Undergraduate Admissions

1. Admission

Applicants for admission to Lamar University are required to meet the academic requirements outlined in this catalog or other applicable publications of the university. The Welcome Center provides complete admissions counseling for entering students. Professionally trained personnel are available to assist prospective students throughout the admissions process. Initial inquiries to the university may be made through https://www.lamar.edu/admissions, by calling (409) 880-8888 or by writing to Lamar University, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy

Texas Education Code (TEC) 51.803-51.809 (State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy) requires that all students meet one of the following college readiness standards in order to be eligible to be considered for admission at a Texas Four-Year Public Institution:

• Successfully complete the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program or complete the portion of the program that was available to them; or
• Successfully complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the recommended or advanced/distinguished high school program at a high school that is exempt from offering such programs; or
• Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the SAT or ACT assessment.
  SAT – 1500 out of 2400 (Verbal + Math + Writing)
  ACT – 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics and 24 Science

Exemptions from the Policy. To claim an exemption from the policy, students must submit one of the two Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board exemption forms completed by the high school counselor or another school official in addition to all other required credentials for admission by the January 15th closing date. The forms can be printed and submitted via the instructions on either form:

1. Form 1 – For Students who did not complete IPC prior to 2010-2011
2. Form 2 – For Students who completed IPC prior to 2010-2011
3. Form 3 - For students graduating under the Foundation High School Program in 2014-2015 or later

1. Beginning Freshmen

A beginning freshman student should submit all of the following documentation:

1. Complete the undergraduate application at www.goapplytexas.org
2. Submit the official high school transcript. Note: Upon graduation, a final high school transcript that includes the date of graduation and graduation plan must be provided.
3. Students with Dual Credit or Early College High School courses must submit official college transcripts. 

Admission Review

1. Class Rank:  Students in the upper 50% of their graduating class are admissible to LU 
2. Academic Transcript Review: Students in the lower 50% of their graduating class, students attending schools that do not rank, and homeschool students will have their transcripts reviewed and assessed for admission. 
3. Dual Credit Completion: Students who have completed 18 college credit hours at the time of their application,  and have a 2.0 cumulative college GPA, are automatically admitted. This includes students attending early college high schools. 

Secondary Review 

Students not admissible through the criteria above will be notified by the Office of Admissions of their secondary review options and may choose from either opportunity below. 

1. Freshman Appeal 
2. Submission of ACT/SAT scores 

High School Class Rank	New SAT	ACT
Top 50%	No minimum required	No minimum required
Unranked/Homeschool	1040	20
3rd/4th Quartile	1080	21

 

 

Exceptions

The Director of Admissions may admit recipients of bona fide scholarships designated by the president.

2. When to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply and submit all documentation as early as possible. Final application deadlines are typically several weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. For deadline information specific to the semester that you plan to attend, please visit https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/.

3. Acceptance Notices

Acceptance notices are issued to the email address listed on the ApplyTexas Application shortly after the required admission credentials are received. Questions about acceptance may be directed to the Office of Admissions (409) 880-8888 or https://www.lamar.edu/admissions. Lamar University has no enrollment quota. Applicants may check their admission status at www.lamar.edu/admissions-status

4. On-Campus Living Requirement for Freshmen

The Board of Regents has established a freshman residency policy that states: "All undergraduate, full-time students (those enrolled in 12 or more semester credit hours) with fewer than 24 earned semester credit hours are required to reside in a University-operated residence hall." Exemptions may be granted for those who 1) reside with a parent, guardian, or another adult relative; 2) are 21 years of age by the first class day; 3) enroll only in evening classes; 4) are married or have dependent children; 5) have a medical exemption signed by a doctor; or 6) have earned 24 or more credit hours.” Official documentation verifying exemptions to this policy may be required by the University Housing Office. Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Cardinal Village Housing Office.

5. Residency Status

A student's state of residency is determined prior to first enrollment in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Texas State Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Detailed information on residency is available at the State website http://www.collegeforalltexans.com or by contacting the Lamar University Admissions Office.

6. New Student Orientation

New student orientation (NSO) is held during the summer months and is designed to acquaint the new students and their families with campus facilities and services.

Students are will complete course registration as a process of NSO but also have the opportunity to meet with their advisor prior to NSO if they prefer. Students may pay tuition and fees at their NSO session. Advance reservations for the summer orientation sessions are required. Details of the program, including dates, cost, and registration, are available on the Lamar University website and are provided to new students after acceptance to the university.

Additional information about NSO can be found at www.lamar.edu/orientation.

7. Undergraduate Advising Center

Freshmen and sophomores with fewer than 60 credit hours and all pre-nursing students are advised in the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC). All other students will meet with advisors within their academic majors. The UAC supports the mission of Lamar University to engage and empower students by providing comprehensive advising that is proactive and personalized. Through the advising process, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to explore and progress towards their academic and life goals. The advising relationship is a partnership and advisors work with students to match their interests with opportunities at Lamar and help them integrate their academic and career plans. The UAC's professional advisors proactively assess and respond to student needs and meet with students throughout each semester to formulate the appropriate plan for student success toward degree completion. UAC advisors help students navigate and connect with the university community through their role as liaisons for major departments and support services.

Additional information about advising can be found at www.lamar.edu/advising.

8. Credit by Examination

Lamar University students may qualify for college credit and/or advanced standing through optional testing programs. Students may qualify for credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Scores must be official and will only be accepted when sent officially from CLEP, AP, or IB sources.

Except for satisfying the course work in residence and the state-mandated American History and American Government requirements, credit earned by examination is equivalent to credit earned by taking the course and may be used to satisfy bachelor's degree requirements as defined in the catalog under "Degree Requirements." CLEP/AP test and score requirements are subject to change without notice. Please note that no more than 30 semester credit hours may be applied toward a bachelor's degree.

1. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Lamar University accepts many of the CLEP subject exams for credit. Lamar University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty (30) hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. No more than thirty (30) hours of credit by examination will be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. The essay sections of the English composition and literature examinations are required, and the final determination for the awarding of equivalent English credit is based on a combination of the written essays and the exam score. Credit will not be awarded by examination to students who have prior credit for the same course or its equivalent. Grades will not be assigned, nor will hours be used, in the computation of grade point averages. Policies are subject to change at any time.

CLEP CREDIT-GRANTING STANDARDS

 

Composition and Literature

CLEP Exam	Credit-granting Score	Credit Hours	Equivalent course(s)
American Literature	50 + essay	3	ENGL 2326
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature	50 + essay	3	ENGL 1302
College Composition Modular	50 + essay	3	ENGL 1301
English Literature	50 + essay	3	ENGL 2310, 2320, or 2322**

*Note: To receive CLEP credit for composition and literature classes, students must achieve the established credit-granting score of 50 (or higher), AND complete the optional essays. All examinees will have six months to complete the essay portion once they have passed the multiple-choice section. If the examinee has not completed the essay portion within this time period, the examinee will have to retake the multiple-choice section of the test. Essays are graded by the Lamar University CLEP Committee. The final determination for awarding of equivalent credit is based solely upon the strength of the written essays. The Lamar University CLEP Committee will score the essays within two to four weeks and send results to the Career and Testing Center. The examinee will receive score results within three to five weeks from the time of exam completion.

**Note: Students will select the course for which they wish to receive credit.

Business

CLEP Exam	Credit-granting Score	Credit Hours	Equivalent course(s)
Financial Accounting	55	6	ACCT 2301 &2302
Information Systems	50	3	COSC 1371*
Introductory Business Law	50	3	BULW 3310
Principles of Management	50	3	MGMT 3310
Principles of Marketing	50	3	MKTG 3310

*Note: A student, after passing the Information Systems CLEP Exam, must demonstrate proficiency on a program or package usage test in the Computer Science Department before they may receive credit for COSC 1371. The Computer Science Department will score the exam within 48 hours and send the results to the Career and Testing Center. The examinee will receive score results within 7 business days of completing the exam.

History and Social Sciences

CLEP Exam	Credit-granting Score	Credit Hours	Equivalent course(s)
American Government	50	3	POLS 2302
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877	50	3	HIST 1301
History of the United States II: 1865 to Present	50	3	HIST 1302
Human Growth and Development	50	3	PSYC 2315
Introduction to Educational Psychology	50	3	PEDG 3320
Introductory Psychology	50	3	PSYC 2301
Introductory Sociology	50	3	SOCI 1301
Principles of Macroeconomics	50	3	ECON 2302
Principles of Microeconomics	50	3	ECON 2301
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648	50	3	HIST 3321
Western Civilization II: 1648 to Present	50	3	HIST 3322

Science and Mathematics

CLEP Exam	Credit-granting Score	Credit Hours	Equivalent Course(s)
Biology	50	6	General Biology*
Calculus	50	3	MATH 2413
Chemistry	50	6	General Chemistry*
College Algebra	50	3	MATH 1314
Pre-Calculus	50	3	MATH 2312

*Note: may not fulfill core lab science requirement

World Languages

CLEP Exam	Credit-granting Score	Credit Hours	Equivalent Course(s)
French Language (Levels 1 & 2)	50 63 75	3 6 9	FREN 1311 FREN 1311 & 1312 FREN 1311, 1312 & 2311
German Language (Levels 1 & 2)	50 63 75	3 6 9	GERM 1311* GERM 1311, 1312* GERM 1311, 1312 & 2311*
Spanish Language (Levels 1 & 2)	50 63 75	3 6 9	SPAN 1311 SPAN 1311 & 1312 SPAN 1311, 1312 & 2311

* will not meet core communication requirements for foreign language

2. Advanced Placement Examinations

Applicants who wish to receive credit for college-level work completed in high school may do so by submitting scores from the College Entrance Examination Board´s Advanced Placement Examinations. Examinations are given each May by high schools. Arrangements are made through high school counselors. Subject matter areas and the basis for granting credits are listed as follows:

AP Exam	Required Score	Number of Credits	Equivalent Course(s)
AP Art History	3	3	ARTS 1303
AP Art, Studio Art: 2-D Design	3	3	ARTS 1311
AP Art, Studio Art: Drawing	3	3	ARTS 1316
AP Biology	3	8	BIOL 1406 1407
AP Calculus AB test	3	3	MATH 1325 or MATH 2413
AP Calculus BC test	3	10	MATH 2312, 2413 and 2414
AP Chemistry	3	4	CHEM 1111 and 1311
AP Chinese Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	3 hours of foreign language 6 hours of foreign language 9 hours of foreign language
AP Comparative Government and Politics	3	3	3 hours of non-advanced elective
AP Computer Science A	3	3	COSC 1336
AP English Language and Composition	3	3	ENGL 1301
AP English Literature and Composition	3	3	ENGL 1302
AP French Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	FREN 1311 FREN 1311 & 1312 FREN 1311, 1312 & 2311
AP German Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	GERM 1311 GERM 1311 & 1312 GERM 1311, 1312 & 2311
AP Italian Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	3 hours of foreign language 6 hours of foreign language 9 hours of foreign language
AP Japanese Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	3 hours of foreign language 6 hours of foreign language 9 hours of foreign language
AP Latin	3 4 5	3 6 9	3 hours of foreign language 6 hours of foreign language 9 hours of foreign language
AP Macroeconomics	3	3	ECON 2301
AP Microeconomics	4	3	ECON 2302
AP Music Theory	5	3	MUTY 1211 & 1116
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism	3	4	PHYS 2426
AP Physics C: Mechanics	3	4	PHYS 2425
AP Psychology	3	3	PSYC 2301
SP Spanish Language and Culture	3 4 5	3 6 9	SPAN 1311 SPAN 1311 & 1312 SPAN 1311, 1312 & 2311
AP Statistics	3	3	MATH 1342
AP United States Government and Politics	3	3	POLS 2302
AP United States History	3	6	HIST 1301 & 1302
AP World History	3	3	HIST 2322

 

3. Advanced Standing Examinations

Advanced Standing Examinations (ASE) for undergraduate courses are intended only for those students who have learned the equivalent, in formal or informal training, of the academic content being presented in the undergraduate course in question. To secure approval for such an examination, a student must obtain the written permission of the department chair and dean of the college in which the course is taught prior to the end of late registration in any long semester or the summer term. A fee of $50 per semester credit hour - which may be changed without notice upon request by the chair and approval of the dean and provost - must be paid in advance of the examination to the Cashier's Office. Application forms are available in the office of each department chair and dean, and a copy is posted on the Academic Affairs website. Advanced Standing Examinations will not be approved for skill courses or graduate courses, and each college and/or department will maintain and post on its website a list of courses (if any) approved for completion through Advanced Standing Examinations. A student may not use the university's  Grade Replacement Policy on an Advanced Standing Examination to improve a course grade. The grade a student earns on an Advanced Standing Examination is awarded for the course (A-F) and will appear on the academic transcript with a notation indicating credit by Advanced Standing Examination. Credit earned through an Advanced Standing Examination is equivalent to credit earned by taking the course, and may be used to satisfy bachelor's degree requirements as defined in the catalog under "Degree Requirements".

The process for gaining approval to take an Advanced Standing Examination in a particular undergraduate course and for completing the examination and receiving a grade is as follows:

1. The student schedules an appointment with the chair of the department in which the course is offered to request credit by the Advanced Standing Examination.
2. The chair informs the student of the existence of CLEP examinations, if appropriate, and the differences between those and the ASE.
3. The student must convince the chair that he/she has the potential to complete successfully an ASE, based upon prior studying/learning, whether formal or informal (documented, if possible). If that is the case, the chair signs the ASE Request Form's tentative approval line (top portion of request form), ensures that the information appearing above his/her signature is complete and accurate, and gives it to the student.
4. If the chair is convinced that the administration of an ASE is appropriate, he/she then seeks a faculty member who is willing to: (a) meet no more than twice with the student to discuss the specific content that the ASE will cover as well as inform the student of the textbook(s) currently used in the course; (b) develop a comprehensive final examination for the course (i.e., the ASE); (c) administer, monitor, and grade the examination; and (d) submit the appropriate course grade (A-F) to the Office of the Registrar in 109 Wimberly Building.
5. In the event that the chair finds a faculty member willing to do the above, the chair contacts and meets again with the student, signs the final approval line of the second section of the ASE Request Form, ensure that the information appearing above the faculty member's signature line is complete and accurate, and returns it to the student.
6. The student must obtain the signature of the faculty member (normally at the meeting described in item 4 above) and the dean, and then takes the signed document to a Teller at the window on the first floor of the Wimberly Building, where he/she pays the fee and obtains a receipt. (Note: the student retains the form and attaches the receipt to it)
7. The student returns to the faculty member and provides him/her with the form and receipt indicating that the fee has been paid, which is the impetus for the creation of the ASE by the faculty member and the establishment of a date and time for the administration of the ASE.
8. The faculty member administers, monitors and grades the ASE submits the grade via memorandum to the Records Office and informs the student (in writing) of the grade awarded.
9. This concludes the process, though a grade can be appealed through the normal Grade Appeal Process.

Online Students

The process for gaining approval for students taking all of their LU courses online is as follows:

1. The student schedules a meeting via telephone or e-mail with the chair of the department in which the course is offered to request credit by the Advanced Standing Examination (ASE). The meeting may be conducted via telephone, video conferencing, or e-mail.
2. The chair informs the student of the existence of CLEP examinations, if appropriate, and the difference between these and the ASE.
3. The student must convince the chair that he/she has the potential to complete successfully an ASE, based upon prior study/learning, whether formal or informal (documented, if possible). If that is the case, the student provides, via e-mail or fax, the Advanced Standing Examination Request Form with the first four lines completed. The chair signs the ASE tentative approval line in the top portion of the request form ensures that the information appearing above his/her signature is complete and accurate, and e-mails or faxes it to the student.
4. The chair then seeks a faculty member who is willing to: (a) meet no more than twice via telephone, video conferencing or e-mail with the student to discuss the specific content that the ASE will cover as well as inform the student of the textbook(s) currently used in the course; (b) develop a comprehensive final examination for the course (i.e., the ASE): (c) administer, monitor, and grade the examination; and (d) submit the appropriate course grade (A-F_ to the Office of the Registrar in 109 Wimberly Building.
5. In the event that the chair finds a faculty member willing to do the above, the chair signs the final approval line of the second section of the ASE Request Form and ensures that the information appearing above the faculty member's signature line is complete and accurate. The chair obtains the signature of the faculty member and the dean, and then sends the form via fax or e-mail to the student, informing him/her that the ASE has been approved and the fee should be paid.
6. The student then contacts Cashiering, pays the fee, and obtains a receipt via either fax or e-mail (see the information relative to contacting Cashiering in the introductory section above).
7. The student meets electronically or by phone with the faculty member after providing him/her with the form and receipt indicating that the fee has been paid, which is the impetus for the creation of the ASE by the faculty member and the establishment of a date and time for the administration of the ASE.
8. The faculty member administers, monitors and grades the ASE submits the grade via memorandum to the Records Office and informs the student (in writing) of the grade awarded. (Note: If the exam is proctored remotely, the student will have to pay an additional fee, determined by the length of the examination, directly to ProctorU. The faculty member will provide the student with instructions as to how to do this.)
9. This concludes the process, though the grade can be appealed through the normal Grade Appeal Process.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

Lamar University recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Students who receive an IB diploma and receive scores of "4" or above on Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) examinations will be awarded a minimum of 24 semester credit hours (See table). Students who have not received an IB diploma may be granted credit on an individual course-by-course basis as determined by the participating academic departments. A copy of the official IB transcript must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to receive transfer credit. All applicable Texas statutes and Lamar University policies must be complied with and are still in effect for course transferability.

International Baccalaureate Program

Examination	Credit-Granting Score	Credit Granted	Equiv. Course
GROUP 1-Language
English	HL	6 hours	ENGL 1301, 1302
	SL	3 hours	ENGL 1301
Extended Essay	A or B	3 hours	ENGL 1302
GROUP 2-Second Language
Spanish	HL	12 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	SPAN 1311, 1312
French	HL	12 hours	FREN 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	FREN 1311, 1312
German	HL	12 hours	GERM 1311, 1312, 2311, 2312
	SL	6 hours	GERM 1311, 1312
GROUP 3-Individuals and Societies
History Europe	HL or SL	3 hours	HIST 3322
History Americas	HL	6 hours	HIST 1301, 1302
	SL	3 hours	HIST 1301
Economics	HL	6 hours	ECON 2301, 2302
	SL	3 hours	ECON 2301
Psychology	HL or SL	3 hours	PSYC 2301
Anthropology	HL or SL	3 hours	ANTH 2351
GROUP 4-Experimental Science
Chemistry	HL	8 hours	CHEM 1411, 1412
	SL	4 hours	CHEM 1411
Biology	HL	8 hours	BIOL 1406, 1407
	SL	4 hours	BIOL 1406
Physics	HL	8 hours	PHYS 1401, 1402
	SL	4 hours	PHYS 1401
GROUP 5-Math and Computer Science
Mathematics	HL	4 hours	MATH 2413
Math Studies	SL	3 hours	MATH 1325
Further Math	SL	3 hours	MATH 1316
Computer Science	HL	6 hours	COSC 1336, 1337
	SL	3 hours	COSC 1336
GROUP 6-Arts
Visual Arts A	HL or SL	3 hours	THEA 1310
Visual Arts B	HL or SL	3 hours	Fine Arts 1301
Music	HL or SL	3 hours	MUSI 1306

9. Admission Requirements for College Transfers

Students who have attended another regionally accredited college or university will be considered for admission to Lamar University under the requirements listed below. Former students of Lamar University, who attend another university, will also have to meet the following transfer admission requirements:

1. Submit a transfer application for admission at http://www.goapplytexas.org/.
2. Submit official transcripts from each college previously attended. This requirement applies regardless of the length of time in attendance and regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. Students will not be allowed to register until all official college transcripts are on file. Failure to disclose previous college attendance is justification for revocation of acceptance and dismissal from Lamar University.
3. Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all work attempted, and be eligible to re-enter all colleges and universities previously attended.
4. Students transferring fewer than 18 semester credit hours must submit an official high school transcript and also meet the above freshman admission criteria.

10. Application Fee

A non-refundable undergraduate application fee of $25.00 is charged to all new undergraduate, first-time-in-college applicants and transfer students. Returning and readmitted students will not be assessed this fee. Concurrently enrolled high school students will not be assessed this fee but will be subject to it upon application as a first-time-in-college students after high school graduation.

Application fee waivers will be granted based upon receipt of The College Board, ACT, or NACAC college application fee waiver requests. Additional needs-based fee waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Contact Admissions for more information.

11. Transfer Credit Evaluation

Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for credit at Lamar University under the following policies:

1. All courses, whether passed, failed or repeated, are used in calculating a transfer grade point average. The transfer grade point average is used solely to determine admission status and is not incorporated into the Lamar University grade point average. NOTE: Transfer work will not be used in determining honors graduation status.
2. "D" grades are transferable, but some Lamar University departments may refuse to count them toward a degree.
3. No lower-division (1000 or 2000 level) college credits will be considered for transfer as upper-division (3000 or 4000) credits. Credits earned toward a baccalaureate degree at a two-year institution granted state authority to award such will be exempted from this policy. Students transferring under this exception must provide a transcript verifying their matriculation in an approved baccalaureate degree program.
4. Acceptance of transfer credit equivalencies to the university does not constitute acceptance to a particular degree program.
5. Transfer students will be informed of the amount of credit that will transfer no later than the end of the first academic term in which they are enrolled.
6. Lamar University utilizes the semester credit hour (SCH) system. institutions not using this system will be converted to SCH prior to transfer evaluation. Course credits awarded are not to exceed the number of SCH earned from the transferring institution. 

Technical Credit

Any Bachelor’s degree may accept Technical Credit toward the degree requirements.  The technical courses within the certificate or degree program MUST be from a regionally accredited institution. No more than 36 technical credit hours can be applied to a degree.

The following conditions must be met:

• Students must have satisfactorily completed the courses (with at least a grade of C in all courses or demonstrated satisfactory performance).
• Students may not apply for credit for the same technical skills through the narrative course process.
• Technical credit may not be substituted for upper-division courses.

Transfer of Military Credit

Credit may be granted for military experience. Credit will be evaluated based on the evaluation recommendations outlined in the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services manual. Students must submit one of the following documents:

For veteran service members: Form DD214 or Form DD256, providing honorable discharge, as well as their military transcript (SMART for Navy, Marine Corps; Coast Guard Institute for Coast Guard; AARTS for Army; and CCAF for Air Force).

For active duty service members: Current military ID or other documents proving active duty status, and their military transcript (SMART for Navy, Marine Corps; Coast Guard Institute for Coast Guard; AARTS for Army; and CCAF for Air Force).

12. Academic Fresh Start

Applicants seeking transfer admission or readmission, and who have academic credits or grades that were earned ten or more years prior to the semester in which enrollment is sought, may elect to seek entry under the terms of Academic Fresh Start. Under this policy, the applicant must be a Texas Resident and may petition Lamar University not to consider in the admission process and in the calculation of GPA, course credits or grades earned 10 years or prior. Applicants seeking entry under this section will not receive any credit for any courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. Applicants applying under Academic Fresh Start are subject to all standard admission and testing criteria applicable to persons seeking admission. Application for Academic Fresh Start can be found here and must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for review.

13. Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-division Courses

The following procedures shall be followed in the resolution of credit transfer disputes involving lower-division courses:

1. If Lamar University does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the university shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied. The university shall also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses at the request of the sending institution.
2. A student who receives notice as specified in item (1) of this section may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
3. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and guidelines.
4. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Texas Commissioner of Higher Education of its denial and the reasons for the denial.

The Commissioner of Higher Education or the commissioner´s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the relevant student and institutions.

14. Readmission for Former Students

Students who have not returned within one full academic year from their last enrollment term, must reapply to Lamar University and meet readmission criteria. Students returning less than one full academic year from the last enrollment term may return to Lamar University without needing to reapply for admission and should contact their academic advisor. Exceptions include students who did not successfully complete ​conditional admission requirements. These students must reapply to Lamar University after completing the terms required to return, even if their lapse in enrollment is less than one academic year.

15. Transient (visiting student) Admissions

16. International Undergraduate Admission

Regular Admission is offered to students who meet all university, departmental, and language proficiency admission requirements.

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Freshman: If you are an international student who has never been enrolled at a post-secondary college or university, you must submit all required documents and show evidence of a cumulative 2.5-grade point average on all secondary school work.

Undergraduate Transfer from US Institutions: An international student who is currently enrolled at an accredited US college or university, and wishes to transfer to Lamar University must meet one of the following criteria:

0-17 Credit hours: Must provide evidence of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (CPGA) on all post-secondary school work. Must provide proof of English Language Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS testing which must meet Lamar’s English Proficiency standards.

18-48 Credit hours: Must provide evidence of a 2.5 CGPA and proof of English Language Proficiency. English Proficiency requirement may be waived with proof of completion of Comp I and Comp II with a grade of “B” or better on a 4.0-grade scale; or completion of 48 credit hours with a 2.5 CPGA.

Over 48 Credit hours: 2.0 CGPA and English Proficiency requirements are waived.

Undergraduate Transfer from non-US institutions: An international student transferring from a non-US Institution must meet one of the following criteria:

0-48 Credit hours: Must provide evidence of a 2.5 CGPA on all post-secondary school work. Must provide proof of English Language Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS testing which must meet Lamar’s English Proficiency standards.

Over 48 Credit hours: 2.0 CGPA. Must provide proof of English Language Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS testing which must meet Lamar’s English Proficiency standards.

How to Apply

Please use your name as it appears on your passport on your application and on all other communication with Lamar University

1. Submit Application. All international applicants should submit online applications through the Apply Texas system. International Freshman applicants should submit the International Freshman Application. International Transfer applicants should submit the International Transfer Application.

2. Submit Official Evaluation of Transcripts. International Undergraduate applicants must have an official report of course-by-course evaluated transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary work sent to Lamar University directly by the evaluating agency. Lamar University does not provide an internal evaluation service, and you do not need to send official transcripts to our office.  These agencies may deliver your evaluation by email at LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu, or to the mailing address listed below.

Lamar University
International Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 10009
Beaumont, TX 77710

3. Submit Admission Test Scores (Optional). International Freshman and International Transfer applicants who have taken the SAT and/or ACT, should have those scores issued to Lamar University directly by the testing agency.

4. Provide Proof of English Language Proficiency. International applicants, both undergraduate and graduate, must provide proof of English language proficiency through scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. 

English Proficiency Requirements

	Regular Admission
TOEFL Internet-Based Total	71
TOEFL Computer-Based Total	197
TOEFL Paper-Based Total	527
IELTS Total	6.0
Duolingo	95

Admission Status

After application materials have been received, the Office of Admissions will send the applicant an e-mail with a student identification number and a notice of any missing materials. This ID number, along with the applicant's birth date, can be used to Check Admission Status online.

 

English Waiver Criteria

English requirements will be waived for students who:

• Are from an English waiver country
• Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school from an English waiver country
• Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school, taught in English
• Have completed a level 112 of Intensive English at a U.S. institution
• Have completed English Composition I and II, or the equivalent, from an accredited US institution with a grade of "B" or better on a 4.0 scale
  
  

Admissions Questions

If you have questions regarding your admission, please contact International Undergraduate Admissions at internationaladmissions@lamar.edu.

After Acceptance

Upon receiving a letter of acceptance, students must submit the following documents to internationaladmissions@lamar.edu for I-20 issuing:

• Copy of your passport
• Financial statement

Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).  Unless exempt, students must take the TSI Assessment to determine their readiness for college-level work before being advised and registering for classes. Exemptions from TSI testing include qualifying SAT, ACT, or TAKS scores. To verify exemption or testing requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions at (409) 880-7217 or tsi@lamar.edu. Contact  Career and Professional Development to register for the TSI Assessment.

Before attending on-campus classes, students who are under age 22 must either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet specific criteria for declining a vaccination. Get more information on complying with this requirement pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 1107.

Mailing Documents

Official documents can be sent to the appropriate address below:

Lamar University Undergraduate Admissions PO Box 10009 Beaumont, TX 77710

By Courier Lamar University Office of Admissions 211 Redbird Lane Beaumont, TX 77710

Acceptance Notices

Acceptance notices are issued to the email address listed on the ApplyTexas Application shortly after the required admission credentials are received.

Application Deadlines

Applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to allow time for visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which may have wait times of days or weeks.

Fall (August) Priority Deadline: April 15, Final Deadline: July 1

Spring (January) Priority Deadline: Sept. 1, Final Deadline: Dec 1

Summer (June) Priority Deadline: Jan. 15, Final Deadline: April 15

Application Fee

A non-refundable undergraduate application fee of $75.00 is charged to all new undergraduate, first-time-in-college applicants and transfer students, returning and readmitted.

17. Early Admission Programs

Lamar University offers many opportunities for qualified students who wish to attend college while still in high school. The credit earned can be applied to degree programs at Lamar or transferred to other colleges and universities in accordance with the transfer policies of the degree-granting institution. In some instances, students may simultaneously receive credit for both high school and college courses.

Dual Credit – Dual Credit - Through dual credit courses, students earn college credit while also satisfying high school graduation requirements. Credit earned can be applied to degree programs at Lamar or transferred to other colleges and universities in accordance with the transfer policies of the degree-granting institution. Assignment of dual high school credit is the responsibility of the high school and the student. Students

seeking dual credit for earned college hours must contact their high school for specific high school requirements.

Program Types

LEAP (Lamar Early Access Program) - These courses are taught by high school teachers on the high school campus. The teacher must hold a Master’s degree in the discipline of the dual credit course(s) being taught or a Master’s degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline of the course(s) being taught. Instructors of LEAP courses are paid by the high school/district at which they teach, but since their course will result in university credit for students, they must also complete a Lamar University hiring packet.

LIS (Lamar Instructors in Schools) - Per high school or district request and pending availability of instructors, Lamar will send faculty to high school campuses to teach dual credit courses.

Online Dual Credit Courses - Online courses are taught by Lamar University faculty. High school students enrolled in online dual credit courses should be provided with access to computers during the school day/week in a computer lab or setting that is supervised by a high school teacher or staff member.

Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) (Dual Credit) – The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) is an early college entrance residential honors program created by the Texas Legislature that allows academically qualified high school-aged students in the state to earn university credits towards a college degree. Students are considered full-time university students. Students live on campus and enroll in a full-time university curriculum. Graduates of TALH are awarded a diploma from the Academy. The typical TALH graduate will earn 60 hours of college credit after two years of study. Required for admission are academic transcripts from the 8th grade to date, a minimum SAT composite score (550 on the critical reading and 500 on the math portions), an autobiographical essay, and at least two recommendations from teachers/administrators familiar with the student´s abilities and character. The successful candidate will have a superior academic record and SAT score and supporting application materials evidencing the personal integrity, sense of responsibility, and level of maturity requisite for success in the program. Tuition and fees are fully subsidized 15 credit hours. Applicants are strongly urged to submit their applications for the fall semester by March 31. Additional information is available by contacting the program director at (409) 839-2995.

Dual Credit Admission Requirements:

Applicants for early admissions programs must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete an application for admission at www.goapplytexas.org
2. Submit high school counselor approval to the Lamar University Dual Credit Coordinator
3. Submit official high school transcript
4. submit SAT, PSAT, ACT or PLAN scores

AND

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Compliance.

Students must meet one of the following:

a. Be exempt from TSI. Test scores that exempt a student from THEA are SAT Composite Score—1070 (with a minimum of 500 Verbal and 500 Math) ACT Composite Score—23 (with minimum of 19 Verbal and 19 Math) TAKS—2200 Math; 2200 English; Writing 3 or higher; STAAR EOC Level-II Final Scale score in Algebra II or English III.

OR

b. Meet Lamar University standards on an appropriate TSI placement test as described at https://www.lamar.edu/center-for-college-readiness/.

Prior to being enrolled, achieve TSI scores listed below: The selection of courses is determined on the basis of the student´s high school background, the recommendation of the high school counselor, and the assessment of the Lamar University academic advisor. These classes generate college credit. Any use of these credits toward high school graduation is at the discretion of the high school and must be approved by the high school prior to enrollment at Lamar.

Course Number	Course Title	Official TSI Score Required
Communication 1315	Public Speaking I	351 Reading and 363/5 Writing
Economics 2302	Principles of Economics II	351 Reading and 363/5 Writing
English 1301	Composition I	351Reading and 363/5 Writing
English 1302	Composition II	351Reading and 363/5 Writing
English 2320	British Literature	351Reading and 363/5 Writing
English 2326	American Literature	351Reading and 363/5 Writing
English 2331	World Literature	351Reading and 363/5 Writing
History 1301	US History I	351Reading
History 1302	US History II	351Reading
Math 1314	College Algebra	350Math
Math 2413	Calculus I	350Math
Political Science 2301	American Government I	351Reading

18. Required Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Testing

Texas law (the Texas Success Initiative–TSI) mandates that all Texas public institutions of higher education shall assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student´s readiness to enroll in entry-level freshman academic coursework with or without a foundational co-requisite course. To identify and provide diagnostic information about the reading, writing, and mathematics skills of each student, the Lamar University Testing Center administers the College Board Texas Success Initiative Assessment. This assessment is widely available elsewhere in the state, and students may test at any convenient testing center as allowed by that local canter. For more information, contact Lamar University's Career and Professional Development Center at (409) 880-8878 or through our website at https://www.lamar.edu/career-and-testing-services/index.html.

ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ADMITTED TO LAMAR UNIVERSITY WHO DO NOT MEET A TSI EXEMPTION MUST TAKE THE STATE-REQUIRED TSI ASSESSMENT. LU MUST RECEIVE SCORES FROM THE TSI ASSESSMENT BEFORE STUDENTS CAN BE ADVISED AND REGISTERED FOR COURSE WORK.

Exemptions/Exceptions: Students shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment, shall not be required to provide any additional demonstration of college readiness, and shall be allowed to enroll in any entry-level freshman course under the following conditions:

1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:

A. ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test and/or the mathematics test shall be exempt for those corresponding sections;

B. SAT-Scholastic Assessment Test administered on or after March 5, 2016: a minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. There is no combined or total score.

1. STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the English III EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment for both reading and writing and a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for the mathematics section.

2. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

3. A student who transfers to a Texas public institution from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework of at least six (6) equivalent credit hours (3 algebra, 3 designated reading/writing-intensive courses) with a grade of "C" or better.

4. A student who has previously attended any Texas public institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution as indicated on the student´s official transcript from the sending institution. For students meeting non-Algebra intensive readiness standards in mathematics, institutions may choose to require additional preparatory coursework/interventions for Algebra intensive courses. It is the institution’s responsibility to ensure that students are clearly informed of the consequences of successful completion of a mathematics pathways model that results in meeting the mathematics college readiness standards only for specific entry-level freshman mathematics courses.

5. A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

6. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

Waivers

1. A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

2. Lamar University provides waivers to non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking students.

Minimum Passing Standards.

19. Advisement and Plan for Academic Success

For each student who is not exempted from Texas Success Initiative (TSI) or who fails to meet college-level thresholds on the TSI Assessment, Lamar University's Undergraduate Advising Center's personnel will:

• Advise students regarding necessary courses to ensure successful performance of freshman-level academic coursework.
  • Determine a plan, working with the student, for academic success, which shall include foundational coursework and may include provisions for enrollment in appropriate non-foundational coursework. Each plan for academic success shall:
    • Utilize a holistic approach to identify the best coursework path for each student.
      • Academic advisors will use scores on the TSI Assessment in conjunction with high school performance and coursework, prior college coursework, non-cognitive factors, family-life issues, and discussion with the student to determine the best course placement.
    • Be designed on an individual basis to provide the best opportunity for each student to succeed in performing freshman-level academic coursework.
    • Provide the student a description of any foundational co-requisite coursework considered necessary to ensure the student is supported in their freshman-level academic courses.

For more information about the Texas Success Initiative or course placement, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Center at (409) 880-8822.

20. Admissions Appeals

Prospective undergraduate students who receive an admissions review or a rejection letter from Lamar University are eligible to appeal their admissions decisions by following the appeals process. 

2. Student Financial Aid and Awards

Lamar University is committed to helping students attain their educational goals and expand their opportunities. Financial Aid is monetary assistance to help with costs associated with attendance at Lamar University. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment is available to qualified students. Information regarding programs, policies, rules, regulations and eligibility criteria may be obtained from the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA), Wimberly Bldg. Room 200, (409) 880-8450 or https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/.  Any questions regarding scholarships may be sent to scholarships@lamar.edu.
Students must be admitted into a degree-seeking or eligible certificate program and meet all other requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education to be eligible for federal financial assistance.  More information regarding eligibility requirements may be viewed at https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/.

1. When to Apply

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and related documents should be completed by February 1st to meet the priority deadline for the following academic year. OSFA will begin emailing notifications of awards in late spring. All emails are sent to students' LU email accounts.  The university will continue to award student assistance if funds are available. The most desirable types of assistance are normally expended early; therefore, students should make every effort to meet the February 1st deadline.

2. How to Apply

STEP 1

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by applying online at www.fafsa.gov. Using prior-prior year income tax information, students need to complete a new FAFSA the first year and a renewal FAFSA in subsequent years. The student and one of his/her biological parents can speed up the process by obtaining an FSA ID to be able to sign the application. An FSA ID can be obtained at https://fsaid.ed.gov/. Make sure to list Lamar University, school code 003581, when completing the FAFSA. The student will receive an acknowledgment from the U.S. Department of Education upon receipt.

STEP 2

Once a student’s electronic information is received by Lamar University, OSFA may request additional documentation before the student is awarded. Once the student has been admitted to Lamar University, he/she can log into his/her self-service banner account online and view what documents OSFA is requesting. Often the request will include the student’s and, if applicable, parent’s tax return information from the tax year requested on the FAFSA.  Students are encouraged to use the IRS data retrieval tool on the FAFSA. Additional documentation may be requested to complete the verification process.  For faster processing, students are encouraged to upload required documents through their Self-Service Banner account.

STEP 3

Once OSFA has received, reviewed and verified all the requested paperwork,  students will be awarded grants (if available and applicable) and loans for which they are eligible. During this process, OSFA will also re-evaluate the student’s academic progress. If a student is not meeting Lamar University's Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, then financial assistance will be put on hold and the student will be notified. Students will have an opportunity to appeal, if they are not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, by submitting documentation to OSFA. Students should make sure that all necessary documentation is submitted and fully explains why academic standards were not met.

STEP 4

Once financial aid has been awarded, grants (if applicable), will automatically be accepted on behalf of the student.  If the student was awarded loans and would like to receive these funds, he/she will need to accept them on Self-Service Banner. Students who accept loans will need to complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov. Students must completely follow all instructions to receive all awarded financial assistance.

Parents wishing to request a PLUS loan will complete the PLUS application and PLUS Master Promissory Note at www.studentloans.gov by logging in with parent information. Once the Office of Financial Aid receives approval for the PLUS loan the funds will be awarded to the student and he/ she must accept the award on Self-Service Banner.
Graduate students requesting a Graduate PLUS loan must complete the PLUS application and PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentloans.gov. If approved and awarded, the loan must be accepted on the self-service banner account.

STEP 5

Provided a student has registered during the priority registration time frame and all processing is complete, the money will be disbursed to the student’s account no sooner than 10 days before classes begin. Any residual money (refund) will be disbursed to students through the Cardinal One Card by the Cashiers’ Office. Note: Students are initially awarded grants, work-study, and loans based on full-time enrollment (undergraduates–12 hours, graduates–9 hours) If enrolled less than full-time, financial aid may be reduced.  If grant money has been reduced, a student may not be able to receive additional grant money if he adds classes after financial aid has already been reduced.   If a student adds classes after loans have been reduced due to enrollment status an Additional Loan Worksheet may be required if the student wishes to have the loan amount increased based on his/her new enrollment status. Enrollment in at least 6 hours as an undergraduate and 5 hours as a graduate is required for loans and most grants.  Prior to Lamar University releasing funds, OSFA will check the number of class hours in which a student is enrolled, satisfactory academic progress, default status, and if a student has completed the entrance counseling and MPN requirement.   Any student who withdraws during the first 60 percent of the semester may have grant/ loan funds returned to the DOE. This return may leave the student with a balance owed to Lamar University. Also, the student may be required to pay grant funds back to the Department of Education.  There is no exception to this rule, and students cannot appeal this decision to Lamar University.

Deferred Payments

Lamar University’s Cashier’s Office provides a Deferment Payment program for students in need. Those interested in deferred payments should contact (409) 880-8390.

Employment

Employment opportunities under the Federal College Work-Study Program and other employment programs of the university are available to LU students. The university, local businesses, and industry partners provide a number of part-time jobs that enable students to earn part or all of their expenses while attending the university. Students may visit lamar.edu/jobs for information on job opportunities.

TO CHECK THE PROGRESS OF YOUR STUDENT LOANS/GRANTS ONLINE

1. Go to Self Service Banner and Log In.
2. Look under the "Financial Aid" tab. Under this title, you will see various links that provide information concerning your financial aid account.

TO DOWNLOAD STUDENT FINANCIAL AID FORMS

1. Go to the Financial Aid Website at  https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid
2. Click on "Forms"

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Students must first be accepted to Lamar University before Financial Aid can be reviewed and awarded
• The priority date for submitting all documents required for financial aid awards is February 1st.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress must be maintained in order to continue to receive financial aid.
• Lamar University will not automatically award or process any loans for individuals who have defaulted on their student loans. Students submitting documentation that the defaulted loan has been repaid or satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made may be considered for grants and work-study. The letter (from the respective guaranty agency) must also state that the student is now eligible for further financial aid.

3. Scholarships

Lamar University scholarship programs dedicate substantial financial resources to assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are awarded competitively, based upon such criteria as; academic achievement, standardized test scores, class rank and grade point averages. Other factors such as academic major, demonstrated leadership ability and specialized skills (athletics, marching band, art, music, dance) also may be considered in awarding scholarships. The review process begins in October for the following academic year.  Entering freshmen and transferring college students are encouraged to apply early.  For priority consideration for most Lamar University scholarships, apply no later than February 1 each year although some scholarship opportunities require earlier deadlines. Deadlines for application as well as information on individual scholarships is available online at www.lamar.edu/myscholarships.

Applying for Scholarships

To apply for Lamar University scholarships, both new and continuing students should submit applications online at lamar.edu/myscholarships, the Lamar University online scholarship application management system.  New students must first apply for admission to the University and at that time will receive a username and password for entry into Lamar electronic services.  Current students use their existing LU electronic credentials to log into the scholarship application site.  Academic transcripts (high school and/or college) must be submitted to the University Admissions Office. Beginning freshman applicants must submit SAT or ACT test scores with the Lamar University Admissions Office.  Transcript and test score information is automatically matched to each individual scholarship application.

 1. Minimum Qualifications

Scholarship awards to entering freshmen are determined by applicants' high school academic records, scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT), leadership, and high school class rank. Scholarships awarded to transferring college students consider, grade point average, the number of semester credit hours earned and major field of study Scholarship awards to continuing students are determined by their cumulative grade point average as well as displayed leadership abilities.

Some scholarships require that financial eligibility be established through the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible for federal educational aid, the student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
2. Possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school (Note: Students who graduate from home schools or unaccredited high schools must submit passing ACT or GED scores);
3. Be admitted to Lamar University; and
4. In the case of continuing students, meet reasonable academic progress standards.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)—Students receiving aid must maintain a 2.00 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Students must also complete 67 percent of the hours they attempt and earn their first degree within 150 percent of the published hours required to earn the degree.

2. Policy Regarding Competitive Scholarships

Competitive scholarships are awarded under the authority of the Lamar University Scholarship Committee, or other University committees specifically authorized by the Lamar University administration to commit scholarship funds. Students applying for academic scholarships administered through the university should complete the Lamar University Scholarship Application. Students seeking scholarships related to specific skills or areas of study should contact the university department in that specific area of interest.

3. Selection Factors

Scholarships offered through the Lamar University Scholarship Committee are awarded on a competitive basis. The application process is open to all potential and current students. Scholarships may be awarded to graduating high school seniors, transfer students, or currently enrolled Lamar University students. Factors indicating academic achievement used in determining recipients of competitive scholarships include 1) class ranking and/or grade point averages; 2) standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, or GRE; 3) previous high school and/or college academic transcripts; 4) academic awards, honors, or achievements; and 5) academic major. Displayed leadership abilities and participation in extracurricular activities are used as secondary factors.

Competitive scholarships are also awarded by university programs for students showing demonstrated abilities and prior successful participation in such areas as music, writing, art, dance, or athletics. Factors in the awarding of competitive skill-based scholarships include an evaluation by faculty and/or staff in each specific area. Evaluations may be based on, but are not limited to, video, film, audiotape, auditions, student-created works, or personal observations of student performance by university faculty or staff.

4. Waiver of Non-Resident Fees

Students receiving competitive academic scholarships of $1,000 or more may be exempt from the payment of nonresident tuition rates. To be eligible for this waiver the scholarship must meet all institutional requirements of competitive awards and comply with all rules governing tuition rates and waivers as established by the State of Texas.

5. Valedictorians

Valedictorians from accredited high schools of Texas are entitled to an exemption from payment of tuition and laboratory fees for the two regular semesters immediately following graduation. Other fees are not exempt. Upon registration, valedictorians should submit the "Highest Ranking Graduate Certificate" to the Student Financial Aid Office so that the appropriate fee adjustment can be made.

6. Students with Physical Disabilities (Vocational Rehabilitation)

The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and non-refundable fees to students who have certain types of disabilities, provided their vocational objectives have been approved by a TRC counselor. Examples of such conditions are orthopedic disabilities, emotional disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc. Other services also are available to assist students with disabilities to become employable. Application for such service should be made at the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Beaumont District Office, 5550 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas, 77701, (409) 898-3988.

7. Hazlewood Exemption

The purpose of the Hazlewood Exemption is to provide an education benefit to Texas veterans who received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans.

Eligibility is for Veterans who a) were, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas residents; b) designated Texas as Home of Record or entered the service in Texas; c) served at least 181 days of active military duty; and d) have no federal benefits dedicated to the semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits (such as Ch 33 Post 9/11 or Ch 31 Voc Rehab). These veterans must be a) current Texas residents, b) not in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas, and c) enrolled in classes for which the college receives tax support.

Qualifying Veterans may transfer their unused Hazlewood benefits to their biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or dependent in the current or previous tax year. The child must be a Texas resident and 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester.

The children and/or spouse of qualifying Texas Veterans (who were members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas National Guard or Texas Air National Guard) are entitled to Hazlewood if the parent or spouse died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of service-related injury or illness. The children and/or spouses must be current Texas residents.

Further information and applications may be found at http://www.tvc.texas.gov or through the Lamar University Veterans Affairs Office at (409) 880-8998 or https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/veterans-affairs/index.html.

8. Release of Records

All records (applications and need analysis documents) submitted by a third party become the property of Lamar University and cannot be released to another institution or the student. Prior to processing, items submitted by the student may be returned upon the student's written request. Parental income tax information may be returned upon the written request of the parent. A minimum of five days may be required to complete the return of the requested items. Once the application has been processed, all items must be maintained for audit purposes and cannot be released.

9. Tuition Rebates for Certain Undergraduates

Certain students entering higher education for the first time in fall 1997 or later may be eligible for a $1,000 tuition rebate granted at the time of graduation. Specific details of this program are available from the Registrar, at Registrar@lamar.edu. To be eligible to apply for this rebate, students must meet all the following conditions:

1. Enroll in higher education for the first time in the fall of 1997 or later.
2. Work toward a first baccalaureate degree.
3. Attempt all courses at a Texas state institution and have been entitled to pay resident tuition rates at all times of enrollment.
4. Graduate within four calendar years for a four-year degree or five calendar years for a five-year degree, if enrolled for the first time in fall 2005 or later.
5. Attempt no more than three hours more than the minimum number of semester credit hours to complete the degree under the Lamar University General Catalog from which they graduated. Hours attempted include transfer credits, course credit earned by examination (the first nine hours do not apply), courses dropped after the official census date, for-credit college readiness courses, optional internship and cooperative education courses, and passed, failed or repeated courses. Co-enrolled courses taken as a high school student do not count toward these total hours.
6. Apply to the Office of the Registrar during the semester in which the student applies for graduation.

Dispute Resolution

A student must write a request that they are appealing a Tuition Rebate decision to the Registrar's Office, within 30 days after commencement or 30 days following the date of notification that they were ineligible (whichever comes first). A Tuition Rebate Committee (composed of representation from the Offices of the Registrar, the Bursar, Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Dean of the relevant college) will review all appeals within five working days of the request. The committee will notify the student in writing of their decision. Students may appeal all decisions made by the tuition Rebate committee to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.

10. Refunds

For those students withdrawing from the university and who are receiving or have received financial aid(grants, loans, scholarships), all or a portion of the refund will be returned to the appropriate financial assistance source. Recipients in attendance at Lamar University for the first time and who withdraw prior to the 60% point in the semester will have refunds calculated according to the Pro-Rata Refund Schedule listed below. All other applicable refunds will be calculated according to the Refund Policy as outlined in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.

Pro-Rata Refund Schedule

Fall, Spring or Summer Full Term Semesters

1. Prior to the first class day, 100%
2. During the first week, 80%
3. During the second week, 70%
4. During the third week, 50%
5. During the fourth week, 25%
6. During the fifth week, 0%

Summer Session and Half Term Semesters

1. Prior to the first class day, 100%
2. During class days 1-3, 80%
3. During class days 4-6, 50%
4. After the 6th class day, 0%

For dates relevant to refunds during accelerated online courses, see the LU Online Calendar.

In allocating the refund to specific programs, Lamar University will practice a "Fixed Priority Allocation." The listing below indicates the priority in which programs will be refunded. The full amount received under each program is returned in priority order until the refund amount is exhausted. The amount returned to a specific program cannot exceed the amount the student received from that program. Refunds due to the Department of Education (DOE) for Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans will be refunded directly to the DOE. The Director of Student Financial Aid may exercise professional judgment in exceptions to the distribution hierarchy policy.

Refund Priority

Federal Pell Grant

Federal SEOG

Federal Perkins Loan

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Federal PLUS Loan

Policy Regarding Referrals of Suspected Fraud or Criminal Misconduct

If an applicant is suspected of participating in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the application for Title IV, HEA program assistance, the information will be referred to the appropriate university, state, and/or federal authorities. These authorities may include but are not limited to, the following: University Discipline Officer, University Police, Beaumont Police and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.

3. Fees and Expenses

Lamar University reserves the right to change fees in keeping with acts of the Texas Legislation and rules and regulations of the Texas State University System. By registering for classes at the university, the student agrees to abide by all the policies of the university.

1. Payment of Fees

A student is not registered until all fees have been paid in full or the student has been approved to be enrolled in the Deferment Plan or Installment Plan (if available).

Payment may be made by check, Mastercard/Discover/AMEX/VISA (online only), money order, currency or financial assistance (exemptions, loans, grants, and scholarships). Checks and money orders should be made payable to Lamar University and will be accepted subject to final payment. The university will not accept counter checks, postdated checks, credit card checks, or altered checks. Excess payments will be refunded through the student's Cardinal One card at the discretion of the university. Students on a "cash only" basis will be restricted to paying by MasterCard/Discover/AMEX/VISA, money orders, currency, or financial assistance. Payments can be made:

1. Checks, money orders, cash and debit card payments may be made at the Cashier’s office during working hours.
2. On the Internet at https://www.lamar.edu/pay.
3. Mailed to the Payment Center at P.O. Box 10183, Beaumont, TX 77710.

Students who are delinquent on obligations will be prohibited from registering for class until all obligations are paid in full. Also, holds are placed on academic records so that students cannot obtain transcripts until all obligations are paid in full.

Delinquent obligations to the university will be sent to a collection agency and reported to credit bureaus. All costs of collections are paid by the student, which is generally an additional 33.333 percent of the student's obligations to the university. Delinquent accounts must be paid at the collection agency. Payment cannot be accepted by Lamar University if the account has been forwarded to a collection agency.

Deferment Plan Payments

Deferment payments are available for qualified students who are unable to pay by the posted due dates. Students may apply for the Deferment Plan online at https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/cashier-payment-options.html or at the Cashier’s Department in the Wimberly Building. Once approved, the plan will be posted to your account and you will not be dropped from your courses

Installment Payment Program

This plan is offered during the Fall and Spring terms only. A down payment of 25% is due at the time of enrollment into the payment plan. Three equal installments of the remaining balance will be due before the end of the term. A $20 non-refundable enrollment fee is assessed for enrollment into this plan and $15 late fees will be applied if installment payments are not paid on time.  For more information on the details of this payment plan, please visit https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/cashier-payment-options.html. 
Note: Installment plans will NOT be posted to your account until a 25% payment is made.

2. Summary of Registration Expenses

Each student must plan a budget carefully. The following web page is provided to determine the approximate cost of attendance.

https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/index.html

* Tuition and fees vary from semester to semester and vary with the semester hours carried so the total may differ from this estimate.

Summaries of Fees

The following are "Summaries of Fees" that can be used in estimating total tuition and fee charges. The total amount of these fees is typical of other state universities in Texas though specific fees will vary from university to university. Note that these do not include course fees, and it is assumed the student is enrolled only at Lamar University.

https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/index.html

3. Tuition

Tuition has two components: the portion set by the State (conventional tuition) and the portion set by the Board of Regents regulated by State statutes (local tuition). By State statute, both of these items must be billed together and called "tuition." The State portion (conventional tuition) is based on the number of hours for which the student registers and is determined by the student's classification as a Texas resident or a non-Texas resident. The Admissions Office determines legal residence for tuition purposes on the basis of statutes of the State of Texas. State tuition is remitted to the State by the university. The local tuition portion is assessed to support university debt service and other university functions that are not supported by state funding. Approximately 70 percent of this fee is used to finance debt services. Other items supported by this fee include the post office, print shop, supply center, cashiering, and other institutional support functions. The current rate is $209.49 per semester hour. Thus, the combined conventional and local tuition rate is $259.49 per semester hour. For an overview of the total current costs of attendance, see Summary of Registration Expenses above.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is set by the Board of Regents and is assessed to support the Graduate Studies program. The current graduate tuition is $100 per hour.

Determining Residence Status

Texas law specifies that if there is any question as to the student's right to classification as a resident of Texas, it is the student's responsibility to (1) have his or her classification officially determined and (2) to register under the proper classification. Students are classified as resident, nonresident, or foreign for tuition purposes according to state statutes (Title 3, Texas Education Code) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and regulations interpreting these statutes. These statutes, rules and regulations are available from the Office of Admissions Services in the John Gray Center, Building A. Questions should be directed to that office.

Tuition for Undergraduate Students with Excessive Credit Hours

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 345 (1999), Section 61.0595 of the Education Code establishes that if a resident undergraduate student earns credit hours that exceed by at least 45 hours the number of credit hours required by a degree program, Lamar University will not receive state funding for those hours. The university will, therefore, charge the student the rate charged to non-resident students. For example, a degree program requires 120 semester credit hours, but a resident undergraduate student enrolls in 166 credit hours. The student is charged the resident rate for 120 plus 45 hours, totaling 165, but the student is charged the non-resident rate for any hours exceeding 165.

An undergraduate student who is not enrolled in a degree program is considered to be enrolled in a degree program requiring a minimum of 120 semester credit hours.

This law does not apply to a student enrolled in 1) two or more baccalaureate degree programs at the same time, 2) a double-major degree program that requires 130 or more semester credits for completion, or 3) a health professional baccalaureate degree program.

The following credits are not counted for purposes of determining whether the student has previously earned the number of semester credit hours specified above 1) semester credit hours earned by the student before receiving a baccalaureate degree that has been previously awarded to the student, 2) semester credit hours earned by the student by examination or under any other procedure by which credit is earned without registering for a course for which tuition is charged, 3) credit for a remedial education course, a technical course, a work-force education course funded according to to contact hours or another course that does not count toward a degree program at the institution, or 4) semester credit hours earned by the student at a private institution or an out-of-state institution.

These provisions do not affect any students who initially enrolled as undergraduate students in any institution of higher education before the fall 1999 semester. For additional information, contact the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Operations.

4. Fees

Course Fees

Some courses have additional fees associated with them. Students should always check with the department offering the class to see what additional fees will be assessed. Most course fees are also listed in the class schedule.

Student Service Fee

The student service fee supports student activities such as athletics, recreational sports, the University Press, and other student services. The current rate is $23.75 per hour with a maximum of $250.

Setzer Student Center Fee

This fee supports the Setzer Student Center and its programs. The current rate is $100 per long semester and $35 per summer/mini session.

Health Center Fee

The Health Center Fee supports the student Health Center and is $38 per long semester and $19 per summer/mini session.

Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center Fee

This fee supports the recreational sports center. The current rate is $77.00 per long semester and $38 per summer session.

Technology Service Fee

This fee supports institutional technology services across campus. The current rate is $30 per hour.

Library Use Fee

This fee is used to support the library. As every course (including online and remote courses) is given the mandate to use the library, all students are charged this fee. The current rate is $16 per hour.

Distance Learning Fee

A charge of up to $50 per semester credit hour of instruction will be charged to students enrolled in courses offered by means of distance learning.

Athletic Fee

A charge of $10.58 per credit hour to support the athletic program.

Cardinal One Card Fee

This fee is used for administrative costs of the Cardinal One card, which replaces the student ID, and provides a means to issue refunds to students.  The charge is $15.00 per semester and $8.00 per summer session.

Records Fee

The Records Fee would provide the student with five transcripts each year and cover those administrative costs.  The charge is $15.00 per semester and $8.00 per summer session.

Center for Academic Success Fee

This fee is to support the Center for Academic Success in advising, mentoring, and retention of the students.  The fee is $55.00 per semester and $27.00 per summer session.

Late Registration Fee

A charge of $10 is made for late registration or for paying after the start of the semester (not including the second or third payments under the installment plan).

Reinstatement Fee

A student seeking reinstatement to the university after withdrawing from the university without paying the full amount of tuition and fees due, or after having been denied credit for work done for failure to pay an installment payment or late payment fee, shall pay a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to past due installment payments and late payment fees.

Private Lessons in Voice and Instrumental Music

Applied music courses (per semester hour) $50.00. Maximum $150 per course.

Parking Fee

Charges for parking on campus are made at registration. Automobile registration fees are as follows: fall semester, $60; spring semester, $40; summer, $20. Only one registration is required during an academic year, and a student's parking fee is honored until the end of Summer Session II.

 

Health and Accident Insurance

Health and accident insurance coverage are available for purchase at registration for students carrying nine or more semester hours. This or similar insurance is required of all international students. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of Student Engagement.

Special Fees

Fees will be set by the university for courses in which special plans and/or field trips must be prepared and specialists secured as instructors. Students who feel they may be exempt from some fees should contact the Student Financial Assistance Office. For example:

Exemption 1: Scholarships to High School Honor Graduates

The highest-ranking student in the graduating class of a fully accredited Texas high school will be entitled to a tuition and laboratory fee waiver valued at approximately $3,600. Details may be obtained from the Student Financial Assistance Office.

Exemption 2: Hazlewood

Persons who were citizens of Texas at the time of entry into the Armed Forces and who are no longer eligible for federal educational benefits are exempt from tuition, laboratory fees, Setzer Student Center fees, general use fee, and computer use fee. This applies to those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, or Desert Storm and was honorably discharged. This exemption also applies to those veterans who entered service after Jan. 1, 1977, and did not contribute under the VEAP program. To obtain this exemption, necessary papers must be presented prior to registration and approval obtained from the Office of Veterans Affairs. The above exemption also extends to children of members of the Armed Forces who were killed in action or died while in the service in World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War. Students need to provide a copy of their separation papers (DD214) and a letter from the Veterans Administration stating that the student has no remaining eligibility. Students who expect to attend under a veterans' benefit plan should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs 90 to 120 days prior to registration. The Office of Veterans Affairs advises veterans on program and training opportunities, academic assistance, and counseling. Veterans interested in information in these areas should visit this office in the Wimberly Student Services Building.

5. Policy on Waiving Fees

Off-Campus Classes

Students taking online or remote classes will not be required to pay Setzer Center, Health Center, Recreation Center, or Athletic fees. All other fees are required by either Board of Regents or State statute and cannot be waived. Such courses have an additional $50 per hour fee to compensate for the additional expenses of these classes (rent of facilities, transportation of personnel and materials, additional record keeping, etc.).

Multi-Campus Students

Students taking classes on more than one Lamar campus (Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology) may be entitled to a reduction of fees. The basis for the reduction would be so as not to exceed fee maximums for specific fees. The Cashiers' Office should be contacted for information regarding multi-campus adjustments or to ensure an adjustment is made. Adjustments will not be made until after the last day a refund for withdrawing from the university can be obtained.

Refund of Tuition and/or Fees

Students requesting a refund of tuition and/or fees resulting from dropped courses or from withdrawing from the university should direct questions to the Cashiers' Office. Withdrawal refunds are calculated as a percentage of total fees assessed, not as a percentage of partial payments on installments. Refunds for dropped classes are generally processed at the end of the second week past the 12th semester day of regular semesters and after the 4th semester day during summer sessions. Refunds for withdrawals are generally processed at the end of the second week following the 12th semester day for regular semesters and two weeks after the 6th semester day for summer sessions.

Students taking online courses in accelerated five- or eight-week terms may view the calendar of dates critical for refunds.

Drop Vs. Withdrawal

Drop - Remove one or more but not all courses from your schedule.  This can be done by you.

Withdrawal - Remove all courses for one or more semesters from your schedule.  This must be done through the Registrar's office.

Refer to General Academic Policies for more detailed information on dropping and/or withdrawing from courses.

Dropped Courses

In order to receive a 100% reduction of tuition and fees for dropped courses, a student must drop the course according to the timeline mandated by Texas Education Code 54.006, see the schedule below, and remain enrolled for some hours with the university. Questions should be directed to the Cashier's Office.

10-15 Week Courses

1. Through the twelfth semester day, 100 percent.
2. After the twelfth semester day, no refund.

8 Week Courses

1. Through the sixth semester day, 100 percent.
2. After the sixth semester day, no refund.

5-6 Week Courses

1. Through the fourth semester day, 100 percent
2. After the fourth semester day, no refund

Withdrawal from the university

Withdrawal refunds are determined by when the student withdrew, and the number of credit hours withdrawn from. Withdrawal percentages are applied to the total amount of tuition and fees as prescribed by state law, not the amount paid. The withdrawal schedule and proration of tuition and fees are mandated by Texas Education Code 54.006. Prorated withdrawals from the term or session are calculated based on the first day of class up to the date of the withdrawal.

Withdraws made during terms/sessions 10 weeks or longer:

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first through fifth semester days, 80 percent.
3. During the sixth through tenth semester days, 70 percent.
4. During the eleventh through fifteenth semester days, 50 percent.
5. During the sixteenth through twentieth semester days, 25 percent.
6. After the twentieth semester day, none.

Withdraws made during terms/sessions of more than five weeks but less than 10 weeks:

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first, second or third semester day, 80 percent.
3. During the fourth, fifth or sixth semester day, 50 percent.
4. Seventh semester day and after, none.

Withdraws made during terms/sessions of five weeks or less:

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first semester day, 80 percent
3. During the second semester day, 50 percent
4. During the third semester day and after, none

Withdrawing from the university does not relieve the student of any financial obligations under the Installment Payment Program or for any student loans, as these are the student's legal financial commitments.

Insufficient Funds Checks

Checks written to the university and returned unpaid for any reason will result in a $25 charge plus applicable fees for a delinquent account (e.g., $10 late registration fee, $15 late installment payment fee, etc.). Students with a returned check will be on "cash only" status for the duration of their enrollment at Lamar, subject to appeal. Students on a "cash only" basis are prohibited from paying with a personal check (all other payment methods are acceptable).

Matriculation Fee

A matriculation fee of $15 will be incurred by students who withdraw prior to the first day of class. This $15 fee will be deducted from refunds.

Miscellaneous Fees

• Advanced Standing Examination (per course) $50.00
• Parking Tickets $20.00-$200.00
• Special Handling Fee $20.00
• Microfilming of abstract and binding of the first three copies of thesis $75.00
• Microfilming of abstract and binding of the first three copies of field study or dissertation $85.00
• Thesis, field study, or dissertation binding (each copy after the first three) $10.00 + tax
• Diploma fees (with tax) $24.45 + tax
• Cap, gown and hood (disposable) – Master's (plus tax) $65.96
• Cap, gown and hood (rental) – Doctor's (plus tax) $81.96
• Copyrighting $45.00
• Photo Identification $5.00

Other departments may charge fees for programs or services available to students. Questions regarding these charges should be directed to the corresponding departments.

Fines and Breakage Loss

Library fines, charges for breakage or loss of equipment, or other charges must be paid before a transcript of credit or a permit to re-enter the university will be issued. The university reserves the right to make a special assessment against any student guilty of inexcusable breakage, loss of instructional equipment or loss of other university property.