Stephen F Austin State University vs Lamar 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 44.8 years at Stephen F Austin State University, on median earnings of $49,652 vs $49,634 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stephen F Austin State University | Lamar University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,260 | $9,366 |
| Total net cost | $57,040 | $37,464 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,634 | $49,652 |
| Median debt | $23,409 | $21,250 |
| Payback | 44.8 yrs | 29 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$31,560 | -$11,624 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Stephen F Austin State University or Lamar University?
Lamar University, at $9,366 a year after aid versus $14,260 — a gap of $4,894 a year, or $19,576 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Stephen F Austin State University or Lamar University graduates earn more?
Lamar University graduates report a median $49,652 ten years after entry, $18 more than the $49,634 at Stephen F Austin State 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, Stephen F Austin State University or Lamar University?
Lamar University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $23,409 at Stephen F Austin State University, a difference of $2,159. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Stephen F Austin State 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.