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Lamar University vs Schreiner University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Schreiner University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $86,028 in 22.2 years versus 29 years at Lamar University, on median earnings of $52,228 vs $49,652 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLamar UniversitySchreiner University
Net price / yr$9,366$21,507
Total net cost$37,464$86,028
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,652$52,228
Median debt$21,250$23,250
Payback29 yrs22.2 yrs
20-year net return-$11,624-$8,668

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

Which is cheaper, Lamar University or Schreiner University?

Lamar University, at $9,366 a year after aid versus $21,507 — a gap of $12,141 a year, or $48,564 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 University or Schreiner University graduates earn more?

Schreiner University graduates report a median $52,228 ten years after entry, $2,576 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, Lamar University or Schreiner University?

Lamar University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Schreiner University, a difference of $2,000. 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 Schreiner 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.

Lamar University vs Schreiner University: frequently asked questions

Is Lamar University or Schreiner University a better value?
Schreiner University. It clears its $86,028 net cost in about 22.2 years versus 29 years at Lamar University, on median earnings of $52,228 vs $49,652 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lamar University or Schreiner University?
Lamar University: $9,366/yr net price after aid versus $21,507/yr at Schreiner University — a difference of $12,141 a year, or about $48,564 over four years.
Do Lamar University or Schreiner University graduates earn more?
Schreiner University graduates earn a median $52,228 ten years after entry, versus $49,652 at Lamar University — a $2,576 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.