East Texas A&M University vs Lamar University: which has better ROI?
East Texas A&M University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $47,364 in 24.5 years versus 29 years at Lamar University, on median earnings of $50,296 vs $49,652 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | East Texas A&M University | Lamar University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,841 | $9,366 |
| Total net cost | $47,364 | $37,464 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,296 | $49,652 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $21,250 |
| Payback | 24.5 yrs | 29 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$8,644 | -$11,624 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, East Texas A&M University or Lamar University?
Lamar University, at $9,366 a year after aid versus $11,841 — a gap of $2,475 a year, or $9,900 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do East Texas A&M University or Lamar University graduates earn more?
East Texas A&M University graduates report a median $50,296 ten years after entry, $644 more than the $49,652 at Lamar University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, East Texas A&M University or Lamar University?
East Texas A&M University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,250 at Lamar University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
43% of students finish at East Texas A&M University, against 37% at Lamar University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.