Lamar University vs West Texas A & M University: which has better ROI?
Lamar University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,464 in 29 years versus 32.7 years at West Texas A & M University, on median earnings of $49,652 vs $50,741 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lamar University | West Texas A & M University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,366 | $19,487 |
| Total net cost | $37,464 | $77,948 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,652 | $50,741 |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 29 yrs | 32.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$11,624 | -$30,328 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lamar University or West Texas A & M University?
Lamar University, at $9,366 a year after aid versus $19,487 — a gap of $10,121 a year, or $40,484 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 West Texas A & M University graduates earn more?
West Texas A & M University graduates report a median $50,741 ten years after entry, $1,089 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 West Texas A & M University?
West Texas A & M University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $21,250 at Lamar University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at West 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.