650, $750, then about $1,300 or more in later years; drumline and color guard typically receive at least $1,000, with higher amounts for leadership roles.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Instrumentalists and color guard or drumline members who successfully audition, participate fully, and maintain the attendance and performance standards set by the band.
App Required
Smith–Hutson Scholars
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 8 yrs)
🏫 2.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Coordinates with other grants and scholarships so total gift aid covers about 90–95% of the student’s billed costs; some institutional awards may be adjusted.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission, complete the Smith–Hutson application in myScholarships with essay and two recommendations, and submit FAFSA by the February 15 deadline; finalists interview with the foundation.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing financial need, academic potential, and strength of essay and recommendations.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Lamar materials describe a total package of about $74,000 over four years, covering 90–95% of billed tuition and fees plus a book stipend.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Texas residents with clear financial need, strong academic potential, and compelling personal statements who can handle a full-time load and complete the interview process.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicpipeline
Texas First Scholarship (Early HS Graduation)
📅 Deadline: State priority (around Jan 15); confirm with THECB
Non-Renewable
Full Tuition
tuition_and_fees_credit
✔ Stackable
⚠ For early high school graduates with a Texas First Diploma. Provides a state credit equivalent to a Full Tuition award (max TEXAS Grant amount) for 1–2 semesters. Action Required: Submit the Texas First Certificate to the financial aid office
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
State award applies as a limited‑term tuition and fee credit and can often be combined with institutional and federal aid subject to cost‑of‑attendance caps.
📄
How to Apply
Qualify for the Texas First Early High School Completion program through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, obtain the state certificate, file FAFSA, and redeem the award at Lamar.
Selection criteria: Eligibility based on early graduation criteria rather than competitive scoring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Typically covers about one to two semesters of in‑state tuition and mandatory fees; exact value and duration depend on state rules for the year awarded.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Texas residents who finish high school early under an eligible program and properly redeem the state scholarship at Lamar.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA/test thresholds are based on the most recent official LU publications. Requirements and amounts are reviewed annually and may shift slightly; always verify with Lamar’s financial aid and departmental pages.
- Endowed Departmental Scholarships (e.g., Computer Science, Hospitality, Political Science): portal deadline, Jan 15–Feb 1
- Leadership, club, or campus/Greek scholarships: myScholarships app, Jan–Mar deadlines
- General state and outside programs may vary; confirm annually
Sources:
Smith-Hutson – https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/smith-hutson.html
Hazlewood Exemption – https://www.lamar.edu/veterans-affairs/hazlewood.html
Texas First – https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/
Marching Band – https://www.lamar.edu/fine-arts-communications/music/scholarships.html
SETX Legends Scholars – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
Scholarship Portal – https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen.html
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical Lamar Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks That Matter:
- 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
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
McMaster Honors Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3.4 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,400–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA👥 ~Varies by Honors scholarship funding each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to stack with other institutional awards, including automatic merit, as long as total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Enter the Reaud Honors College with qualifying GPA and rank; freshmen are often auto-considered, while continuing students submit an internal Honors scholarship application by February 1.
Selection criteria: Honors faculty review focusing on GPA, Honors engagement, and potential for continued contribution.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors materials describe awards in the $700–$1,000 per semester range for eligible incoming and continuing Honors students with minimum entry metrics around 4.25 weighted or 3.85 unweighted and top-10% rank.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Highly engaged Honors students who maintain strong GPAs and active participation in Honors activities and coursework.
Full RideApp Required
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT👥 ~Very limited number of highly competitive awards winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Structured as a full cost-of-attendance award; other institutional scholarships generally do not stack beyond this package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission, join or apply to the Reaud Honors College, then complete the Presidential Scholarship application through the myScholarships portal with FAFSA, essay, and interview by January 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic excellence, need, leadership, service, and Honors fit.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and standard book costs for up to eight long semesters, contingent on Honors standing and satisfactory academic progress.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-decile Honors-eligible students with very high weighted GPAs or strong test scores, demonstrated need, and leadership/service who stand out in essays and interviews.
Full RideApp Required
Southeast Texas (SETX) Legends Scholars
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1360 SAT👥 ~Small cohort of regional scholars selected annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed as a full ride for Southeast Texas students; not stackable with other institutional awards beyond cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and the Reaud Honors College, then complete the Legends Scholars application via myScholarships with essays, FAFSA, and supporting materials by January 15.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation emphasizing academics, leadership, service, regional connection, and need.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors materials describe this as a full cost-of-attendance award targeting high-achieving regional students in the Honors College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Honors-level applicants from the Southeast Texas region with strong academics, leadership, service, and financial need.
Full RideApp Required
Texas Leadership Scholars
📅 Deadline: Feb 17
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition_fees_housing_stipend
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Limited number of spots allocated to Lamar each year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
TLS package is intended to cover tuition, fees, housing, and a living stipend; other institutional aid is typically limited to avoid exceeding cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Be nominated and apply through the Texas Leadership Scholars program, complete the TLS application and Living-Learning commitments, and enroll in the Reaud Honors College at Lamar.
Selection criteria: TLS holistic review prioritizing leadership, academic achievement, and financial need.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Statewide program partnered with participating universities, including Lamar, to provide a comprehensive funding and leadership experience for selected scholars.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Low-income Texas students who are TEXAS Grant–eligible, show exceptional leadership and academic promise, and commit to the Honors and TLS program requirements.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Tom F. and Ann D. Jones Memorial Fund
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (faculty selection timeframe)
✓ Renews (3.4 GPA)
$500–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA👥 ~Small number of Honors students selected annually winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Acts as an additional supplement on top of other Honors or institutional awards, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual amounts vary based on endowment earnings; criteria emphasize Honors involvement and academic merit rather than financial need alone.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Continuing Honors students who show strong academic performance and meaningful engagement in the Honors community.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Standout Program:
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.
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.
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