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Lamar Institute of Technology vs Arlington Baptist University: which has better ROI?

Public, Beaumont TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Arlington TX

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arlington Baptist University comes closer — median earnings $44,644 against a $99,624 total, vs $38,991 at Lamar Institute of Technology. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLamar Institute of TechnologyArlington Baptist University
Net price / yr$13,866$24,906
Total net cost$55,464$99,624
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,991$44,644
Median debt$13,076$27,000
Payback
20-year net return-$242,844-$173,944

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University?

Lamar Institute of Technology, at $13,866 a year after aid versus $24,906 — a gap of $11,040 a year, or $44,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University graduates earn more?

Arlington Baptist University graduates report a median $44,644 ten years after entry, $5,653 more than the $38,991 at Lamar Institute of Technology. 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, Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University?

Lamar Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $13,076 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Arlington Baptist University, a difference of $13,924. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

31% of students finish at Lamar Institute of Technology, against 19% at Arlington Baptist 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.

Lamar Institute of Technology vs Arlington Baptist University: frequently asked questions

Is Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University a better value?
Arlington Baptist University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University?
Lamar Institute of Technology: $13,866/yr net price after aid versus $24,906/yr at Arlington Baptist University — a difference of $11,040 a year, or about $44,160 over four years.
Do Lamar Institute of Technology or Arlington Baptist University graduates earn more?
Arlington Baptist University graduates earn a median $44,644 ten years after entry, versus $38,991 at Lamar Institute of Technology — a $5,653 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.